Entries in the Category "ipodworld"
Xbox Disappointment
The rumors of the new Xbox 360 console back in May sparked anticipation within the electronic and gaming community which exploded earlier this month. Microsoft purposely held back on the manufactured amounts creating such an intense demand that individuals were able to acquire even the most basic core systems only by camping out in front of stores. It is currently impossible to purchase the console in stores and nearly every site has customers wait-listed until possibly as late as February. Microsoft has sold roughly half-million consoles since its release and Ebay seems to be the only place where consoles are available and the price for avoiding the waitlists is between $500-$600 – without the controllers and games included.
However recently, excited gamers have expressed extreme disappointment with the system and glitches with the system have led to the suing of Microsoft by a man in Chicago. Accusing the product as being “defectively designed”, the console constantly causes the hardware to overheat (a problem for the heat-sensitive chips) which causes a freeze in the middle of game play. Unfortunately for the company, the usual excuse of the problem being an “isolated incidence” won’t hold because it seems to be a problem among many users across the board. The problem can especially be seen on online forums and sites (example of smart mobs!) and my own friend’s Xbox underwent the same exact problems. Console owners also have complained of (along with the freezing) random crashing, black screens, and a variety of error messages.
Critics and analysts have blamed the faulty systems on Microsoft’s rushed production of the program. After Microsoft’s initial press release, Sony followed suit and soon began releasing promotions for its own PS3 console. To date, Sony has reportedly sold 100 million PS2 game systems, a good 74 million more than Microsoft’s original Xbox. The video game console industry itself is worth $21 billion and people have suggested Microsoft rushed the technology to meet the Christmas rush and to beat Sony’s own release – its game plan for beating Sony sales.
Such an incident relates perfectly to Ben Schneiderman’s theory in Leonardo’s Laptop that companies can no longer create ignoring the consumer demands: consumers must demand high quality from companies and companies in response must listen and meet these demands. Microsoft is one of the largest technology companies and is known world-wide. However by placing their own profits and their competition above that of consumer desires, the company is now suffering and could possibly face fines and recall all the long-awaited consoles from disappointed customers. This is not only hurt their name but also incur tons of costs which could have been avoided in the first place.
Death by Gaming
My cousin called me a few months back commenting on how stupid Koreans are. She went on to tell me about how she was watching the Korean news with my grandfather when the death of a 28-year-old was reported. It turns out the man died from playing online computer games. I was stunned. I thought I misunderstood. How could someone die from playing video games?
The man died from playing 50 hours straight – no sleep, no food, and no rest (except for quick bathroom breaks. But apparently, this isn’t the first incidence of such a death in Korea. In 2002, a man died in Kwangju after 86 hours of marathon gaming. The man who died recently was so addicted to the PC rooms that he was fired from his job due to missed absences from gaming.
The gaming craze has begun to raise concerns – currently about 35% of the population (a massive 17million) are self-labeled as obsessive. The number of counseling sessions for game addiction quadrupled last year, the government says. There were 8,978 sessions in 2004 compared with 2,243 cases the previous year, and the first seven months of this year saw 7,649 sessions.
Unfortunately, the country seems to encourage such an addiction with the world’s highest per-capita rate of broadband connectivity (70%) and the internet cafes cost only (our equivalent of) $1/hour. There is a group of people who play for months at a time who leave only in quick spurts to change clothes but who return to sleep and eat there. Additionally, because so many young people play so often, the competition is high and the nation seems to embrace the gaming world.
There are companies who hire children to play against each other with millions of dollars as an incentive for winning. There is a slang for the intense competition, “E-sports”, and even the government is chipping in to build the world’s first e-sports stadium which is to be completed by 2008. Moreover, gaming is a lucrative industry; professional gamers can earn more than $130,000/year, there are physicians who specialize in the health of gamers, and there are numerous teaching professions available in universities.
