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Kids and Iphones (no offense to the younger folks)

Um well i will say that i am 17.

I got my iPhone shortly after they were released and i plan on upgrading to the 3G right away.

I think for you to make this assumption that every one younger than you is stupid(no harsh feelings as you said). My friend(same age) has one and he has hacked it. I don't see how you could say something thinking that unless your in college you cant know anything about computers or phones.

That's my feelings...

Also its no different than a sidekick or some other "stylish" phone that cost more than the norm. Kids and teens can be tech advanced and most of the times they basically run the high school tech department, helping the admin.
 
after all.
we are Generation Y...
we were pretty much born holding a computer mouse.
:p
 
I like the exclusivity of being one of a few to have an iPhone. Here in Australia it was much more special till the 3G was announced. I've had mine here since it was released and I get at least 3 people every day asking me about it.

I'm 18 and I have to say, I use every feature of my iPhone except Stocks. I use the Calender and Email for homework and assignment, Mail (a lot), Safari when I'm not at home (which is most of the time) etc. Most importantly, it's my phone and iPod.

Everything has its use and I couldn't live without my iPhone.

I do think that most people 18 years old and younger have no need for an iPhone but I am the exception. I run a home business, school full time and a busy social calendar. I love my iPhone.
 
Battlefield Fan said:
I think for you to make this assumption that every one younger than you is stupid(no harsh feelings as you said). My friend(same age) has one and he has hacked it. I don't see how you could say something thinking that unless your in college you cant know anything about computers or phones.
Click to expand...

Geez, for about the 4 millionth time he didn't say that. Check out the bold parts, helpfully highlighted by the OP for the hard of thinking:

TheFam said:
First off, let me say that I'm not totally shallow, wanting to buy phones only for their aesthetic appeal and status. I am getting one for the progressive technical aspects of the Iphone 3G, and being that I'm about to graduate college, will need most of its features...:)


With that being said, I wanted to ask the semi-older crowd (20+) if the Iphone 3G will lose some of its appeal with you, being that the 199/299 price will draw the younger crowd (ALOT, NOT ALL) that thinks having the Iphone makes you cool, so to speak. They don't know crap about the device and its features, they just know it has a touchscreen and its a cool device. Does this devalue the Iphone in your eyes, not wanting to be associated in your graduate school classes or business meetings as having a "kiddie phone"?


Again, I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT THE YOUNGER PEOPLE THAT ACTUALLY USE THINGS FOR THEIR FUNCTIONALITY. Only those that buy things for the cool factor ALONE.
Click to expand...

All the people bashing him for supposedly saying all teens are stupid aren't exactly helping their cause, because that makes it look like they can't do basic comprehension....
 
I'm 23 and if the iPhone makes me look cool, then good. But I just love the thing and the main reason I bought it was for all the features. I use every feature on it except bluetooth and stocks. When it first came out though, I had so many people start up conversations with me about it and who wanted to play with it. I probably gave nearly 50 demos. That doesn't happen anymore but it was fun while it lasted. It was also nice being able to shut up the sales jerks at the mall who were trying to pull me over to another carrier. All I had to do was flash my iPhone. Hah, come to think of it that trick still works to this day because after all, the iPhone 3g is the first phone to beat the iPhone. I'm sure next semester some girls from my building will question me on the shuttle once again...about my all black iPhone.
 
AceFernalld said:
I'm 13 and I know most everything about the iPhone, I'm a complete geek who loves Apple products.

I know you meant no offense, but take this into consideration, not all children, or teens, are clueless about technology. Personally, I'm up to date in all the newest technology, and I know what everything in the tech world is. I know all the iPhone's most compelling features, and am not just giddy because of the "OMG, TOUCHSCREEN, MOMMY PLEASE!!" factor of it. You can view some of my posts for confirmation.

Edit: A response to dukebound85's comment (this isn't one of my posts that I am referring to):

I deeply appreciate the iPod touch that I received for Christmas, and I understand all the technical aspects of products. I know all the features, parts, etc. about the devices I own and wish to own. I am, admittedly very upset with my Vista PC though, I really can't stand Windows, but I'm still glad I have a computer.
Click to expand...

why do you need an iPhone? YOU'RE THIRTEEN???????? It's not like middle school allows constant texting and and internet access.... or do you?

