Revolutionary Refrigerators and Such

JUST NEED AN ICE-MAKER APP

The iPad is being marketed as magical and revolutionary. Well, I’ve had my grubby little hands on one for a few days now, and here are my thoughts.

A. It was kind of expensive. I do not point this out to boast or brag that I have lots of money. I don’t. I saved up some money and sold some stuff to be able to afford it. And that’s the part that’s important. How much money you’re willing to part with for an item may determine how you feel about, perceive, and interact with the item. What it is about the item that makes it worth so much? What contributes to your perceived value of an item. A possession. A thing. Will it be worth it if I only use this thing to read books on; something I could easily do for a lot cheaper. How many books will I need to read to make it worth the money? How much time must I spend each day using this item? What if I put it away for several months at a time and only use it sporadically for typing up to-do lists; something else that can be done very very inexpensively? What if it’s just a toy? There are so many psychological ramifications to consider. But in the end it’s just a thing, and if I can use it without the worry of needing to justify having it, then that’s all the better. You know, come to think of it, a lot of people spend a lot of money on fancy refrigerators. Don’t they keep your food just as cold as cheaper fridges? Hmmm. Priorities, I guess. But I digress.

B. It is a really cool gadget. I don’t know about magical. I’m sure that if I took this back to 1985 Bryce, he might use the term “magical.” Even 2000 Bryce might find the thing somewhat mystical.

C. It is in fact revolutionary. It’s not revolutionary because it’s from Apple. It’s not revolutionary because it’s shiny or pretty or even because it’s extraordinarily functional. It’s revolutionary because it’s the future. It’s Star Trek. It’s sci-fi. As I write this, the iPad has been out for only 4 months. It’s selling millions and millions of units. Many people, myself included, aren’t really sure what role it will play in their lives. It’s not really a computer, it’s not really a phone, but it’s definitely something.  People see the future with it. People want to make it revolutionary. It’s not the device itself, it’s the attitude of iPad owners that spark the revolution. And this is just the beginning.

Today’s Link:

Something else I need to save up for.