Apple Has an Unboxing Room to Test Hundreds of Variants of their Product Packaging

[57004]

Actually, that bothers me. While the Apple plastic drawstring bags are very nice, it's still plastic and most people don't reuse them. I would really like to see Apple move to a cloth bag (although my understanding is that you now only get a plastic bag if you ask for one). I'm sure Apple would design a cloth bag that is more special and better designed than anyone else's cloth bag.

I always reuse those bags forever. They're great for bringing my wet swimware from the pool (they're plastic so they don't leak) and you can strap them on your back when walking home because they can be worn like a backpack.

I've seen my colleagues with them as well, they're so cool nobody throws them out.

I always keep Apple's packaging as well, in case I want to resell my stuff. It's worth more boxed. And their Mac packaging is really very minimal now.

 

[lkrupp]

What's with all the hate, people?

Just enjoy the whole experience. From buying, to opening, to using. Thats what its all about!

And thanks MacRumours. I didn't know Apple had this room until you posted it so ignore the moans.

Because hate is what it's all about. MacRumors now has more haters than fans posting. This joint has become the watering hole for Apple haters.

 

[motulist]

anyone have a pic of the "tab" they're talking about?

 

[notjustjay]

Actually, that bothers me. While the Apple plastic drawstring bags are very nice, it's still plastic and most people don't reuse them.

And of course if you're walking through a mall carrying an Apple bag, you're pretty much a walking target for thieves. You're right about the bags, though. I have a few white plastic Apple bags lying around somewhere that I have yet to reuse. Maybe as a laundry bag?

And I think most people believe that if Apple pays that much attention to the packaging, then the quality of what's contained within the package must also be very high.

Yes, thoughtful packaging implies thoughtful product design elsewhere, and contributes to positive user experience: if you're already happy and excited before you even turn the product on, you'll probably enjoy it more than if you're frustrated and your fingers are cut up from opening a plastic blister pack.

Amazon is doing a good job of packaging the Kindle and accessories -- not so similar as to feel like they're copying Apple, but nicely done all the same.

And my personal feeling is that people who go to the trouble of making "unboxing videos" border on the insane.

I don't generally watch unboxing videos but I can certainly understand the excitement of opening a new toy. It's like Christmas morning! Though sometimes unboxing videos are helpful because they show you what's all in the box.

 

[wizard]

Does anybody think that Apple at times over does the packaging.

Sometimes Apples packaging reminds me of those trick snaps on a bra that even Houdini couldn't disconnect in the dark. Sometimes it isn't ideal to package up the goods to effectively.

In some cases I'd have to say Apples packaging is down right wasteful. Especially in this modern age when we should take efforts to minimize moact on the environment. If anybody has followed my posts you will realize I'm far from what many of the environmental wackos are, but that doesn't mean I look kindly on waste. Packaging should be functional and attractive but not extravagant and wasteful.

 

[rdowns]

Sometimes Apples packaging reminds me of those trick snaps on a bra that even Houdini couldn't disconnect in the dark. Sometimes it isn't ideal to package up the goods to effectively.

In some cases I'd have to say Apples packaging is down right wasteful. Especially in this modern age when we should take efforts to minimize moact on the environment. If anybody has followed my posts you will realize I'm far from what many of the environmental wackos are, but that doesn't mean I look kindly on waste. Packaging should be functional and attractive but not extravagant and wasteful.

I'm sorry you have trouble un-doing bras.

Apple has reduced the size of their packaging for years now. You could fit 3 MacBook boxes in the one that my iBook came in. The iPhone box used today is probably 40% smaller than the one the original iPhone came in.

 

[Noodlefarmer]

Lighten Up

Packaging is part of the whole experience. We have become so used to stuff being packaged in boring cartons/boxes, that we don't expect much more. Apple understands how packaging can enhance the whole purchasing experience. For some, it doesn't matter. But it is a small and subtle way to make someone feel like they are getting something special. If you get a present which is in a crappy gift bag and one that is beautifully wrapped, most people enjoy the experience of opening the beautifully wrapped one. It seems more special. For those that couldn't care less, no big deal. But Apple goes the extra step to make the whole experience a special one. It may not be measurable, but I think it has an effect.