Smart Mobs: Texting & Mobilization
Thinking back on all the books we read in our SAGES course, I realized how irrelevant Smart Mobs was to our class. Not in the theory of ubiquitous computing nor in the idea of how technology will transform our futures. The book is irrelevant because such a mindset is unlikely to occur in the near future of our country.
In the case of the Philippines where individuals got together to impeach a political leader, there was an overwhelming sense of political interest and urgency. Yet in a country as politically apathetic as ours, is such a physical mobilization possible??
For the first time in awhile we saw the country split during the most recent presidential elections between Bush and Kerry. Even the mass media was in on the political war with the “Vote or Die” mantra used by the MTV crowds and with the public aware that every votes does indeed count after witnessing what happened in Florida the four years prior. Yet even with all the celebrity endorsement the voter turnout was still barely over 50% (55.3). It would be interesting to imagine something like the Orange Revolution here in America.
As I began thinking about other mobile revolutions I realized ubiquitous technology is undeniably dependent upon the culture of a country. It depends upon the links between the younger generations and a common source of interest. The only two things I could imagine which could possibly work to physically mobilize the youth of America were celebrities, religion, and free giveaways.
If the G8 concert had been advertised solely through the text messaging venue, tens of thousands would have still shown up to support both the cause and the performers. Most people are followers of some sort of religion and religion is such a personal and sensitive topic that it would be easy to mobilize such an event especially because it would be encouraged by older people as well. And people are so cheap that anytime there is word of anything being free, people storm by the masses and take everything. One instance of this occurred in Virginia a few months back. A high school had purchased Apple Computers early on in the year but ended up signing a deal with Dell instead. Therefore they ended up giving away all the previously purchased computers for FREE and the storms of people waiting resulted in chaos.
Unfortunately, even though these three things have the most potential in succeeding to draw forth such crowds, there is still a strong possibility the mobilization efforts would fail. If the news were spread solely by texts and without other forms of promotion, most people receiving the text would doubt the authenticity of the text. Others would not have time to pull away from their schedule to attend such a mobilization and lastly, texting is still not cheap enough for everyone to take advantage of such an event. It costs me 10 cents for every text message I send and if the message is too long, the phone company counts the text as two separate messages. Our country is technologically advanced and we have other branches of smart mobs but in terms of texting and physical mobilizations, we still have awhile to go.
Smart Babies
Hammacher Schlemmer, an innovative company known as "the place to go for things hard to find”, was established in the 1800s and was the first store to offer products such as the steam iron, electric dry shaver, pop-up toaster, microwave oven – each of which have become common household items. Their main goal is to provide consumers with new, on-the-edge products which will “enhance customers' lives by bringing them unique products that either solve problems or further their lifestyle, and eliminate their need to comparison shop by providing them with, not only the best products in the marketplace, but the information supporting the reasons why these products are truly the best.”
The company also features a toys/games section on its online site and in particular, I noticed a recurring theme among the infant section. There seems to be a trend in introducing children to interactive DVDs as a way of encouraging development and increasing stimuli.
The first program is a customized DVD filled with family photographs and voice clips to stimulate facial recognition among babies. Like the hit Baby Einstein series, this DVD also comes along with music, footage of animals and bright colors, and toys in action to hold the attention of the child. The DVD is perfect for children with lots of family who live far away and in maintaining the child’s memory and relationship. I really the idea because my family is constantly on the move and the only way that we’ve been able to retain a close relationship with my younger cousins is by constantly having other family members show them our pictures. Using that system of recognition, my cousins have constantly been able to view us as family rather than strangers and gives us extra valuable which could be used in fostering a relationship rather than trying to use the time to reestablish the relationship once again.
