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February 10, 2005

Power Has Returned

At long last, my new PowerBook is here, configured, and purring. It's wicked.

I wrote earlier about how, from a specifications standpoint, this new machine is vastly superior to the one it's replacing (and, of course, this one has the advantage of actually working properly as well). The experience of using it, however, is something altogether different. The engineering on this thing is incredible - it feels smooth, snappy, sleek. In terms of "road feel" it's like going from a 1990 Volkswagen Jetta to a 2005 BMW. There's a qualitative aspect to it that's utterly seductive.

The computer industry in general is pretty poor at conveying the "soft side" of using these machines - the tactile sensation of fingertips on keyboard, the heft of aluminum construction versus plastic, a razor-sharp, bright screen. Given, though, that the industry is trying to figure out its late adolescence, I'm wondering if such issues are going to come front-and-center in the business over the next few years. The automotive industry knows that lots of firms can sell you four tires, an engine and a steering wheel - so instead, they compete instead on brand, styling, color, sensation, snobbery and the smell of "new car."

Does it work? Do the math: people are willing to spend upwards of $50,000 for the "right" car, when a Kia can be had for far less money.

Is there a lesson here?

Posted by Gavin Shearer at February 10, 2005 8:39 PM. Posted to Geek.

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