 

[w481]

"god is in the details"
"less is more"
mies van der rohe (architect)

i am a graphic designer so i appreciate nice packaging. but some people may be oblivious to the effort made by apple inc. but why the hate? ignore it if you cannot appreciate it. as for the environmental impact, any manufactured product impacts the environment. but at least apple is making an effort to reduce this, by reducing the size of the packaging.

 

[scoobydoo99]

It's just packaging! Who cares!
"I really enjoy the experience of opening up their stuff"

Seriously?

No offence meant, but your life sounds a little empty.

My iPhone was packaged no different to my previous phone, HTC Desire (small white box, everything packed tightly inside)

My MacBook Air was packaged no different to my VAIO (small thin but sturdy box, sheet over the keyboard protecting the screen, laptop sealed etc).

Apple are doing exactly the same as everyone else who sells "premium" goods.

LOL. if you really are that clueless, you probably should just stick with low-end crappy products from HTC and Sony, you obviously have no appreciation for art, design, or quality materials. I could go into the differences in everything about Apple's packaging from the feel of the finish on the box to the font they use, but such details would be lost.

----------

Packaging should be functional and attractive but not extravagant and wasteful.

Extravagant, beautiful, and sublime are what I'm paying for. It's the same reason there is much more "wasted" space in a Louis Vuitton store than in the cramped Sampsonite section at Macy's - luxury is about the intangible feeling of not being rushed, cramped, or constrained to "just enough". If Apple can accomplish that feeling with some extra white space on the box, a nice acrylic tray for the phone, and a heavy-duty drawstring bag, that's great.

 

[Rychy]

That's awesome! I love unboxing stuff, there is something special about it. I also like how Apple tries to minimize packaging.

 

[anthonymoody]

Still laughing at that video. Hilarious, and spot on!

 

[Apple Key]

There's no doubt that Apple sells more products because of the elegant packaging designs.

 

[charlituna]

There's no doubt that Apple sells more products because of the elegant packaging designs.

While I'm sure you signed up just to post what you intended to be a snide and snarky comment, actually some folks do buy Apple in part due to the packaging design. Says a little something about a company and how they feel about quality when they bother to make even the box a little something special. That care can help to make folks willing to pay that extra "apple tax" instead of jaunting over to Best Buy for that $400 Acer netbook that can do everything an iPad can do and is a 'real computer' etc

 

[Apple Key]

While I'm sure you signed up just to post what you intended to be a snide and snarky comment, actually some folks do buy Apple in part due to the packaging design. Says a little something about a company and how they feel about quality when they bother to make even the box a little something special. That care can help to make folks willing to pay that extra "apple tax" instead of jaunting over to Best Buy for that $400 Acer netbook that can do everything an iPad can do and is a 'real computer' etc

I most certainly did not. I meant that completely seriously. It seems that many people don't realize how the entire purchasing experience affects a sale. The design of the apple store, the apple website, packaging, product design... It is just one of the many things which makes Apple so successful and stand out from it's competitors.

 

[MattG]

To each his own, IMO. The experience of turning something seemingly mundane (unboxing products) is much more fun when you realize that Apple takes careful consideration in every product's packaging and this eye-for-detail is reflected in the final product. As such, opening an Apple packaging is no longer something usual but rather, a new experience that represents money well-spent.

I wouldn't want to say that someone's life is empty merely by defining life as 'the opening of packages making one happy'. If so, I could say that the browsing of a rumor site online validates my point and thus, I can say that your life is a little empty too, for the fact that you could be having so much more 'fun' doing something else rather than visiting MacRumors.

This is absolutely true.

I'll tell you, 10+ years ago when I bought my first Mac on a whim (the dome-shaped flat-panel iMac G4), the first thing I thought to myself as opening it was, "Wow, they really give a damn." For them to put forth that much time and attention to detail just on the packaging alone really speaks volumes. They care about the entire experience, and it's more for them than just throwing a bunch of components into a box. You can tell it's a well-made product that a lot of thought went into.

