Apple Ad Demonstrates that the iPhone is Unnecessary
I saw a television commercial the other day for the Apple iPhone. The commercial attempted to convey the message that having the Internet in your pocket (via the iPhone) is wonderful. However, the points of the ad just reinforce my belief that having a very expensive cell phone is unnecessary.
The ad made the following points:
- You can use the iPhone to get ski trail maps when you’re at the ski resort. So what? I’ve never been to a ski resort that did not give out free pocket-sized ski trail maps.
- You can use the iPhone to research local restaurants. So what? Most people will eat at the ski resort anyway and if you really want to know of another restaurant in the area, then why not just ask an employee working at the resort what he or she recommends? The Low-Tech Times recommends talking face-to-face with a real person for local recommendations.
- You can use the iPhone to change your flight home. Well, they have a point here that the iPhone might come in handy to do that. However, changing your flight will likely result in extra charges so the Low-Tech Times recommends that travellers stick to their original itinerary.
Conclusion: the expensive iPhone is simply unnecessary. The Low-Tech Times instead recommends a basic pay-as-you-go phone for use in the event of emergencies.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
You’re right. Most people in the world can live without an iPhone. But all around us, we’re bombarded by “buy this because it’s better”. This is what advertising is all about. Sell your product and say that’s is necessary and smart and better than another product. Usually it’s not true, but that’s marketing hype. The iPhone is no different. We humans are always buying stuff we don’t really need. And there are plenty of expensive cellphones. The Neonode sells for around $600 and it’s just a itty-bitty phone.
A pay as you go phone is very useful and will do the most basic functions of a cellphone. However it is not a status product and humans love to show off.
March 14th, 2008 at 6:26 am
That post was a total waste of time… It is totally obvious that some people won’t need an iPhone. However, whether you need one instead of an average pay-as-you-go phone is really for the individual to decide and this post is just inverted snobbery.
March 14th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Constable Odo, I agree “status” is a reason why people want the so-called latest and greatest phones. It is an unfortunate reality that, according to one article I recently read, people will own 35 different phones during their lifetime which is pretty bad for the environment.
Belfegore, “inverted snobbery” is an interesting term I hadn’t heard before…. I started this blog because I felt that simple, low-tech living needed more advocates in an online world packed that is packed with pro-hi-tech sites. I realize not everyone will agree.
March 14th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
S.P., thanks for replying, yours is an admirable stance and appreciated.
However, some people may have very valid reasons to get an iPhone.
I am a musician and web designer and the iPhone will allow me to check my servers, reboot them if necessary, present my web sites and keep my music library with me at all times.
It makes sense to, rather than buying an extra iPod and to keep an extra laptop computer, to get a device that combines all theses functions and to pass my old phone on to someone else. In time the iPhone will replace a separate games console too.
Forget about restaurants, the inbuilt map feature is extremely useful to anybody who has to visit clients or travel in general. Keeping in mind that any wasted journey you make by car or other forms of transport adds to your individual carbon footprint this device can even help to reduce environmental impact.
I know once I got my iPhone there will be people regarding me as a ’show off’ or ’status seeker’… I will happily live with that knowing that will no longer have to carry several other devices with me every time I leave the house.
As for criticizing the advert: Skiing resorts have a major impact on the environment, lead to lots of unnecessary air travel with the associated emissions and other costs. Add to this the very real danger of injury. Some people, heaven forbid, even see skiing as a status enhancing activity.
So shouldn’t we be criticizing Apple for promoting unnecessary holiday activities instead?
Now that would be something I would find interesting to see
March 14th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
The thing that irks me the most about these hi tech life savers (wink-wink) is that they’re basically starter kits to spend more money. We are moving towards a “hands free” and “heads up” environment while driving. (Not a bad idea while going down the slopes either) Ahh!!! The Apple Store has just the thing for you: The iPhone Bluetooth Headset. Buy now for only $129 dollars!! Of course you’ll also need to charge your iPhone, and maybe you’ll want to transfer some information to your computer. Cha-Ching!!