The second developmental DVD comes paired with a plush stuffed animal. There are three different animals you could choose for your child and depending on your choice, dictates the main character of the DVD. The DVD- doll duo was created to encourage child interaction with the screen and therefore stimulate learning rather than being simple observers. There is a stimulation device inside the doll which is activated by benign electronic signals from the DVD and results with the doll laughing, singing along, and flashing lights In tune with the program. The doll also uses age-appropriate vocabulary and the lamb & dog are for 3 to 12 month olds while the cow is for 12 to 36 month olds. Although I initially thought it was a cool idea, the more I thought about it, the more I disliked it. The program is geared towards 3 to 36 month olds, an age which is considered unsafe for children to left alone. Furthermore, this is when parent/child relationships are established and by providing a toy which does all the interacting for you, it discourages parents from getting involved and encourages laziness.
It is sometimes amazing how one company can feature two items which can be so far from each other in practicality and use.
Flexibility
The first articles we ever read in class talked about a flexible, e-interface. Whatever it might be, whether a pad, or a sheet, this futuristic technology would revolutionize the way be think about mobile technology and could essentially replace paper.
When we spoke about a bendable computer, one that could be rolled up, thrown around, and be downloaded I was amazed. I never thought about computing in such a way and imagined a future where such technologies would be ubiquitous. I never would have imagined that time would be now.
Recently, Fujitsu debuted the world's first film substrate-based electronic paper. The "paper" comes with a memory function which allows for continuous display of the same image even when the electricity is off. It is based off a photoconductivity technology that uses only 1/100 to 1/10,000 of the energy usually needed in conventional display technologies. Once an image is set, it is held there by static charges – like an electronic Etch-a-Sketch . The technology also ensures that the quality will not be compromised when bent and that the colors will not alter either.
Examples of what this technology can be used for include: Transit advertising on trains, information displays on curved surfaces, electronic shelf display tags, point-of-purchase displays, restaurant menus, pperating manuals, work orders, and other short-term information displays. Furthermore, because of its digital components, information updating would be instant and cost-efficient.
Fuji Xerox is also getting in on the new business and is actually planning to sell E-paper Visual Index Cards next year.
In response, NEC (an electronics company specializing in semiconductors) has recently developed a 0.3mm thick flexible battery technology, that can also (allegedly) recharge in about 30 seconds. The battery is completely bendable and was invented to go hand-in-hand with the new electronic paper technology being developed.
Gizmo Pen
The Fly Pentop Computer has been on the Bestselling Christmas lists across the country. The technology is derived from an optical scanner that “sees” everything you write and scan on the special dot-matrix FLY paper. It has a built-in computer processor and has the ability to read outloud what you’ve written. What’s most amazing is the fact that you can draw a schedule and the pen will remind you of upcoming events. You can solve math problems on a calculator that YOU drew. You can draw instruments and to MAKE MUSIC off those drawn instruments. You can even download music to listen to and furthermore, you can create your own interactive games with friends.
However, unlike the PDA stylises, the flypentop is actually a pen and requires ink refills but needs to be recharged in order to maintain its electronic capabilities.
The technology actually reminds me of the Leapfrog electronics for younger children. My three-year-old cousin owns one and loves it. Created to enhance the learning process for growing kids, the system consists of a writing tablet with an insertion slot in the back. Programs consist of books, learning programs, etc. My cousin has book insertions and every word you press on the page is read aloud by the “smart” pen connected to the computer.
The Leapfrog products have been a huge hit with parents and children however I have a feeling the Fly pentop will only enjoy a fleeting success. Whereas the Leapfrog is targeted to young children and reads aloud to them and is a useful “toy” in educating kids, parents are also the main consumer market for this product. The success of the Leapfrog does not depend on whether toddlers enjoy the toy but whether parents find them useful and whether the parents like it. Furthermore, the parent/child interaction, numerous choices of programs, and the fact that the Leapfrog has programs for varying age groups helps keep them to keep their customers for several years. On the other hand, I am assuming the Fly is marketed towards elementary à middle schoolers (specifically 8-14 yr olds). First of all, most kids are too lazy to draw out a calculator especially when they own one. All children are given free school planners so there’s no point in drawing one out. Yes, it is cool that someone can draw a keyboard and then actually play it but who can draw one accurate enough and also have the patience of doing so when you could instead just go straight to one?
