Apple, Google, Microsoft and the history of lemmings.

Technology permeates our lives. We wake up to our phone on the nightstand, check Facebook (or Patch) as we prepare for the day, go to work or school where we use computers, tablets and smartphones, ruch home using our maps app so we can view our favorite show on Netflix or play an online game. It makes you wonder what we did in the "dark ages" prior to the internet.

If you look at the benefits that technology provides versus the total costs, you will be hard pressed to understand how this doesn't bankrupt us all.  The average American now spends more on Smartphone bills and cable, then on food and gas.  In some cases tech bills are higher than most car payments or mortgages.

What caused all of this? Many of you are too young to remember an old Apple commercial during the 1985 Super Bowl called Lemmings.  It featured people blindfolded walking off a cliff because they were buying IBM computers like everyone was doing at the time.  Yes, at various times, people actually lined up for Windows Upgrades and PC products, much like you did for your "iWhatever" device.  Apple doesn't mind if you are a lemming, they just want you to be their lemming.

This is supported by the mass media.  They act as a shill for Apply much like they do for certain political views.  Since when is an iPhone release actually news?  They tried to make it news by tying it to the economy.  Samsung outsells Apple month to month, yet there is no coverage of their products. The only time they get mentioned is when they are suing or being sued by Apple.

Apple used to scoff at Microsoft for bringing out products too early, or "me too" versions.  They are now in that position. a commercial about the size of your thumb? Really, many other phones did that long ago.  This happens when you lack vision (Steve Jobs is gone) and are too large to be creative.  Microsoft finally learned this and is bringing out a revelutionary product in Windows 8.  apple may have finally pushed innovation for Microsoft. The Windows Phone interface is far superior ot the iPhone.  Intuitive and easy to use.

What can we do to make certain we aren't just following our favorite technology off a cliff?  Research it the answer. Not sitting on the internet "googling" everything, but actually going to see and touch the stuff we want to buy.  Go to the Microsoft Store in Oakbrook Mall and compare it to the Apple Store (right down the mall from them). Try it before you buy it.  Go to your phone provider and look at all the phones (don't just be puched by the young sales person).  Ask about the things you will use. BE A REAL CONSUMER!

It is ok to upgared technology because you have real or percieved benefit, it is not ok to just be a lemming.  By the way, the lemmings want you to know that they are not committing mass suicide when they jump off a cliff, they are actually migrating due to the land they are on is overcrowded. 

Hmm...sounds like the iPhone upgrade line. Maybe I will migrate to a Windows Phone.