Then there’s the added issue of product failure. In the skiing example, I believe the chances of my free map failing are probably less than the chances of the iPhone failing. If the map does fail then I get another free map to take its place, or maybe I look at the giant posted map that most ski resorts have clearly displayed before I go down the slope. Sometimes when I think ahead I bring 2 maps for redundancy. But what if the iPhone fails? I can’t get another free one from the ski resort. Maybe, for a little extra money, I can buy a “service plan” that might cover repair or replacement. At any rate, I doubt the service plan will cover the cost of rushing a new one to my rescue on the slopes.
I believe that eventually the time will come where such technological devices are developed to a level where their benefits outweigh their costs. The iPhone serves as notice that we have not reached that point in time yet. The integration of new technology always has a trial and error period.
I concur with Steve that the iPhone is not a necessary item for a vast majority of the population. The services that the iPhone can provide can be provided by other means in a more cost effective manner.
PS: I am a fan of most of the latest integrated technology products; just not everything that falls into my lap.
March 14th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Belfagore, thanks for your comment. You’re right that downhill ski resorts are detrimental to the environment in that they scar the landscape, cause erosion, encourage people to drive from hours away, and bring other problems. However, for what it’s worth, some resorts are now making an effort to be greener: http://www.nsaa.org/nsaa/environment/the_greenroom/ . Also, you’re absolutely correct in suggesting that skiing in fancy resorts at exotic locals is regarded by some as a status symbol. I’m sure many of those people buy new expensive ski outfits and equipment every year for the same purpose. Others simply enjoy skiing as an outdoor activity.
Runtiludrop, you’re right that the cost of these devices tends to go down over time. I haven’t bought a flatscreen tv yet, but might someday when the prices are lower. Thanks a lot for your thoughts.
July 13th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Wow, I know this post is really old…
But I would like to defend why I have an iPhone.
I use it to…
1. iPod (Obviously) Regular iPod= $150-$300 –saves pocket space
2. Cell Phone (Also Obvious) Cheapest are free, but there is still the normal monthly bill. –Saves pocket space
3. Internet device, I can communicate with all my friends and family! NO MATTER WHERE I AM! It’s great! I don’t have to call them, I can send a email and get one back either instantly, or later, but email is allot more flexible with my schedule then a phone call is. –Saves Time
4. Bible- Devoted Christian, I am able to carry a full copy of a New King James Bible in my iPhone -Saves Pocket space
5. Camera- Hey! Look what that dog is doing! –Saves pocket space
6. Nice Flexible Calendar- Entire day plan in one accessible application, OH even better, i don’t have to have a pen with me. –saves pocket space and a pen.
7. Calculator- Cool, 2+2, oh and look when I tip it over, it becomes a scientific calculator! –Saves pocket space
8. Weather- I know, I could just memorize the entire weeks weather forecast, like they would have in the 20th century, but, what if she wants to go to the beach, your one chance with her, don’t choose a day that may get rained out, OH, iPhone has a weather app. -Gives you a chance with the girl
9. Notes- Same as a notebook…kinda– saves pocket space and another pen.
10. Maps- Ok, so don’t use the iPhone for a ski resort, I wouldn’t take such a important and useful tool out to ski anyway, no how about, it’s dark, you lost your way, you barely ever come out to this side of the states, but you know the map is down in that poorly lit glove compartment, but wait! The iPhone has a GPS! And it’s backlit, AND It’s in my pocket! HA HA HA HA! -Saves space, light, time, and is very convenient.
So, I hope I have defended my iPhone properly
With respect-
Ray
July 13th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Ray, thanks a lot for your comment. You make some excellent points. Now that the new iPhone is out (and cheaper), my wife is considering getting one. However, I understand the service contracts aren’t cheap. How much do they run?
Still holding out for now,
S.P. Gass