With the increasing, fast paced advancements in technology, and with the short-attention span of the consumer market, the Fly pen top will not last very long in the race against other technologies. Furthermore, the technology is not cheap. For one pencil it costs $100. This of course does not include the charger, ink pack refills, speakers, backpack, case, batteries, special notepads, and interchangeable face plates. Parents most likely will find the item a waste of money and as kids grow older, their laziness increases and by the time the next generation comes around, the technology will be replaced by something cooler.
The Seattle Public Library
The Seattle Public Library’s mission statement claims that it strives to be “the best public library in the world”. Although a considerable goal, the library seems to be well in progression. Perhaps what sets the library apart from others is its strive towards universal accessibility and ease for all patrons. Furthermore, the SPL integrates the entire community into its decisions and works to turn itself not only into a top quality location for reading and studying, but as a cultural center as well.
The library is comprised of multiple locations each of which offers: teletypewriters, computers with Magic Screen Enlargement. Furthermore, the new central library will have c computers with JAWS Screen Reader, Duxbury Braille, PowerBraille/65 character display, Closed-circuit television magnifiers, Kurzwell Reading Edge, Versapoint Duo Embossers, Perkins Brailler, APH Tape Player , and TTY machines. Such a collection of equipment works to accommodate the elderly, blind, and deaf. They also feature a language center which contains collections written in eleven different languages and ELS classes for patrons interested in learning English. Also, all computers feature a multi-language option.
The library also features the world's first structural Books Spiral. This provides a continuous floor for the library's nonfiction collection and "unwrapped," the four-level tier stretches out to more than eight city blocks. This innovation is similar to KSL’s Smart Stacks movable bookshelves which work in efficient space utilization.
One of the neatest technologies used by the library is a mobile, wireless “smart” necklace. Each staff member wears the device which enables instant, live assistance to patrons seeking help. Library staff regularly use the hands-free communication devices to quickly research materials and answer questions in real-time to outside callers. In terms of technology availability, the library offers over 50 databases, more than 400 public computers, an automated book check in/out service, self-checkout machines, computer-assistant learning services, and Wi-Fi services.
The Seattle Public Library is dedicated to the concept of the universal usability of the library not only in terms of services and accessibility but in purpose as well. Rather than create generic spaces for reading/studying, the library infrastructure has a versatility which allows for change in the usage of the are depending on user needs and intentions. One such example is of the meeting rooms available throughout the library. Although they are set up in a theater style, users are able to manipulate the space into five other different arrangement according to their preference. They can either utilize the theater style, hollow square, classroom style, conference style, banquet rounds, or a U-shape. Furthermore, a Boeing Technology Training Center containing an instructor’s computer is accessible for video conferencing and audio conferencing as well.
Lastly, the library frequently employs the talents of the local community by inviting community members into part of its development. The library offers art pieces by local artisans, holds concerts, and even hires tutors to aid students in homework. This eleven-story cultural mecca gives us a glimpse of how technology can transform the meaning of space into something more useful if not more meaningful.
Amazon vs. Ebay
Ebay and Amazon are two of the leading online shopping sites yet I believe Amazon still has the competitive advantages.
1. Amazon almost guarantees customer satisfaction. Unlike ebay, items are shipped immediately, tracking is made possible, and you can always cancel a purchase if you change your mind. Furthermore, although many times ebay's auction feature can bring great deals (I recently bought a $80 shirt for $13), w/ Amazon prices are compared and fixed. They also organize the products in order of quality: New -> Acceptable. Sellers are also given ratings based upon their past sells and unlike ebay, the shipping is fixed and determined by post office standards rather than at the seller's will.