PS. I just want to gain some perspective of early teenagers and why they even need all that functionality. Thank You
 
Even if the new iphone gains major acceptance by the younger crowd, I don't think that would devalue the product.

Here at grad school, the iphone is not referred to as a kiddie phone. Instead, it represents the next iconic product from a company that has taken a commodity and elevated into a functional work of art.

It's great if more teens use the iphone since they'd help adopt it into the mass market. This would allow the iphone define a time period much like what the ipod did. Once the market moves from early adoption to mass adoption, the functionality would matter less whereas the cool factor would matter more.

Look at the wii, some people pay a premium over the retail price simply because of what it represents emotionally. Either way, the intangible value of the iphone is independent of age - young or old.
 
Mr. Giver '94 said:
14 and getting an iPhone on the 11th.:D I too have researched every feature and have wanted one not only because it's cool, but because it is functional and has so many easy to use and technologically advanced features. I do agree with you that many younger people just want it cause "it's like, kool and stuff" without knowing anyhting about. So no offense taken. :)
Click to expand...

did you know you can VNC control a mac? ... and windows if you have other software?

.. yeah didnt think so...

did you know it can be used as a car performance tool?
yeah didnt think so....


but hey. have fun :p
 
Battlefield Fan said:
Um well i will say that i am 17.

I got my iPhone shortly after they were released and i plan on upgrading to the 3G right away.

I think for you to make this assumption that every one younger than you is stupid(no harsh feelings as you said). My friend(same age) has one and he has hacked it. I don't see how you could say something thinking that unless your in college you cant know anything about computers or phones.

That's my feelings...

Also its no different than a sidekick or some other "stylish" phone that cost more than the norm. Kids and teens can be tech advanced and most of the times they basically run the high school tech department, helping the admin.
Click to expand...
you are probably at the higher limit of this persons generalisations....
on that note though... "hacking it" takes 5 minutes with ONE program...... a quick google search can show you how to hack it. with a tutorial popping up pretty easily... its not that hard...

adamerr said:
after all.
we are Generation Y...
we were pretty much born holding a computer mouse.
:p
Click to expand...
we ARE the computer mouse :p

madbad01 said:
I like the exclusivity of being one of a few to have an iPhone. Here in Australia it was much more special till the 3G was announced. I've had mine here since it was released and I get at least 3 people every day asking me about it.

I'm 18 and I have to say, I use every feature of my iPhone except Stocks. I use the Calender and Email for homework and assignment, Mail (a lot), Safari when I'm not at home (which is most of the time) etc. Most importantly, it's my phone and iPod.

Everything has its use and I couldn't live without my iPhone.

I do think that most people 18 years old and younger have no need for an iPhone but I am the exception. I run a home business, school full time and a busy social calendar. I love my iPhone.
Click to expand...
im 19..... you've almost described me as well.... (complete with the hobby buisiness and Australia-based :D)
(but im in uni and its also my car sound-system ;))
 
zmit said:
did you know you can VNC control a mac? ... and windows if you have other software?

.. yeah didnt think so...

did you know it can be used as a car performance tool?
yeah didnt think so....


but hey. have fun :p
Click to expand...

I second this. I highly doubt 13 - 14 year old children will get deep into VNC controls for at least a couple years. I mean, why do they need this device? IT's not like they have to surf the net all the time.
 
zmit said:
im 19..... you've almost described me as well.... (complete with the hobby buisiness and Australia-based :D)
(but im in uni and its also my car sound-system ;))
Click to expand...

I forgot the car thing! I plug my iPhone into my Mini's iPod interface too!
 
impact_blue said:
Doesn't bother me. As cheap as the iphone is, I still think it wont be as hot as people think it will be. Kids will argue to the their parents about the cheap cost, but when the parents find out about the new plans plus the additional $$$ they have to shell out for the text messages [which are a must teenagers] they'll put their foot down. Also I look at this way:

No MMS
No Video Recording

Two things that teenagers are addicted to. If you got the money and the credit to buy, start, and maintain a contract with the iphone, props and the more power to you.

