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Here in LA it seems virtually everyone is carrying an iPhone. Many of these people I notice are also students with part time income or those that are in lower end jobs. I am truly surprised just how many people have one considering how expensive a device it is, especially the monthly service. Do you think this is just a reflection of our society living above their means?
Same thing I thought when I arrived in a 740 Beemer at Key Biscayne and everyone was driving around in Lamborghini's and Farrier's including high school kids.
I learned real fast that it's not what everyone else has that counts, it's what you have.
How important is any of this REALLY? Can I not wait to get home to check my email? Can I not plan in advance where I want to eat and know where I am going? Why can't I use mapquest and print out the directions or write them down? Why can't I play a damn CD? Why would I even need an MP3?
People have been sold a bill of goods called CONSUMERISM and, IMHO, the sheep follow.
You must have a fairly simple job- one that doesn't involve working with clients, corporations, politicians, etc etc etc.
I lead a small team of engineers for a defense company, I asked one of them to email me some schematics for a project we're working on. He asked when I need it, I responded "yesterday!" No, many of us CAN'T wait to until we "get home" to check our email, it needs to be IMMEDIATE because we need to respond IMMEDIATELY.
I'm sitting in my home office at the moment and the technology I have around me:
my work phone (Blackberry)
my personal phone (Droid Incredible)
iPad 2
work computer (Apple)
personal computer (HP)
wireless printer
Apple iPod Touch
Samsung LED TV
In my briefcase I carry both cell phones, my iPad 2, Apple work laptop, and my iPod touch. It's the necessary equipment for living in a high-tech, corporate world anymore.
Here in LA it seems virtually everyone is carrying an iPhone. Many of these people I notice are also students with part time income or those that are in lower end jobs. I am truly surprised just how many people have one considering how expensive a device it is, especially the monthly service. Do you think this is just a reflection of our society living above their means?
I dunno, because a lot of people I see with smart phones and 100 dollar data plans are the same ones who whine about not having 4 dollars to buy tylenol or saying they can't afford $150 a month for health insurance.
It wouldn't be as frustrating if I didn't meet these people in double digit numbers every single day.
Can I not wait to get home to check my email? Can I not plan in advance where I want to eat and know where I am going? Why can't I use mapquest and print out the directions or write them down? Why can't I play a damn CD? Why would I even need an MP3?
Save paper printing out directions. I've had an instance or two when google gave me the wrong directions and now I'm out and about and lost. Save the resources used to make a CD. MP3 player's can hold your favorite music when there's nothing good on the radio.
I don't have a cell phone, but my spouse, a corporate IT consultant, carries an Android. I think it's great, and it allows him to do his job much more efficiently and effectively, which is why his employer fully-reimburses the expense. His phone, wallet, and commuter pass are all he carries most days. As for me, I don't find a smartphone necessary, but I can certainly see the value for others.
BTW, SpeedyAZ, my spouse thinks you've sold yourself a bill of goods. As a systems architect, he designs and maintains computer infrastructure for a variety of industries (including yours) using one phone and one laptop.
Last edited by formercalifornian; 04-21-2011 at 09:11 AM..
You must have a fairly simple job- one that doesn't involve working with clients, corporations, politicians, etc etc etc.
I lead a small team of engineers for a defense company, I asked one of them to email me some schematics for a project we're working on. He asked when I need it, I responded "yesterday!" No, many of us CAN'T wait to until we "get home" to check our email, it needs to be IMMEDIATE because we need to respond IMMEDIATELY.
I'm sitting in my home office at the moment and the technology I have around me:
my work phone (Blackberry)
my personal phone (Droid Incredible)
iPad 2
work computer (Apple)
personal computer (HP)
wireless printer
Apple iPod Touch
Samsung LED TV
In my briefcase I carry both cell phones, my iPad 2, Apple work laptop, and my iPod touch. It's the necessary equipment for living in a high-tech, corporate world anymore.
gee wiz you must be super cool and important too. were all very impressed
gee wiz you must be super cool and important too. were all very impressed
Is a snarky and mean-spirited comment necessary?
I was simple trying to illustrate a point about technology in modern society and you feel the need to make a snide comment, why? I'm not trying to impress ANYBODY but it's simply a fact of life! Please refrain from personally attacking me, I have said nothing to incite your callous comment.
No, it's not, Speedy. If you like your devices, that's fine, but most of what you have is completely unnecessary, even for someone who heads a team of engineers.
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