is the Apple status symbol over?

[Yongsta]

If you want a phone as a status symbol, get a $10,000+ Vertu http://www.vertu.com/

Apple isn't really a status symbol, but people are intrigued when certain products are first introduced. When I first had the original iPhone, people were like awesome and intrigued (same with my Startac, RAZR, and now Note 2). When people see an iPhone now its more ho-hum, everyone has one.

When I see a Mercedes on the street I don't really notice (unless it's an SLS AMG).

 

[openwheel]

you are actually arguing against your own logic with the Merc analogy. As many have pointed that out.

 

[JackBurton]

That undermines their inclusion in an analysis of whether or not X is per se a status symbol or not. I'm not sure what you mean by 'cheap' - but Apple products are easily affordable, hence their popularity. Even at 1000 dollars the iPhone 5 is doing quite well in Belgium and other European markets. The fact of the matter is, that these products are not status symbols. There is nothing special or exclusive about them. They are commonly available, and therefore not status symbols. They are, however, a kind of 'cult symbol' - Apple fans, Android fans - there are lots of such 'cult team symbol' groups, however none of that has any say as to whether or not these products are status symbols. Compare a reaction between people looking at a Veyron (there was one on display for a while in Berlin) and the way they stop and admire it, and compare the reaction people have to an iPhone 5 or a LG Nexus 4 - these products simply cannot elicit the same response.

There is a difference between exclusive and premium. A Merc is a premium brand but not exclusive. They do have their exclusive models like the SLS though.

Apple is a premium brand, but in no way exclusive.

 

[WelshBloke]

Does anybody think of a phone as a status symbol these days? Regardless of make, model or OS?

Does anyone on this board honestly think more or less of someone because of the phone they use?

 

[Zaap]

Apple is a premium brand, but in no way exclusive.

You keep insisting this like a toddler throwing a tantrum.

The question asked by this thread is 'status symbol' and Apple isn't really one. Their products aren't really beyond the affordability of their rivals, and in terms of phones, they're pretty much on par, sometimes even cheaper.

Apple is a good brand, sure, but not premium. No more than Samsung, LG, HTC or any other cellphone maker that make similar and often better products. In fact, Apple's focus has shifted entirely from being in any way premium, to being a very common brand for the masses.

Sorry if some people wanted desperately to think their iPhone or other Apple product was some sort of 'status symbol'. Like has been said, for those that insist that, it's signifying a 'status' that you probably won't find flattering. (D-bag / lower-income/class that think common consumer items make other people think they are wealthy / not-very-bright or in-touch, etc.)

I'd say the same by the way for anyone who thinks their Android phone is a symbol of status. No matter how good it may be, they're just phones and everyone else can easily get one.

 

[Oyeve]

Nm

 

[HeXen]

Status symbol is a lie.
Because a perception of someone elses status based on any chosen symbol is like playing make believe. That being the case, any low life thief can be a classy rich guy in your eyes if that is how you choose to view them.

Only you can fool yourself.
Apple products above all else has one great thing that so many fail to achieve. You buy it and it just fcking works, it does what it says, it's easy, highly compatable...basically, people know what to expect and they don't have to choose from a clusterfck of dozens of various models....that right there is where other companies fail to have what Apple has, they just make 10 different models of 1 product every 6 months or less, throw them at a wall and see which one sticks. Now X's that by various stupid name companies like LG ..etc and you have 100 cell phones with Android and if your not a techy, you really don't want to learn the pro's n cons of each. Or just pick Iphone and you know most of the newer technologies will be in it.

 

[JackBurton]

You keep insisting this like a toddler throwing a tantrum.

The question asked by this thread is 'status symbol' and Apple isn't really one. Their products aren't really beyond the affordability of their rivals, and in terms of phones, they're pretty much on par, sometimes even cheaper.

Apple is a good brand, sure, but not premium. No more than Samsung, LG, HTC or any other cellphone maker that make similar and often better products. In fact, Apple's focus has shifted entirely from being in any way premium, to being a very common brand for the masses.

Sorry if some people wanted desperately to think their iPhone or other Apple product was some sort of 'status symbol'. Like has been said, for those that insist that, it's signifying a 'status' that you probably won't find flattering. (D-bag / lower-income/class that think common consumer items make other people think they are wealthy / not-very-bright or in-touch, etc.)

I'd say the same by the way for anyone who thinks their Android phone is a symbol of status. No matter how good it may be, they're just phones and everyone else can easily get one.

Maybe if you keep repeating that, someone other than yourself will believe it. If you think the Samsung and LG brands are at the same level as Apple, you're completely delusional. Samsung and LG are both mediocre brands. Why? Because they've never produced any exceptional products. All their products are mid grade from their TV's to disc player, to whatever else they produce. They are never the best in any category they're in. Apple on the other hand has built a reputation of producing QUALITY products and priced them accordingly. They don't try to produce the cheapest crap in order to undercut the competition. That's what Samsung does, and the reason why they are still regarded as a mediocre brand. You don't change the perception of a brand by just releasing an "ok" model (latest Samsung phone). You do it by releasing quality products time and time again.