2. The wishlist feature is a perfect way to keep track of items you want and the perfect tool during the Christmas season. I ask all my younger cousins to send me theirs and from the vast array of items, I am able to buy gifts that they want while keeping the surprise element. Ebay does feature a "watching" section which allows interested buyers to keep track of the desired item without bidding. However the problem with the watching feature is that items are limited and once the item is sold, it is no longer available. Amazon on the other hand is always stocked and because of their direct connection to the actual businesses themselves (ie. Borders & Toys-R-Us)
3. One of the greatest features of Amazon is probably their personalized recommendation section. Based upon items you've previously bought, shown interest in, your wishlist, and what other users who purchased the same items also bought. Everytime I get onto Amazon I'm amazed at how personal the recommendation section is and they even have option where you can remove the items on which your recommendation is based off of (ie. textbooks).
4. Finally, under each product is a review from buyers of their satisfaction with the product along with a "Better Together" feature. Purchase of the item along with another Amazon recommends, results in a discount price. And the recommended item is usually something which coincides well, not some item amazon has troubles selling.
Ebay seems to attract consumers with their cheap prices, high profit rates, and the availability of hard-to-find products. Amazon is reasonably priced but their attraction seems to be in the customer service and reliability area. Although it would be nice to have a site which combined all these features, it would be hard to build up the reputation and trust which both sites have provided their users and to surpass them as well.
The Little Things in Life
The blog site motto "The Keyboard is Mightier than the Sword" is awfully cheesy. Prof Yoo, if possible, please use your influence at PBL to change it :]
Anyways... my blog today was inspired by a trip to the public bathrooms on campus. I am a true appreciator of the disposable toilet seat covers and was shocked to see how full the dispenser was. I mean seriously. Why is such a hygenically wonderful tool not being taken advantage of? It got me to thinking about other little inventions that are out there, revolutionized my life, and yet are so simple and unnoticed. Among a number of things I thought about loofahs, pore strips, carpet, and then it hit me -- the mechanical pencil.
I don't know about other people but I live by mechanical pencils. I refuse to use the regular, crappy #2 graphites and hate ballpoints. I just have to have my mechanical pencil. This is a PERFECT example of ubiquitous technology. Think about it. They have revolutionized my life and yet, are so grossly underappreciated.
Reasons why mechanical pencils rock:
1. They always have a sharp point (instead of eventually wearing down)
2. They write smoother
3. Their erasers even erase more effectively
4. You don't need to go out of your way to get up & sharpen
5. They save money (b/c they last forever)
6. The old pencils required too much work
--> remember the sharpeners attached to the walls in elementary school? you had to churn the wheel forever, it didn't work on short pencils & the point was always crooked on one side... they were also incredibly noisy (as was the electic sharpener which ate the pencil)
The technology may not be complex but who said it had to be? Just as the mechanical pencil disappears into daily life, the same should occur for other great technologies in the future. We actually gain more power and control from the mechanical pencil b/c it doesn't bother us and b/c we aren't controlled by the frustrations of the regular #2's any longer. Innovators need to take inspiration from them and design in a fashion that will help us, not hinder us. That will ease frustrations without intimidating us through the use of a more efficient, cheap alternative.
Online Communities
Xanga, facebook, and myspace are all blogging/web-based community sites familiar to most teenagers. Why am I also swept up by the internet communities and what do I gain and lose compared to relationships built outside the internet?
Reasons I Use Internet Communities:
1. Convienient
2. Easy way to keep in touch
3. No need to go through the formalities
4. Avoids the awkwardness of being called by someone not very high on my priority list for keeping in touch
5. Fast
However I quickly realized online communities work for me only when I know some of the members from outside experiences and especially when it is with people I met through retreats. On the complete opposite spectrum however, it is a simple way to almost brush off those annoying people who stalkernet you. I can always say "brb" or completely ignore them whereas the same is not possible when you have a face-to-face encounter full of awkwardness and a sense of urgency to get out of the situation.
