In the modern age, status is everything, and status is best achieved through technology. From a car with built-in television screens and voice-activated audio playback to appliances able to function on their own without direction from users, technology, increasing in both capability and price, has become the symbol of luxury. No college student can be seen without an iPod, and no professional can be seen without a Blackberry. These devices have become must-haves for the sake of reputation, and while they may not technically be necessary, they become necessary through the pressure of social perception.
When talk of the Apple iPhone first began to circulate throughout the technological world, it was slated as one of the biggest must-haves of 2007. The moment it became a reality, the moment Apple set a release date, it was already sold-out. From pre-orders and online sales to on-sight, week-long lines, the first shipment of iPhones was gone before anyone had the chance to notice or decide whether or not it was worth the hundreds of dollars. But is the Apple iPhone worth its price tag? Or is it simply another victory for marketing and advertising? Time will tell, but so far, the Apple iPhone has been met with mixed reviews, even though some consumers live and die by the device.
Behind the Name
Apple as a brand name has become a staple of technology. From the iMac to the iPod, it is the crowning achievement of multimedia devices; in a sense, it is not worth buying an mp3 player unless it is an iPod, or a laptop unless it is a PowerBook. While the prices of Apple devices are steep, the company seems to defend the cost: cheaper devices rarely do well in the face of Apple products, and consumers are more than willing to put down hundreds more for one of the items. This is due in part to Apple’s marketing, but also to its reliability; the company has proven that its products are durable, long-lasting and cutting edge, and third-party companies release their products ultimately to be compatible with Apple products. For a consumer, this means that buying Apple assures only the best, from both Apple itself and every other company involved with the product.
So what about the Apple iPhone? While it is a technological wonder, combining an iPod, cell phone and internet browser all at once in a sleek, sexy package with a touch screen and virtual keyboard that makes geeks and lawyers alike drool, it is expensive, and to many, unnecessary. For those who already own an iPod and a cell phone, not much else is gained with the Apple iPhone save the convenience of having it all in one place. Most cell phones have built-in internet browsers and cameras, and any edition of the iPod is capable of excellent music playback. Thankfully for Apple, the Apple iPhone was slated the best invention of 2007, and even those consumers who had no need for the device just had to buy it to stay in the loop and save their reputations. And even those who have yet to buy the device probably will when their cell phones or iPods need upgrades, or when their provider contracts expire. Apple has proven that anything it releases is golden, and whenever it is time to shop for a new technological device, its products top almost anyone’s list.
You could consider a good iPhone dock like the iStation. If not, how about taking a look at a list of cool gadgets that you will surely like?