You can cover your ears and keep screaming lalala, but the fact is, Apple as a brand is much more highly regarded/valued brand than Samsung or LG. Sorry if that hurts your feelings, but that's how it is. If Samsung and LG want to take the top spot, they'll have to lead instead of ride Apple's coattails.

 

[Zaap]

*lots of frothing at the mouth butthurt*

Take a break, Jack. You've got your personal identity tangled up in a consumer product, so I realize it must hurt your self-esteem to know that no one else views your phone choice as anything special. Just because Samsung and others have surpassed Apple (prompting them to sue rather than actually compete) doesn't mean you have to take it as a hit to your ego. These are just tech products, so learn to cope.

 

[thecapsaicinkid]

Some people do consider Apple products as status symbols though. I went on a date with a girl recently who said, and I quote "Anyone who's an anyone has an iPhone". Yeah, I know.

 

[JackBurton]

Take a break, Jack. You've got your personal identity tangled up in a consumer product, so I realize it must hurt your self-esteem to know that no one else views your phone choice as anything special. Just because Samsung and others have surpassed Apple (prompting them to sue rather than actually compete) doesn't mean you have to take it as a hit to your ego. These are just tech products, so learn to cope.

lol, I have my personal identity tangled up in a consumer product? I own a Blackberry. It sounds like you are the one with the identity problem. I noticed this trend with geeks (Android fans specifically). They are so obsessed with Apple they become consumed with Apple, even moreso than the people that actually buy Apple products. They get pissed with Apple commercials, they criticize people that own Apple products, they even try to create their own stigma for Apple products. On the other side of the fence, Apple fans don't give a crap about other junk products. And I think this is what really pisses Android fans off. They desperately want their products to be at the same level as Apple products and will go as far as attacking Apple in just about any Apple related topic to try and elevate their own brand. Again, if you think Samsung and LG are premium brands, you obviously have a distorted sense of reality. Apple aside, those are mediocre brands. Sorry to rain on your parade. They've never produced a ground breaking product, and never will. Why? Because they are not leaders, they're followers. They've proven that time and time again in just about every consumer category they compete in. At least RIM was great at one point (long ago), Samsung and LG never have been more than knock off products riding on the coattails of the leaders. In the phone world Apple is the leader, in the TV world, it's Sharp, Sony and possibly Panasonic. In the BD world, it's Oppo and Sony (PS3). Samsung is just the typical middle of the road product, nothing special. Sorry.

So to answer the OP's question, if Apple is the poor man's status symbol, Samsung and LG are the poor man's product. They're also the insecure angry nerd's product.

 

[JD50]

There's been some great examples of apple elitism on this forum over the last couple of days. "Angry insecure nerds use LG products" and "only basement dwellers have the time to figure out android products" come to mind.

Anyways, apple is definitely not a premium brand or status symbol. They're definitely a good brand that produces quality products.

 

[SKORPI0]

Again, if you think Samsung and LG are premium brands, you obviously have a distorted sense of reality. Apple aside, those are mediocre brands. Sorry to rain on your parade. They've never produced a ground breaking product, and never will. Why? Because they are not leaders, they're followers.

So to answer the OP's question, if Apple is the poor man's status symbol, Samsung and LG are the poor man's product. They're also the insecure angry nerd's product.

You conveniently forgot to mention these. Pity, pity..... :whiste:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retina_Display

Currently, the iPad's display comes from the same suppliers Samsung use while the Macbook Pro displays are mostly made by LG's suppliers,[4] along with the iPhone and iPod Touch displays.[citation needed]

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_A5

The Apple A5 is a system-on-a-chip designed by Apple Inc. and manufactured by Samsung[2][3]

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_A6

Manufactured by Samsung on a High-κ metal gate (HKMG) 32 nm process, the chip is 96.71 mm2 large[2] which is 22% smaller than the A5 and it consumes less power than its predecessor.[8]

Apple a status symbol? Really? Only in the little minds of those who think it is. Anyone who would willingly fork out money and get an Apple/android product could do so, no invites needed. Nothing exclusive about that.

I love using both iOS and Android since they have their uniqueness. I prefer using Mac OSX over MS Windows all the time, but you'll never find me locked down on one product. Been a Apple/IBM/Commodore user in my younger days and thinking of a product I could afford as a status symbol never occurred to me.

 

[annomander]

There's been some great examples of apple elitism on this forum over the last couple of days. "Angry insecure nerds use LG products" and "only basement dwellers have the time to figure out android products" come to mind.

Anyways, apple is definitely not a premium brand or status symbol. They're definitely a good brand that produces quality products.

I see elitism from both sides, don't you?

 

[Oyeve]

You conveniently forgot to mention these. Pity, pity..... :whiste:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retina_Display
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_A5
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_A6


Apple a status symbol? Really? Only in the little minds of those who think it is. Anyone who would willingly fork out money and get an Apple/android product could do so, no invites needed. Nothing exclusive about that.

I love using both iOS and Android since they have their uniqueness. I prefer using Mac OSX over MS Windows all the time, but you'll never find me locked down on one product. Been a Apple/IBM/Commodore user in my younger days and thinking of a product I could afford as a status symbol never occurred to me.

