We love our tech just as much as the next reader, but truly hate when it is used as a status symbol. Apple users are frequently accused of buying into the hype of the brand, or just using the products to “look cool”. Those of us here at Unplggd who use Apple products couldn’t find this to be further from the truth and we think it is a shame that the stigma even exists. Now, to make it worse, companies are capitalizing on Apple’s popularity by infusing them with all kinds of blatant symbols of excess.
Not only are these products a flagrant display of wealth in an uncertain economic climate, but they’re just plain ugly. Apple’s design team spends vast amounts of time trying to eliminate every unnecessary aspect of their products and these simply add bulk and kitsch to an otherwise streamlined object.
iDiamond iPod
Here is the world’s most expensive MP3 player and earplugs, made of 18kt white and pink gold and 430 diamonds. The single redeeming factor of this product was that it was auctioned off for charity, selling for £20,000.
Limited Edition 24kt Gold & Diamonds Macbook Pro Collection
This company likes to slap gold on any electronic item they can get their hands on. This particular 24kt MacBook Pro retails for $29,000 — incase the aluminum version wasn’t pricey enough for you.
SIMPLE - Swarovski Crystal case
The tagline for this case left us all scratching our heads. Simple sure is beautiful, so why did you take that away from the iPhone? $200 for a Swarovski crystal-covered case.
iPhone 4 Diamond Rose Edition
Feast your eyes on the world's most expensive iPhone. It is crafted out of 500 individual diamonds and rose gold. After cluttering the Apple logo with diamonds, they filled the home button with a single cut 7.4ct pink diamond. It comes in a chest made from a single block of granite. Retail price: £5,000,000.00.
So what do you think? Do you agree with our disgust or do you believe the “if you got it, flaunt it” mentality? Are these objects aesthetically appealing or do they detract from the intrinsic beauty of the original product?
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The style of the finish is not particularly important to the design, or else Apple would offer only one color for its iPod shuffles. Yet they offer multiple colors. And Apple sells a variety of iPhone cases in its stores. It just doesn't sell diamond-encrusted ones.
These devices are ugly and gaudy, but as for destroying the intent of the original design, I don't think so.
I think they're ugly like that. "destroyed" is too strong of a term.
Apple hype:
Apple's market penetration in smartphones: 13%
Apple's PC market penetration: 8%
News on tech sites about apple products: ~50%
I don't blame you guys for doing it though. It gets readers and Apple really is doing some interesting stuff and making good products.
As for the issue of 'high design' apple products being made tacky with bad cases and bejewelrs, I think that the issue stems from the desire for a person to express themselves, and for the desire to protect that expensive gadget.
People have bad taste and will inevitably protect their gadget in a case that reflects it.
The good news is that there is at least as much well designed stuff out there as the bad stuff.
As for the original design being destroyed, I think it's going to happen no matter what. The only good solution I've found is the Zagg invisible shield, but it doesn't do much if anything for drops.
i wouldnt much go for the first two or the bling iphone, but i do like the iphone cases. def not get a real diamond case, but i think they are just kinda fun - wish i could get one for the awesome Droid Incredible.