You’ve probably seen commercials for the new iPhone 5 and can attest to all the fuss surrounding it’s release. Not to seem like an Apple-hater, but have you noticed that they keep coming out with a “better” version of their gadgets every year? This year, the must-have item is the iPhone 5, and I’m sure everyone will be asking for it during holiday season, if not already.
According to Apple, the iPhone 5 is the “thinnest, lightest and fastest iPhone ever.” Compared to the iPhone 4S, the new edition has a better screen display, faster wireless, a faster processor and longer battery life. But how much technological improvement is really worth the financial burden of these devices?
Along with the iPhone 5, Apple also released the new iPod, which now comes in a variety of different colors. Apple competitors have also been releasing products that are high-tech as well: Samsung released the new Samsung Galaxy S III, and Amazon released their new Kindle family. I’m not going to lie: I got hooked on the new Kindle because I’m a big Amazon fan and decided to pre-order it.
Senior political science major Alex Leggieri waited hours in line to get the new iPhone 5. “Well, I stayed up until 3 a.m. the night of the release to get it. I was supposed to receive it the 21st, but AT&T messed the order up, so I cancelled that order and then went and waited in line like a crazy person to get the phone,” Leggieri said. Leggieri now has the new iPhone and said that he loves it, especially the new panoramic view on the camera. Trying out the new products by Apple is a must for avid iPhone fans like Leggieri.
I find it funny when I say that getting the new iPhone 5 is stupid, because I wanted to get the new Kindle and iPod myself. I’m pretty convinced that every tech company is going to launch something “new” every year so that their business will keep going. These companies purposely launch a product with minimum qualities in the beginning so that they can manipulate and make these products “better.” Consumers like me, of course, fall into buying the new products because we just need to have it.
My advice to those wanting these new products is to think before buying. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this? Am I going to get maximum use of it?” Don’t impulse-buy something; do your research about the product before actually buying it. If you think that you must have it, then buy it. If you are uncertain about purchasing it, then listen to your gut and weigh your options.