For those powered by mom and dad. Well....
Click to expand...

Actually, if you knew the real functionality of the iPhone, you'd know that there are both MMS applications and Video Recording software available for it already :p
 
coolb0yalex said:
why do you need an iPhone? YOU'RE THIRTEEN???????? It's not like middle school allows constant texting and and internet access.... or do you?

PS. I just want to gain some perspective of early teenagers and why they even need all that functionality. Thank You
Click to expand...

Regardless of age, the iPhone runs a near complete version of OS X, can support underlying BSD tools, and MANY other things that thrill technology enthusiasts everywhere.

Don't attack the people younger than you just because they know more than you... Being older makes you no more 'privileged' than anyone here.
 
My outlook on this situation is, the more the merrier.

The more 'standard' and 'common' the device becomes, the less desirable if becomes to steal in my opinion. Apple released this, and made it more affordable, at face value.

I'm 18 and will be buying the iPhone 3G on July 11th.

The iPhone will never lose it's 'cool' or 'exclusivity' factor,
for one reason. This is an Apple product.

You can't blame people for buying the phone solely on the coolness factor, because this is what Apple's marketing conveys.
In my view, Apples marketing conveys iPhone is the only phone you should have and need for the rest of your life, and guess what? -
it looks cool too, compared to the competition.

Apple know how to capture a market, and this time,
they're going after 'kids' as well as 'enterprise customers'.

Just my .02

R-Fly
 
lakaiordie said:
i feel bad for all the parents who have to pay for the phone plus $70+ a month bill.
Click to expand...

They don't have to if they don't want to. I know it's not the most popular parenting style these days, but technically parents are still allowed to say "no" to their kids. :rolleyes: If they don't, it's their problem if they go broke.
 
I'm not going to lie, initially the thought did cross my mind. But then I came to the realization that I don't care too much for a couple of reasons.

1) It will help my stock (I know... selfish),
2) Apple is a company that deserves recognition for its work, and this will "spread the knowledge" to the general public (who may otherwise not have considered Apple products... although most probably have an iPod).
3) I was planning on getting the iPhone 3g no matter what features it had (I've specifically waited until it had 3g because I couldn't justify spending all that money on unlimited data for EDGE speeds when I live in a 3g area) and now it won't cost me as much... which is always a plus

If other people are just now FINALLY realizing how amazing Apple products are, then yes, they are a little late to the party but they should be welcomed none the less...
 
I don't quite understand why age matters. Or why technological knowledge matters, no matter how old you are. Well done if you can work the intricacies of a mac, and well done if you use every single feature on the iphone. I don't consider myself to know much about the ins and outs of computing, but I know that the iPhone is a fantastic device. It will allow me surf the internet wherever I may be, the GPS can be used if i get lost in the car, or even on foot. Everyone has an e-mail address nowadays, and it is likely that can be configured to work with the iphone too. All this is good for anybody, any age. Even if an iphone 3G owner won't use these features, why does it matter. They paid for it, and will be paying a minimum of £30/month for it, so if they don't make the most of it, then it's their loss. Thats how I see it anyway. The arguing about age and technological knowledge seems pointless. I am 21, will be buying the iPhone 3G on the 11th, and will use every feature I can.
 
Yes

swingerofbirch said:
No, it doesn't bother me. I do miss the days of having a 500 mhz iBook G3 at college and in airports and it being so unique and showing people how I could edit digital movies on it and wow them with the Ken Burns screensavers.......because now everybody has a MacBook! When I graduated high school was when I first bought a laptop and it was kind of a prestigious feeling thing. It wasn't something everyone had. There was only one guy in my high school who had a laptop and it was a PowerBook G3 and there was some mad jealousy over that.

