Mike Elgan wrote an article for ComputerWorld which was repeated on MacNN. It’s entitled “why Steve Job’s blew his iPhone keynote”. Fundamentally it boils down to raising too much expectation for a product which is still months away. Elgan also says that the iPhone will pretty much fail as it doesn’t deliver the technology that people will want failing from such things as not having expandable memory, a non replaceable battery, etc. etc. Apparently the iPhone wont sell.
I’m going to use two jackets in an example of why I think the iPhone will sell. Maybe not as in such massive numbers as the iPod, but it will still be deemed a success.
So I give you two choices. A $340 (USD) Scottevest Tactical 4.0 System jacket. The jacket is full of technology. The website states “The Tactical 4.0 is the ultimate Gear Management Solutionâ„¢. With 40pockets and compartments, patented Personal Area Network, DetachableCargo Cache+, Magnetic Closures, side seam zippers and more, theTactical 4.0 is sure to meet the needs of “techies,” law enforcementand those looking for the coolest jacket available!”
Sounds exciting doesn’t it?
It’s probably a quite practical jacket, maybe not the best for outdoor pursuits or heavy weather. The design is reasonably neat, although nothing special.
The second jacket is a £450 (GBP) Prada Black Gortex Hooded Jacket With Removable Lining. The spiel on the website says “Hooded jacket. Double zip. Two front slit pockets with zips. Velcro fastening on cuffs. Prada logo on zip pull. Red logo on sleeve. Zip off removable nylon lining with pockets. Gortex - Guaranteed to keep you dry.” Now we all know that that’s rubbish. That claim about Goretex is not right. I’ve had a Goretex jacket for a few years and in heavy rain I still get wet on the shoulders. Note that this item is in a sale too. The RRP is actually £675 (GBP).
So, do you go for the superior technology jacket, might not be that robust as a jacket but it has some incredible modern features, more pockets you can shake a stick at and can carry countless gadgets. It sports an inner fleece to make sure you don’t get cold too. Or do you go for the svelte designer jacket, very expensive, well cut but lacking in any real technology. I doubt it will really keep you dry and it’s likely not to be that warm either.
For me at least the answer is simple. It’s the Prada name. I’d go for the designer jacket. I like well cut clothes that are ergonomic and fit well. I’m not so bothered about the whizzy features, extensibility and cover all bases approach. I know that when someone sees that little red tag someone’s going to think ‘that’s a nicely cut jacket’. And it will be. It might have a few threads and it might not wear well over time, it will be prone to getting snagged. But it’s a designer label. It’s sort after.
That’s what the iPhone will be like. It’s not the best in terms of technology and specification, despite what Steve says. He’s selling cool.
My Prada analogy goes further though. Infact Apple are likely to be an even better design brand than Prada. Take the LG KE850 covered on Engadget. Regardless of which device comes to market first or who might have had that particular design before the other, it simply doesn’t look as good as the iPhone.
Not too shabby indeed.