More pocket money good exchange for "hipness"
Since 2007, Apple has released a new "brain child," a new technology must-have, every year. This year has been no different. Introducing the iPhone 5: a new sleek device with an 18% larger screen and a 4G connection allowing for faster, more reliable internet usage. There's no question that Apple users are impressed, and they have every reason to be. The new phone is the hippest, most awaited arrival in the Steve Jobs money machine.
So what's the problem? The new iPhone is great, efficient and the latest fad. But there is one small problem: The iPhone 5 runs between $200-400, proving that being hip isn't always cheap. This is where the dilemma lies, the question of whether users should sacrifice their wallet in order to stay on top of the technology curve, or settle for a later model to leave cash in their pockets.
While it's true that Apple products are among the most desired technology and offer the highest user approval rate, annual product releases make falling behind inevitable. Last Christmas, Santa brought me my number one wish: a new iPhone to replace my 3S. Even though the 4S had been released and Siri had been revealed months before, Santa's elves could only manage the iPhone 4. Although it meant compromising my "cool" reputation, I was happy just to have a phone where taking "selfies" was possible. Going off to college has tightened my purse strings, and I'm sure Santa would agree. Even with the birth of the newest iPhone edition, my mind can't even fathom the possibility of owning one. To me, that's okay.
With an upgrade looming in December and iPhone 4S's running for a measly 99 dollars, the idea of counting out a couple Benjamins seems entirely ridiculous. Apple has so much faith in their new products, that they offer their old, out-of-date devices for affordable and substantially lower prices. This leaves the consumer at a crossroad between potential hipness and manageable finances — a crossroad that is beneficial to me. I thank the large population of techies who flock to Apple stores and wait hours to obtain the newest device. It's their loyalty and seemingly bottomless pockets that allow tight-budgeted college kids like me to realize the dream of owning a smart phone.
Not even a year ago, the same phone that will sell for less than $100 today, was selling at an incredible $199. Perhaps it's a matter of perspective. What seems worthless and unattractive to those on the cutting edge can be pure gold to an everyday phone user. At the risk of losing out on "the most incredible phone of our time," I proudly display my second, or rather, third-rate phone to the world knowing there is a little more green in my pocket.
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