Quote:
Originally Posted by Sempai Kei
It didn't really do anything original, just maybe built upon previous technologies and called it their own.
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Welll ... can't really say they didn't do
anything original with iPod. Not an original device but clever marketing, with emphasis on bringing what had been primarily a geek gadget (portable MP3 player) to the masses. Marketing was different than that usually used with electronic devices ....
a.)
Take what was considered a geek gadget and turn it into a fashion statement.
Note most iPod owners use the stock white earbuds and no carrying cases, despite notoriously scratch-prone surfaces. Scratches be damned, they'd rather make sure you know they have an iPod. Also multi-colors and lots of accessories.
b.)
Avalanche advertising designed to convince pre-teens and teens that they must have this brand and only this brand.
Ever see isolated one-star user reviews on DAPs other users rate highly, with a writing style that screams "KID"? It means somebody's disappointed Mom & Dad bought them something other than the iPod they pestered about for months. You correctly summed up their attitude in one sentence: "
I'm willing to trade my soul for one just so I can be cool like every one else."
c.)
Emphasize ease of use over expanded features.
Too many people are too lazy to either read manuals or look up answers elsewhere, an idiot-proof player that can be operated right out the box appeals to those types. Another reason for isolated one-star reviews on highly rated DAPs are those very tech-challenged adults who probably should have gone with an entry-level iPod instead, like a Shuffle or Nano.
d.)
Integration of device and a software program made especially for that device.
Plenty of people here appreciate UMS, some
must have it due to alternative operating systems like Linux. Plenty more people "out there" ... if you were to ask what operating system they're running they'll ask "What's an operating system?" Those second types don't venture into directory trees, they're afraid to flash firmware, they don't 'tweak' anything ever. They want nothing more than easy-to-use programs accessible from desktop icons.
Now this is not to say
every iPod owner chooses that brand for the reasons above. Some actually do research brands and models and find one of the iPods to be the best to suit their needs in a player. But they're a different lot than the majority of iPod owners.