I am personally an active user of both xanga AND facebook. Facebook in many ways has saved friendships otherwise lost and rekindled many friendships. Because I have moved nearly every 3 years of my life, I have always made close friends only to say goodbye to them again. My best friend from when I was 4 recently contacted me and we agreed to meet up this coming winterbreak. After all those years apart, a phonecall may have been awkward. However facebook allowed her to simply ask "Are you Andrea from Drew?" without going through the long process of familiarizing ourselves again. Also, we would have never found each other otherwise or seen what the other looked like after 15 years.
It's interesting how both websites offer online interest groups themed by everything from hobbies to strange mannerisms. Do these have any special meanings to me?
My Xanga Groups:
1. Music is my boyfriend <3 (expresses my obsession)
2. SFC East (a truly intimate and meaningful group of Students For Christ retreat attendees from all over the East Coast who constantly watch out, pray for, and keep in touch with each other)
3. My handbag is worth more than your life <3 (shallow materialist snobs who appreciate ridiculously)
4. I grew up in upper middle class white surbubia (expressing how i dont approve of asian cliches)
5. Ohio Koreans (so people can find me)
My Facebook Groups:
1. Chipotle Appreciation Society
2. Alpha Phi
3. Sushi Eaters anonymous
4. Missing the East Coast
5. Sex and the City -it's an Obsession!
6. David Palmer for Pres
7. I drink Soda... not Pop!
8. Case can be enjoyable if you stop bitching about it and find stuff to do
9. Girls who refuse to lower their standards for Case guys
10. Why is Jamba Juice not in Ohio?!
11. Bush Won, Stop Bitching, and Get over it! and Yes, He is your pres
12. Flip Flops are Hot
13. Moco MD pride
14. I'm probably napping right now
15. Wootang Clan
16. I've Seen Bob's Penis (willing or Not)
17. Kim Sullivan for Queen!!!!
18. Boston for Homecoming Queen
(all of the above are essentially meaningless in terms of "communities" except for the Alpha Phi group is a online representation of an actual community outside the internet world)
Nearly all of you belong to groups on facebook as well and most of you probably fellow members of many of the groups I belong to... but does this change your perception of me, make us closer in any aspect, or even make any impact at all?
Old or the new?
My best friend thinks ebay is the greatest invention ever. In fact, when reading Leonardo's Laptop on the future of businesses, all the major points brought up in the book were already put in practice by ebay. Ebay is currently one of the largest websites online. It's really quite ingenious. You can find great bargains (I bought a brand-new with tags BCBG dress once), shop for companies that aren't in the local area, and best of all make money off some old clothes you otherwise were going to donate to the Salvation Army. It's a large yard sale you never need to leave your computer for. It is also another form of ubiquitous technology which is seemingly perfect and most of all efficient.
Ebay comes with a system which gives you stars after every purchase and sell. Your “business partners” leave you feedback based on their experience with you and if you are questioning the integrity of someone, you can simply look up their feedback score and see what percentage of positive feedback they have and what others have said about them. People pay first, and then receive their item in roughly 2-3 weeks. Perfect right?
Unfortunately, as some mentioned in class, e-commerce takes away the personal relationship that exists with face-to-face contact. Because your perception of the item is based on the seller’s description and picture provided, what you think you’re buying could be misconstrued into something else. Additionally, many users steal their pictures so that the picture you see is not the actual item in their possession but the “perfect” commercial picture taken by million dollar companies. Another major fault is that because you can’t actually see the items up close, many times they are frauds. Furthermore, some users have found a way to conceal their feedback which takes away from the foundation of integrity.
I still purchase from ebay even with all the faults at hand. It should serve as an example of future technology. Most people either take an extreme position when envisioning future technology. Some believe that technology will provide great opportunity in increasing the efficiency of our lives and of also ameliorating all the small problems we run into everyday. Others are bitter and maybe even scared. They envision an A.I world overcome with robots and where their sense of control is lost and overrun.
