This article first appeared on Vulcan Post Malaysia.
We live in a very tech-infused time and age.
Back in the day, phones were just tools for us to make calls and send text messages. But they have since modernised rapidly to become more of a lifestyle tool than anything. They allow us to play games, snap great photos, hold video conferences, and even control toy cars remotely.
We Malaysians love our mobile phones as much as anything else we hold dear on this planet. And we may not realise this, but the reasons why we pick the smartphones we do reveal a lot about ourselves.
Here are some common things people say about their smartphones, and what they actually mean.
The iPhone
This device has a wide demographic of users, regardless of age, gender and income group.
Image Credit: Engadget.com
“I want something simple” — Yeah, there’s RM200 simple, and there’s RM2799 simple.
“It’s the latest phone” — This is Malaysia. Trends are our livelihood.
“I use it because it’s good with my MacBook” — This user clearly hates Windows because iTunes sucks on it.
“I buy it because I can” — This person probably has enough money to buy the next iPhone, every time, every year.
“I am in love with the many kinds of accessories that you can buy for it” — You probably treat your device like your own kid, buying it clothes and little accessories to make him the coolest kid on the block.
“I saved months just to get one” — There goes my 422 hours at Starbucks, and I still need to pay back my mum.
iPhones are definitely awesome for a lot of things. Playing games, taking photos, listening to music, and a bunch of apps that make it a killer phone to own. In due time though, is it really going to be the RM3,000 Facebook machine you crave for every year?
The Android
Android has seen a lot of users, and they come from all walks of life too.
Image Credit: google.com
“It has a memory card slot” — I just hate iCloud/cannot afford the 64GB iPhone
“iOS doesn’t let me customise my interface as much as Android can.” — Yeah, because why would we dedicate an extra 72 hours to doing productive work when we could make sure our wallpapers and icon packs match? Oh, and don’t forget to add extra clock and battery widgets, because we need more than one thing to tell us how our phones are doing and what the time is. On the same screen.
“Because the iPhone is too expensive” — And yet you own a RM2,500 Samsung.
“I like to flash ROMs” — IT’S NOT BOOTING UP. I THINK IT’S PART OF THE PROCESS.
The Blackberry
Adored by both businessmen and Indonesians alike, along with students, young adults, parents, the elderly…etc.
“I want to separate work and personal use.” — Of course you do. Blackberry is the best second phone anyone could have.
“I want to look professional” — Hope your clients didn’t notice your RM60 shirt from Uniqlo.
“I like the physical keyboard” — My fingers are more like potato wedges so I cannot use a touchscreen phone unless I want it to shatter.
“It’s from the company” — Oh really? So’s the secretary from the 34th floor.
Windows Phone
A Windows phone is like that kid in high school who tried to be cool AND smart, but ended up being neither. It’s smoother than butter but its lack of apps make it too unusable for those who need a lot of apps to function. If it’s your first phone, however, it’s fine.
Image Credit: winbeta.org
“It’s got all the apps I need.” — Have you seen the other app stores? Oh you have? Wow.
“Because Microsoft Office is awesome on it” — Of course! Oh wait, the Microsoft Office on your PC is not original? Cannot sync? How could you?!
“Just need a simple device for browsing the Internet” — Internet Explorer? Really?