 

[moderately]

You sir, have obviously never been in an Apple restroom!

It is revolutionary, no. Magical!

Ignore him, he was just taking a piss.

 

[danahn17]

While I'm sure you signed up just to post what you intended to be a snide and snarky comment, actually some folks do buy Apple in part due to the packaging design. Says a little something about a company and how they feel about quality when they bother to make even the box a little something special. That care can help to make folks willing to pay that extra "apple tax" instead of jaunting over to Best Buy for that $400 Acer netbook that can do everything an iPad can do and is a 'real computer' etc

I'd take an Apple product in mediocre packaging if it meant I didn't have to pay the Apple tax

 

[entatlrg]

You are kidding me?

Are we going to get an article on "Apple has a restroom"?

Are we going to have a made up quote from Ive, saying he and Steve "sPent lots of time in the bathroom together?

Arn, please bring the site back from this sort of carp.

Interesting. Apple pays attention to every detail - cool.

Your post on the other hand G4DP - USELESS

 

[buntz7]

Video is funny, must be made with a mac

 

[JGowan]

A few of us are voicing opinions about the site because of two things.

Firstly, the quality of the articles posted has fallen. Secondly, anything now gets posted as "Front Page" news. There was a time, when only important things made it to the front page. Substantial rumours about a new product. Unlike now however, where everything and anything appears to be posted.

It appears to some of us, we know it is just a few, that the site is no longer about quality but page clicks.

I am a print and web designer. Many that come to this forum are as well. This type of news is very relevant to us as many of us sweat the details in our own designs, mainly of because of Steve and Apple's influence to really try to find the perfection in everything that we do.

Even if you're not a designer BUT love Apple products, this article is still relevant because it shows to the level that Apple is willing to go to make sure that EVERYTHING it does will benefit the customer. Even the arrows on tabs. That is obsession and this site is dedicated to those whose appreciation merge with that obsession.

You didn't get three big deals of this article...

• The story comes from an advance copy of a book, "Inside Apple".
• The story comes first from NetworkWorld (they thought it newsworthy).
• The story includes an entertaining video supporting its relevancy.

This article is most definitely front page news and you, sir, are a very rude fellow and I wish Arn would ban you for life.

 

[britboyj]

In some cases I'd have to say Apples packaging is down right wasteful.

Go and buy an iPod shuffle, Nano, an Apple TV or hell, even a MacBook Pro. They're pure expressions of minimalism. Try, just TRY putting that stuff back in the boxes once you've taken it out!

 

[stevejobsson]

A good example of Asperger's syndrome

You are kidding me?

Are we going to get an article on "Apple has a restroom"?

Are we going to have a made up quote from Ive, saying he and Steve "sPent lots of time in the bathroom together?

Arn, please bring the site back from this sort of carp.

Attention to details is what made Apple the success it is. It is unfortunate others do not share in that appreciation.....Even the bathroom sign exhibits the cleverness I expect from Apple!

 

[notjustjay]

I'd take an Apple product in mediocre packaging if it meant I didn't have to pay the Apple tax

Wish granted!

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals

 

[JGowan]

So why would do we care about the polished glass and the brushed aluminium of the product itself, when internally a Mac is largly indistinguishable from a regular Intel PC? We just do, because it's a Mac and it's from Apple.

I get your point, but you must not have seen the internals a Mac since Steve has been back. The inside of my 2010 Mac Pro is prettier than the outside.

See my cobbling to illustrate the point:

 

[notjustjay]

I get your point, but you must not have seen the internals a Mac since Steve has been back. The inside of my 2010 Mac Pro is prettier than the outside.

Mac hardware is standard PC hardware with better industrial design. Granted, that applies to the inside as well as the outside. But "electrically", the processors, chipsets, video cards, RAM, hard drives, etc. are all the same parts (as evidenced by the fact that you can run Windows on a Mac and you can "hackintosh" on a PC.)