So I guess ubiquity does make Apple products feel a little less special at times, but for me at least, it's not due to age. Just that they're everywhere. The iPhone has been more like the MacBook Air though in that I haven't seen it everywhere. Seems like that may be changing, but I still think you won't see them as commonly as you see iPods and MacBooks. An iPhone still requires about a $2,000 commitment over two years plus credit checks etc.

And honey you don't "NEED" all the features of the newest iPhone, you WANT them ;)
Click to expand...

I feel you. White, 500 mhz G3 iBook in college. Only one to bring my laptop to class for a time.

The uniqueness is gone, and while not terrible, I do miss it.
 
You make a very good point...and far be it from me to say that not everyone should have nice things.

I will say this though...whether or not I can afford to do so, when I do have kids I would never give them a ferrari. There are plenty of other nice cars out there. ...and when my child knows how to drive, and is out on their own...I hope they will have fun, and buy what makes them happy.

this is strictly hypothetical...so, please read it a little more than skin deep.
 
I think it is also important to realise that although the iPhone 3G is alot cheaper than the original iPhone, it is not actually a cheap phone. for the cheapest contract it will still cost £99. Most phone are free with contracts. Also, you can get more for £35, even on O2, if you aren't on an iphone specific contract. And as for pay & go. £299 is not at all cheap. I don't think kids, or their parents, will rush to buy the phone. And if you can afford it, lucky you.
 
Pandora01 said:
They don't have to if they don't want to. I know it's not the most popular parenting style these days, but technically parents are still allowed to say "no" to their kids. :rolleyes: If they don't, it's their problem if they go broke.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's gotten pretty insane over the last few years. I'm 29 and I remember how my parents treated my brother and I. In my opinion my parents did a good job, but it required them to not always be nice and give in to every little thing we wanted. To be cliche, they had to use tough love at times. I just don't understand the way things are going these days...

On topic, I don't mind younger people getting the phone. If they thing it's going to make them cool, fine with me. I got my v1 phone on launch day and it's served me well. I didn't buy it for the "cool" factor, but rather I thought it was a sweet phone that had an awesome interface and would allow me to actually easily use the same features I'd had on other phones that I gave up on using because it was always so cumbersome digging through the terrible menus in the phones.

I do agree, however, that it seems a little unreal for a 13 y/o to own an iPhone. Seriously? If the kid has a job and pays for the phone and service then fine, but how many kids that age can afford it? I know I sure couldn't at that age. If I was the parent and felt it was necessary for my kid to have a phone, I'm pretty sure it would be a cheap phone that was inexpensive in case it was lost, stolen or broken (we're talking about kids here) and didn't have anything but a voice line and MAYBE texting, but that's a stretch.
 
I look at it this way...

I was one of the first kids at my school to own an iPod (I was 13) and I got it because music is very important to me and Apple products are incredible. I saved up my birthday money and allowance for over a year to get it, so when I got it I treated it very well and got a lot of use out of it. Now that I'm 18 and iPods are EVERYWHERE, I don't feel like they have lost the appealing features that made me buy one 5 years ago. Sure, they're not quite as "cool" but they still serve their purpose very well.

5 Years from now, you can bet that the iPhone will also be everywhere (provided that it gets unlocked) just like the iPod. However, there will always be something new.

iPhone is not the end-all phone. It may not always be the latest, but it will always be the greatest in terms of what I bought it for. I'll admit that I enjoy it's exclusivity, but just having such a wonderful piece of technology is enough for me.

Cool thread.
 
i know what you mean!

im 16, and i want the iphone because my ipod broke and i need somthing to keep my calender organized, and the internet on the go is not a bad feture! ha

but like 10 of my friends have iphones and i would say 1 of them actuallly knows how to use it correctly with all the fetures and everything, i was actually riding with them to dallas (i live in texas) and she was like oh! my goodness! bradley look what i found on my phone, shes had it for a year and she just found out that it had google maps!! she only bought it for the "cool effect" it was kinda annoying. when i get a device i use it to the full potential!! and i search for secret things beyond obvious and use them!! ha:rolleyes:

~~~Bradley Gaulden:apple::apple:
 
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