For those of you who want to spend a little more, Microsoft has announced the availability of Special Edition versions of its Keyboards and Mice. Of course, these Special Edition input devices are really just their same fare with an updated black or white appearence. Microsoft even goes so far as to offer high-resolution pictures of these new devices.
I don't know what I'm really trying to say here. I just find it funny that these products have been released. What's wrong with their current devices? Say what you will, but Microsoft makes some pretty nice keyboards and mice. I don't see the need for "Special Edition" versions of these that do nothing really except change what they look like.
Apple's current (excellent) industrial design aside, a computer is really just a tool and not much more that that. Yes, one wants it to be pleasing to look at, especially if you can't hide it under a desk, but do we really need to be releasing "Special Edition" keyboards and mice (at a higher cost)? I'm getting more and more frustrated with the current trend to make things look "snazzier" without really improving function. And this isn't just in the computer world, but in everything. You can get spiffy looking televisions, phones and even toasters for Pete's sake! Overall, do these modified appearances really improve function?
Of course, one might make the same case for cars (such as the 1970 Chevelle that I mentioned in my last post) and other things that have traditionally had a much higher focus on form as well as function than do consumer electronics and the like. But I guess it just disturbs me that as a society we are finding these kinds of things more and more important. There just seems to be something so...shallow about that.
Eh...maybe this is just me being cynical after another day at work dealing with crabby customers. Those kinds of days always seem to put me in these kinds of moods.
All I know for sure right now is that I won't be rushing right out to buy a "Special Edition" keyboard or mouse anytime soon. My current mismatched ones work just fine thank you.
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