Since the day mobile gadgets were invented, they were never envisioned to perform just basic functions. Manufacturers of mobile devices are more than aware of this phenomenon. So they have invested a lot of time and energy into developing and designing the coolest mobile gadgets that consumers would want.
The challenge has always been to find the right balance between power, features, and design. For example, to stay competitive, laptop manufacturers are forever looking at ways to produce slimmer machines. Mobile phone manufacturers are forever looking at ways to improve the designs of their products so that their products look "cool".
For sure, their efforts may be part of a complex business strategy. After all, it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate products based on hardware specifications or software features. Such elements can be easily duplicated by the competition. So if another company launches a more powerful machine, a product line may be dead in the water. To avoid this problem, manufacturers have learned to create loyalty. How? By improvising on their designs.
Apple is very good at creating loyal customers for their products. Take a look at the Apple 2G iPhone. Everyone wants to get their hands on an iPhone, even though Apple has an exclusive contract with AT&T that allows users to connect only with the giant telecommunications company. But the product is so successful that Apple fans are looking at different methods that allow them to unlock their iPhones so that they can use the gadget with their existing carriers. Obviously, there are some legal concerns. But that is not the point here. The point here is that when there is a loyal following for a popular product, the business will be successful.
After the success of the 2G iPhones, along come the next generation of iPhones - the 3G iPhones. Since the formula has been working so well for Apple, there is little change to the look and feel of the 3G iPhone. The main difference lies in the high speed connection that the 3G iPhone offers. 2G iPhones only offer low speed Internet connections. But with high speed connections opened up, the 3G iPhone is able to support a plethora of new applications. For example, downloading maps for navigation is now possible on the 3G iPhone. If you attempt to run the same application on the 2G iPhone, it would take ages!
Because of the presence of more applications, this has an adverse impact on the battery life of the iPhone 3G. Obviously, the more powerful the applications, the more power it consumes. Hence, the shorter battery life. Still, that does not deter thousands and thousands of Apple fans from getting their hands on a 3G iPhone.
Mobile gadgets have never been about power alone. They are lifestyle gadgets, and they will be part of the social experience of their owners. Perhaps you too would like to show off your new 3G iPhone to your peers.