Ebay can prove an example that technology IS a great benefit. It can be quick, efficient, help save money, and save time. Yet we must also realize that as some problems are relieved, other problems also arise. Cellphones are another great example of this. They have saved many lives with quick 911 calls and post-car accidents. They save time and help us to multi-task our hectic lives. Yet they have also been an increasing cause of car-accidents and frequently interrupt at inappropriate times (ie. School, church, work).
So then which is better? The old life or the new? Why are we so eager to move ahead when the problems being answered are only overcome by an equal set of more problems?
Technology has made HUGE advancements within the past few decades. Not only in technological advances but in gaining strides toward the ubiquitous future that we constantly discuss in class. How? By appealing to complete technology duds such as myself. I don't know anything about technology, I am horrible with gadgets, and don't know what to do if anything were to break. When I buy a new gadget, honestly, my aim is not to buy the most advanced model out in the market. Rather, I look for the most aesthetically pleasing one. And luckily, the “prettiest” things happen to also be the most advanced as well so I never suffer too much. But when did technology start transitioning from being efficient tools to personalized toys?
Everything we buy today is geared towards aesthetics. Cell phones were once black boxes which were cool only because it was mobile. But nowadays, instead of simply keeping the free phone they give you when signing up for a service, everyone opts to pay a couple hundreds for what? Better customer service? Greater coverage? No. They pay up for an embedded camera, for catchy ring tones, for ultimately, a sleeker phone. The same deal goes for iPODs. From what I remember there were tons of mp3 players around before the iPOD came out. But why is the iPOD the dominating and almost singular player owned by so many people?? Because Apple understood that most of America is not technologically savvy, that most of us wouldn’t appreciate the scientific process behind the machines. They have made a huge empire off of a single product which now includes skins, armbands, earphones, wireless remotes, FM transmitters, voice recorders, etc. Not surprisingly, other businesses have also caught onto the lucrative prospects of beautification.
Color-Ware Inc. is a company which specializes in the personalization of electronics to make them more appeasing to the eye. According to Playlist magazine which recently featured the company in their summer 2005 issue:
Wish Apple offered its larger iPods in colors, as it does the iPod mini? ColorWare's got you-and you iPod-covered. ColorWare sells fourth-generation iPods and iPod photos painted in your choice of 20 colors, from steel to carbon and every vivid hue inbetween-it evens offers colorized docks and headphones. ColorWare iPods cost $65 more than their white counterparts. If you’ve already got a first-, second-, or third-generation iPod, the company will colorize it for $49 (4G or photo model, $64)-and you can choose any custom color for $99 more. ColorWare will even color-match your current dock or iTrip FM transmitter for $19 and you earbuds for $10 (www.colorwarepc.com).
Because as the CEO, Justin Cisewski, rightly said, “Computers used to be all about utility. Now they're fashion statements”.
Unimpressed
I'm not a huge gadget fan. It could be because I'm broke and don't feel like spending all my money on one item. Or it could be because I'm too practical to feel like I "need" them. But I think a huge part is because of the culture I live in.
Everytime something really "cool" comes out, all the kids rush to get it or fantasize about obtaining it. My one friend got the color rings on his phone last year. You know, where you can listen to songs instead of the rings? Everyone thought it was the coolest thing ever. I was the only one in the room who wasn't in awe. I had heard about this new phone feature two years ago from my friend in Korea.
Being constantly surrounded by Koreans, I hear about the latest technological gadgets all the time. Things I can't even picture. Things which still have awhile before they hit America. I hear about how Korean markets have lil booths where you can charge your cellphone for a couple cents while you shop. I've heard rumors of a new cell phone that can also be used as a credit card. My friends tell me that in Korea, you don't get charged when you receive phone calls. Many Verizon phones are now equipped so that when someone calls you, not only do you see their number but you see their picture and hear their voice telling you to pick up the phone as well. Unfortunately I've known about this possibility for a few years now also.
In many ways it's spoiled the fun for me. I know that no matter how much money I dish out for a phone, most of my friends already own something cooler that they've brought from overseas. But at least I can impress them with my English :]