Funny thing happened when Apple released the first series Apple Watch. They trained me to stop caring about “having the best."
I loved that watch- right up until I replaced it year with a Series 3- but I always knew I didn’t have “the best.” Or even the “second best.” I had the “Sport”- a name designed to allude to the device’s lighter aluminum frame; but was to me more reminiscent of the dimuniative nickname for a young kid. “Good on you, sport, and you’re little watch."
The standard watch was stainless steel. Gold belonged to the “Edition.” I had the sport and as such, I was no longer as cool as I could be. After years of having the “latest and greatest” I was a “sport."
And I became okay with it. So much so that my new watch is also a “Sport.” (I like the lightness of the aluminum and the lightness of the price).
But when this year’s phone lineup was announced, I had real anxeity all over again. I’ve felt like goldilocks trying to figure out which iPhone would be “just right” for me. They all come with compromises, so it’s been a struggle.
But one factor I didn’t expect was the feelings that by not getting the iPhone X I’d be excusing myself from the “cool kids table."
I ended up ordering the iPhone 8 Plus. It’s the right call and I’m totally happy with it. And part of what got me over that hump was remembering that my Watch is not the “coolest” either, and yet I love it. Because it’s the right device for my lifestyle and works the way I want at a price I can afford.
A lot of us are going to be struggling this year picking from the most pluralistic iPhone lineup yet. But, for what it’s worth, consider not worrying so much about the “cool” factor.
Because you know what’s really cool? Tech that “just work” in your life and let’s you spend time enjoying other things.
At least for me it is ;)
