just to let you know

iPod: is Apple's marketing its own worst enemy ?

There has been a lot of talk about the apparently short life span of iPod batteries. iPod lovers counter any criticism quite rightfully by stating that batteries in MiniDisc players didn't last longer than 18-24 months either.

On the whole, it looks as if people seem to be really picky when it comes to the iPod - and I think this is not only because of the price. In my opinion, the problem is to be saught deeper. Now I am not trying to evangelise people here, but to me it's a fact that Apple products are top-notch design, intuitive and fun to use. Apple products make technology take the back seat and let people get on with the job at hand. In my book, that's how any tool should be designed. Over the course of the last years I found Apple users to be the most critical when it came to products and services. Why is this ? Apple users are so critical towards Apple because they - just like Apple - strive for prefection and usability. These people swim against the stream and live Apple day by day.

All the new iPod users do just the same. What do you think they've been doing since 1984 ? They have been watching Apple ads and for one reason or another never made the decision to cross the bridge to the bright side. With the iPod, a lot of consumers now hold their first bit of Apple kit in their hands. And they are looking for ways to show off their product. They want to have reasons and prove points. "I want my iPod to sound better, last longer and look nicer than any other player.". Why ?

Because it's from Apple !

Posted by Michael at April 16, 2004 10:43 AM