Well, my wife just bought a new phone (she is a chronic phone loser) and it is one of those touch screen things with all kinds of internet applications. I still have my little Nokia phone that does not flip, does not have internet, has a crappy camera and can play MP3s, but otherwise is just a phone. So far I have not been interested in upgrading since I can actually TALK on my phone. I feel that it serves the purpose of a phone.
I got into the cell phone thing rather late; I resisted the urge to get a cell for quite a few years. I actually did not want a phone since I was perfectly happy with the idea that nobody could get in touch with me if I was not at home or in the office (I still wish life were that simple). Well, I finally bought a cell phone about 3 years ago. It was a Motorola Razr, which was, in my opinion, the coolest phone available when I bought it.
About three days after buying the Razr the flip phone went out of style. Some new expanding thing came out and was all the rage. Then three days after that some new touch screen was the cool new thing. So, now we have phones that are basically mobile computers. After buying my Razr I lost any interest in having the latest and greatest phone, or any product that so quickly becomes obsolete and un-cool.
With any kind of technology things change extremely fast. Not only does the technology change quickly but so does the look. Things seem to become sleeker and more appealing to the eye. I think companies may spend as much money on developing the look as they do the technology. The improvement of looks is a clear indicator at what a marketing scheme the whole industry is. Humans like to have the best of any given thing and this tendency gives technology industries a means of unlimited profit opportunities.
As consumers most people buy right into this. Before the idea of having internet available on a phone was reality we all seemed to do fine without that feature, did we not? But, once available, it is certainly a nice capability to have, so we buy it. To be honest with myself, even though I refused to buy a cell phone for so long, now that I have one I don’t know what I did without one before. So, as consumers, our expectations certainly change and corporations are well aware of this and cater to our desire for ever improved technology.
So, as smart consumers should we not try to see past the shiny objects and consider what we actually need from a product? If internet on a phone can be utilized then ditching the old flip phone for an online phone makes sense. However, if all you will ever do with a phone is answer it when it rings (unless you are avoiding the person who is calling) then be a wise consumer and stick with your current outdated and un-cool phone and put those dollars towards something more worthwhile, like a flat screen TV!
Recent Comments