I just bought a new phone, and unlike three quarters of adland I decided against the iPhone.
Partly because I hate owning the same thing as everyone else, partly because the spec isn't actually that great, partly because everyone says I should buy one, but mostly because it is so unbelievably expensive.
Don't get me wrong, I love apple's products. They are smart, well thought out and look great. It's just that the price premiums involved are so great as to make it pretty damn obvious that I am paying for a name, and for the rapidly diminishing 'cool' of owning one.
Let's take the iPad. A gigantic iPhone with no phone.
Steve Jobs said things are meant to do 'something' better, that web books do nothing better!! (cue hysterical laughter). So a laptop with no keyboard, no flash support (web books have that); or a phone with no phone or camera is better?
A colleague described it today as the ultimate pron viewing device. Maybe that is a USP to kill for, I doubt it...
Essentially I am frustrated with apple treating the mass market like the apple hardcore. Traditionally apple products have always been better than the alternative, but as they keep stretching it is starting to feel a bit like they are running on brand alone. Just beware you don't pop your own bubble apple.
