2008 Woodie Awards
Cell phones: the new designer accessory?
Elizabeth Warren
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Perspectives
Watch out, Louis Vuitton. There's a new unisex trend that has recently swept through Sacred Heart University, and it doesn't call for fancy designers. Students are shifting their attention and money from Coach and Dooney and Burke to brands like LG and Motorola. Whether it's a hip magenta Razor, a stylish Blackberry with a sweet ringtone, or a ritzy, high-tech iPhone, cell phones are undoubtedly becoming a trendy symbol of one's social standing.
The iPhone, which made its debut in Jan. 2007, is the Dolce and Gabbana of the cell phone world. Valued at about $400-500 with a two-year AT&T contract, the phone is equipped with camera, video, e-mail, and internet abilities. Its release immediately turned into a craze, the lines of consumers eagerly anticipating its arrival were so long that the phone's debut was covered on TV news stations. But why did people travel to great lengths for such an expensive cell phone?
"I think some people buy it just because they have the money to, and they want to show all of their friends," said sophomore Brandon Lapp. "But I have a cell phone that is much cheaper and works just as well."
For those like Lapp who would rather not empty their bank accounts for a phone, there are other options. Just as handbags have cheaper imitations, so do cell phones. The Samsung Upstage is a less expensive version of the iPhone and, unlike the real thing, complies with more than one service. At $149 with a two-year Sprint contract, it enables one to look like a million bucks without spending it.
Not only does one's phone reflect his or her social class, but it also reflects one's personal taste. Cell phone covers and rhinestone decorations have been on the market for years and have contributed to the personalization of phones.
However, according to sophomore Nicole Corsini, the most important aspect of a phone is not the style, the color, or its capabilities, but rather the ring tone.
"Whenever someone calls, I hear Lupe Fiasco's 'Daydreamin' and it puts me in a good mood," said Corsini.
The iPhone, which made its debut in Jan. 2007, is the Dolce and Gabbana of the cell phone world. Valued at about $400-500 with a two-year AT&T contract, the phone is equipped with camera, video, e-mail, and internet abilities. Its release immediately turned into a craze, the lines of consumers eagerly anticipating its arrival were so long that the phone's debut was covered on TV news stations. But why did people travel to great lengths for such an expensive cell phone?
"I think some people buy it just because they have the money to, and they want to show all of their friends," said sophomore Brandon Lapp. "But I have a cell phone that is much cheaper and works just as well."
For those like Lapp who would rather not empty their bank accounts for a phone, there are other options. Just as handbags have cheaper imitations, so do cell phones. The Samsung Upstage is a less expensive version of the iPhone and, unlike the real thing, complies with more than one service. At $149 with a two-year Sprint contract, it enables one to look like a million bucks without spending it.
Not only does one's phone reflect his or her social class, but it also reflects one's personal taste. Cell phone covers and rhinestone decorations have been on the market for years and have contributed to the personalization of phones.
However, according to sophomore Nicole Corsini, the most important aspect of a phone is not the style, the color, or its capabilities, but rather the ring tone.
"Whenever someone calls, I hear Lupe Fiasco's 'Daydreamin' and it puts me in a good mood," said Corsini.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Tino
posted 4/15/08 @ 1:25 PM EST
Not necessarily both. Newer cell phone tech has brought its own attractions worldwide. Some manufacturer try to bring designer's brand like Prada or LV or D&G, but still can't beat the one with more tech feature inside. (Continued…)
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