The hype and furore surrounding Apple's iPhone has been a juicy read for tech-heads and consumers alike, with Apple enthusiasts salivating as Apple CEO Steve Jobs dangled the "revolutionary and magical" expensive toy in our faces.
In SA, we scoured for the tiniest crumbs of information from Apple, hoping for confirmation that we are a worthy enough market to crack the nod and be named one of the recipients of the wonder phone from the iPod-maker.
We were not found worthy. We were not even mentioned in the company's roll-out plans.
This news was a blow below the belt. Forced to do my journalistic bit, I begrudgingly picked myself up, gritted my teeth, filed the necessary reports and dropped the story.
Fact and fiction
Why should we mindlessly bow to Apple's marketing machine and report its ramblings as if they are fact?
Bandile Sikwane, journalist, ITWeb
However, I was gored by a weekend newspaper that likened Apple to a fairy godmother who, at the flick of her magic wand, transformed what was inanimate to something magical and mesmerisingly beautiful (or something to that effect).
There were even quotes from Jobs claiming Apple had "revolutionised the cellphone". The article went on to describe, in pretty language reeking of pansies and daisies, how marvellous this phone is and how... we're not getting it!
Why should we mindlessly bow to Apple's marketing machine and report its ramblings as if they are fact? We should also, and must, highlight the fiction.
This is why I felt compelled to whip out my pen, take a stab at this whole hoo-ha and hopefully, bury it.
It occurred to me that what upset me most in the story might have been the fact that I was bitter that SA was not mentioned by Apple; more specifically, SA would not be getting the phone; even more specifically, I would not be getting the phone. Or perhaps I was just green with envy at whoever wrote the article because his or her linguistic prowess and command of the English language far surpassed mine.
Not good enough for Apple
I know there's truth in all of these thoughts. I am sour grapes that I won't have an Apple phone when everyone else is going to get it. Even though SA's cellphone adoption and penetration rate is said to be one of the highest in the world, it seems this is not good enough for Apple.
And whereas there are many who master the craft of writing and are more skilful than I am, the fact remains, the iPhone is not a "revolutionary and magical" product and Apple did not "revolutionise" the cellphone.
Any prudent consumer would have already compared the specifications of the phone to its closest rivals. We must also bear in mind that not everyone wants an iPod incorporated into their phone.
Instead of attempting to revolutionise the cellphone, Apple should have been thinking of a "revolutionary and magical" name for its product rather than poach one belonging to another company. Apple is now embroiled in an unnecessary lawsuit which it calls "silly" but for all the wrong reasons.
I concede that Apple has distinct, neat, stylish and trendy designs. Its iPod is said to have been a "technological revolution" and I admit I am an Apple fan. But the truth must be told.
Apple has challenged the complacency of the other cellphone manufacturers. They will have to go back to their drawing boards and come up with radical designs that will surpass the "cool factor" that is Apple.
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