Vocal Point : iPhone, latest Harry Potter book among year’s must haves
I haven’t decided which I think was bigger and most vocal event. The debut of the iPhone, or that of the last “Harry Potter” book.
Being a writer myself, my vote goes to “Harry Potter,” but with both entities supporting stay-awake-all-night parties to be first in line, it’s probably a toss-up. One thing for certain, “Harry Potter” comes in a whole lot less pricey than an iPhone. Still, there’s a cachet with the iPhone that I’m afraid even HP and the Deathly Hallows can’t match.
It’s doubtful I’m the sort of customer Apple is targeting with their new iPhone. My demographic leans more to the old and poor side, not to mention being technologically challenged. Programming the coffee pot to start every morning at 6 a.m. is a major undertaking, and when I need to update my computer, I allow a full day. So the iPhone? Wow! Have you seen what those babies can do?
Of course for $500 to $600 they’d better be good. No doubt everyone in America knows about the iPhone’s superb functionality by now. How in some instances it can take the place of a laptop computer for travelers; you can browse the Web, handle e-mail, download material from the Internet so you can play music on the phone’s MP-3 player and watch videos on its 3.5-inch screen.
The great thing about an iPhone is you don’t need to use a stylus or push buttons to reach the various functions. You just use a touch-screen. Please don’t ask me to explain how it works. I think it’s done by magic. Maybe Harry Potter knows.
For a wonder, you can even use your new iPhone to call somebody – internationally, even, if you want to pay roaming charges. One thing to look out for, however, is that phone service is only available through AT&T, and isn’t always the best choice if all you want is a cell phone. Moreover, calling plans, which do include Internet and e-mail, start at about $60. There are a few things the iPhone doesn’t have, I’m told. Like video recording capability and GPS. Now that’s just unfair.
Okay. You’ve probably guessed I’m not really considering buying an iPhone. The need for a regular cell phone is iffy for me, let alone one that costs $500. The one I have now is a pay as you go, minimum $20 every three months, thingy. My son gave it to me in case of emergency. I’ve got a $100-plus credit balance right now, so you can see emergencies don’t happen every day. The only extra feature it has is a digital camera which I figured out how to use all by myself.
The truth of the matter is, I don’t want to be at anyone’s beck and call all the time. I’m not even sure the iPhone has an on/off key. And do you know it’s considered de rigueur to dress your phone to match your outfit? Cases can cost as much as $1,200 dollars for an alligator Louis Vuitton. However, for your investment, you probably will want some kind of case. I’m beginning to think sending an owl with a letter, like Harry Potter would do, is a bargain.
If you’ve detected a bit of wistfulness here, and a hint of talking oneself out of something, well, you’re right. Who doesn’t want to possess the newest and best? I’ll let the hype die down first though, and see what the other brands have to offer in a month or so. Yes, technology changes that fast. And while I wait, I’ll sit in the shade and read a good old-fashioned book.
Will it be the latest “Harry Potter”? Maybe. There’s just something about those magical devices.