Awesome!

 

[openwheel]

Jackburton is the perfect example of the sarcasm: Apple is the poor man's status symbol.

The first business is that Apple products are NOT status symbols. Hence the "poor man's" status symbol. Its not a luxury, premium or exclusive brand. Something jackburton will never understand because he has bought into Apples marketibg strategy.

 

[JackBurton]

You conveniently forgot to mention these. Pity, pity..... :whiste:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retina_Display
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_A5
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_A6


Apple a status symbol? Really? Only in the little minds of those who think it is. Anyone who would willingly fork out money and get an Apple/android product could do so, no invites needed. Nothing exclusive about that.

I love using both iOS and Android since they have their uniqueness. I prefer using Mac OSX over MS Windows all the time, but you'll never find me locked down on one product. Been a Apple/IBM/Commodore user in my younger days and thinking of a product I could afford as a status symbol never occurred to me.

No, I left Samsung out because they play a small role in Apple products. Apple gives Samsung specs, and then Samsung fulfills them. Again, Apple provides Samsung the direction they need. Samsung couldn't do it on their own. If they could, why didn't they release the retina display on their own phone before Apple released it on their iPhone 4? Same with the iPad 3. Samsung's main contribution to Apple is as a supplier that can keep up with their volume. Not because they are innovators. To prove my point, rumors have it Apple will switch display suppliers and use Sharp as their next supplier. As always, watch Apple not miss a beat. Not only that, it will most likely be a better display. This will be Samsung's loss, not Apple's.

As for status symbol, I think people here have a problem differentiating between the term premium and exclusive. Apple products normally come at a premium price, meaning they are generally more expensive than the competition. But they are in no way exclusive. And please don't give me this crap that Android products are priced equally. If that was the case, people wouldn't be throwing a sh!t fit because the iPad mini was freakin' $30 more than the competition. You'd think Apple was charging an extra $1000 for the mini.

 

[JackBurton]

Jackburton is the perfect example of the sarcasm: Apple is the poor man's status symbol.

The first business is that Apple products are NOT status symbols. Hence the "poor man's" status symbol. Its not a luxury, premium or exclusive brand. Something jackburton will never understand because he has bought into Apples marketibg strategy.

lol, openwheel is the typical nerd that apparently feels threatened by someone walking around with an Apple product. The Apple owner just bought an iPhone because he thought it was cool. Openwheel looks at him and thinks, "I bet he thinks he's better than me. Look at him, he looks like he doesn't have any money but goes out and buys an iPhone. I bet he thinks he's something. I bet he thinks he owns something special. Well he doesn't. My phone is just as good as his. Man that makes me so mad. What an assh@le!" The Apple guy then turns to him, nods and says, "hey." Then openwheel thinks to himself, "that motherf&cker! Did you see that condescending look he gave you. I think he looked at my phone, and thinks he's better than me because I don't have an iPhone. Man, I am soooo pissed. I'm going to create a thread asking if Apple is still a status symbol. Oh wait, it's too late. Some other nerd beat me to it...WTF is this JackBurton guy? Man, that guy is making me so mad. How dare he think he's better than me..."


In short, yes, your insecurities are showing.

 

[Zaap]

Geeze Jack, give it a rest. You're embarrassing yourself.

Get out into the world more and learn to practice more social interaction. (That's with other people, not inanimate objects.) Then eventually you'll have a better gauge of 'status symbols' and everything else that relates to having a working set of social skills.

 

[Oyeve]

Geeze Jack, give it a rest. You're embarrassing yourself.

Get out into the world more and learn to practice more social interaction. (That's with other people, not inanimate objects.) Then eventually you'll have a better gauge of 'status symbols' and everything else that relates to having a working set of social skills.

Methinks he's one of those "genius" baristas.

 

[openwheel]

Wow what was that?

 

[JackBurton]

Geeze Jack, give it a rest. You're embarrassing yourself.

Get out into the world more and learn to practice more social interaction. (That's with other people, not inanimate objects.) Then eventually you'll have a better gauge of 'status symbols' and everything else that relates to having a working set of social skills.

lol, nice bail out attempt.

Listen, I'm just giving you at little update on reality since you probably don't get out of your mom's basement very often. This discussion may give you a better perspective, and you won't feel so threatened when some person pulls out an Apple product in front of you. When that happens, just think of me patting you on the head saying, "it's ok little guy. You're just as good as him. Oh man, don't cry."

 

[JackBurton]

Wow what was that?

Let me interpret the post for you: I got tired of continuing a discussion with you since you just keep parroting off nonsense. In short, you're not worth a serious reply. And that's sad considering I'm pretty bored now.

 

[openwheel]

This is just embarrassing for you JackBurton.

 

[JackBurton]

Guys, this is getting old. It was fun for awhile, but now it's just getting old. But I think I can summarize this entire thread.

Pretty much the world views Apple as a premium brand, however Android fans refuse to acknowledge that because of their irrational hatred for Apple and low self esteem. Does that about sum it up? Now you guys can go back doing whatever you were doing (playing D&D or WoW) and I can go back to watching the Cowboys game. Everyone should be happy now.