Early Adopters, is technology a status symbol or just great technology?

by Josh Chandler on 2nd February, 2010

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Picture of The Apple iPadTechnology fans, especially early adopters have always flocked to the next big thing. This right now, apparently is the iPad! (yawn!). Sam Bell of Tomorrow’s Web wrote a piece on Saturday about how teens will not buy the iPad, and his reasoning was pretty universally accepted by others!

But, I want to look at one twitter update from Lewis King sent to the @tomorrowsweb Twitter account after I asked him why he wanted an Apple iPad. He said

Mostly to say I’ve got one, I also think that using it to jot quick notes would be fantastic, plus movies.

Now, most of you will believe the answer that all early adopters of technology will provide is simple. Right?

Early adopters are always “first to buy”

I mean, after all we are thankful to early adopters for so many things. They are the most involved and excitable bunch of people in technology, and will always be willing to try out a lot of new and unproven services and hardware!

Here are some of the things I believe we are thankful to early adopters for:

  • Testing out bugs in software
  • Providing key feedback on how to improve product at version 2.0 of the hardware, or Service Pack 1 of the software
  • Spotting winners over losers

But, as early adopters how much deeper does their lust and interest for a product go? Are they interested in it for the “I’m first to own this device”, or do they like it because it’s a fully functional and next generation piece of technology.

Early adopters usually know what works best in the world of technology!

I personally believe that early adopters, although sometimes rather quick to choose a “revolutionary device” actually usually have the best eye for great technology.

I look to online influencers such as Louis Gray who I consider to be a very early adopter of online services (especially because he is advisor to a few!). In this instance, his online trust and reputation is growing because he is helping surface great new services which often gain a large following after a mention at LouisGray.com

But, on the other hand especially with physical hardware a new device such as the iPad often draws a crowd who just “have to have it”, regardless of it’s flaws or software issues.

These guys are no less smart or worthy to own a device first, however as pointed out by Lewis King a device can hold the magical value of “social status booster”.

I know I’m guilty of this. I own an iPhone 3G, and I get plenty of attention from people asking about it’s features and why I like the iPhone. It gets people who usually despise talking to me about technology interested in talking to me about it. It gives me a “social booster” because people are asking me as if I’m the expert of iPhones!

But, however there can be times when  people may spend outside their means just to be the centre of attention. We all love new and upcoming technology, but sometimes it’s just a matter of justification that can help set out whether we “truly need this device”.

The questions early adopters never ask of themselves is:

  • Why do I need this?
  • Can I afford it?
  • When will this device become old news?
  • How many other people will own this device besides me?

I find these questions powerfully useful in helping me to decide whether to buy “the Next Big Thing”.

In turn I’ve avoided not buying an iMac, PS3, XBOX 360 games such as Band Hero.

But, this is no lecture on making the right decisions when purchasing technology. It’s merely a guidance as to how I see early adopter’s mentality in 2010 and beyond growing.

But, you know, I’m intrigued to hear some thoughts and opinions from early adopters out there. Why exactly do you buy the next big thing? Do you take time to justify purchase, or do you just “Click to Order”?

Leave comments below.

  • Early adoption is not a status symbol, but the lack of something new can be a status symbol to the negative, if that makes any sense. "Why are you carrying around THAT piece of junk?" "What do you mean you didn't get the (Insert Name Here)".

    Despite the early adopter label, I still try and be discerning in terms of what applications, products and services I turn to. I am still not using any of the location services, and I am not using Evernote, or Posterous or many other things considered trendy. I watch new things very closely, but still choose what is good technology, for me, personally.
  • Agreed. When you have a new product no one really cares, but when you don't have it or aren't using that service, everybody asks why you AREN'T using it. Some things like software, aren't going to get that much better or different with upgrades. But Hardware can change month to month. I'm not going to wait 3 years to get an iPhone or MacBook Pro just because the newer ones will be better. There will always be something bigger and better.
  • Louis, thanks for commenting and sharing this link! I think you do a great job with promoting and discussing the new services you try, there's isn't any bias in your posts! I look forward to hearing what your opinions of Posterous are.
  • My mom recently read an interesting book about logic vs. emotion in decision making.

    Unfortunately, I can't recall the name of it.

    But I think this boils down to the classic case between logic (reasoning there are flaws, that version two will be better, how much will it cost, etc . . .) and emotion (having your brain scream "but I want it NOW!")

    We all do a little bit of both, but some allow one to prevail over the other.
  • yes, it's a key trait of many early adopters to let emotion rule the decision. Especially, when Apple's marketing takes over. :)
  • It is equally or more revolutionary then the iPhone. It is the new laptop. That's all most people need, facebook, youtube, and a word processor. It is also less then half the cost.
  • Everybody thought the iPhone would be a flop when it was announced. I think this will be something like that. It is actually creating a whole new market worth billions of dollars. Thats why apple made it so basic. Now there are rumors of more "advanced" tablets. That would apply to geeks and designers/developers.
  • but the iPhone started a revolution because no phone could match it's touchscreen technology. I think both Amazon's Kindle and Barnes and Noble's Nook have equivalent functionality to the iPad (minus the quality of the display!). :) Honestly, the iPad isn't all it's being made out to be!
  • Of course I have useful practices! I especially like the NYT's app, but I wish they had an iMagazine store. It will have much better games, faster, easier to use around the house so i dont have to carry my laptop around. I think it is great for home, but thats about it. I will still use my nook for "actual" reading and stuff...
  • I like those thoughts :). I agree that the iPad, because it's lightweight form factor will have benefits around the home, however I just can't justify the device being something I want to replace my iPhone or laptop for at the moment!
  • There's no way it will replace my laptop or iPhone. I still need a phone (though I may switch to my blackberry) / iPod to listen to music on the go. At home, I still need Photoshop/Illustrator, Espresso, transmit...stuff like that that cant be used on the iPad. Also writing, Even with the dock attachment, I still think I would rather write a blog post on my laptop. It will just be an easy way to update my twitter, browse the web, and occasionally play a game while on the couch, in bed, or somewhere else around my house.
  • Can I just check, are you a die-hard Apple consumer? You seem to be in awe of this product, and definitely display classic traits. :)
  • There's always going to be something new. Life would be a waiting game if you didn't get the 1st or 2nd generation.
  • true, but does it not bother you that these products often have significantly bigger flaws then later generation devices!
  • No, I'm not a fanboy. I am fine without an iPhone. But it seriously is a new market. Thats what teens, old people, average humans are going to buy. Not a laptop or desktop.
  • Thats always how it is. No company only comes out with 1 product. They come out with multiple generations ex. Tweetie for iPhone, you had to pay for the first AND second. I bought both. Why? Tweetie 1 was the only decent app out at the time. The iPad is the only decent one out at the time. I think I'm still going to get it even though I cant code of do anything like that, it will still be awesome. (Especially Brushes! (app))
  • so, you have some useful practical uses for the device then? You aren't getting one just because you can right?
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