With the release of the iShuffle and MacMini yesterday, Apple tried to appeal to its toughest non-customers: PC users. On one hand, I think it could be really great for Apple to familiarize PC-native users to the OS platform, and get some of that Windows-based market share. On the other hand, why is a company that propogated its ability to "think different" begging for $ from the lame and aesthetically naive status quo? It's like if Democrats everywhere just started chasing after Republicans, trying to give them hugs.
All I'm saying is: mixed feelings. Now, on to the breakdowns...
Name: iShuffle
Tagline: Smaller than a pack of gum and much more fun.
BLOGORELLI: uh, hold up there...I disagree with this wholey; has anyone ever REALLY tried to see how much fun you can have with bubble gum? Particularly Bubblicious Raspberry? i thought not. just for the record, the other taglines, "Enjoy uncertainty" and "Life is random" also address exactly the issues with daily existence that I almost have to be on Paxil to navigate
Specs: Flash memory-based MP3 player. $99 base price. No visual interface or control over playlist
Bonus: More accessories for "active" lifestyles (since we know that most of America is leading one of these) Now you can look geek at the gym wearing an arm band, neck strap, or belt clip
Name: MacMini
Tagline: The Most Affordable Mac Ever
BLOGORELLI: until next month, when they introduce the *new*, faster and cheaper MacMini, which is when this model will become the "second most affordable Mac ever"
Specs: Tiny (6.5" x 2") hard drive, does not come with any peripherals, $499 base, weighs only 2.9 pounds
It's sad I guess, but Mac has to pander to PC users. After all, even if every single current Mac owner purchased an iPod shuffle, it would only amount to 5% of people who own computers. Apple can't afford to ignore 95% of the market, no matter how cool they think they are.
Also, your title is apt, blogorelli. I thought pink was the new white...
Posted by: Bobby | Friday, 14 January 2005 at 12:56 PM
I agree completely blogorelli. I take a lot of pleasure in the smooth looks of my apple gear, but if there's one thing I know it's that trying to sound cool makes you not. E.g. iPod shuffle ad copy:
"More roadster than Rolls, iPod shuffle..."
"If you favor cycling to a hip-hop soundtrack and snowboarding to a little electronica..."
"iPod shuffle makes syncing a piece of cake. Cupcake, even."
Posted by: Nikolai | Friday, 14 January 2005 at 06:20 AM