Wants

I’ve got a bit of G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome).

Of all the iPhones I have owned, it's the iPhone 4 that I've held onto. Something about its design resonated with me – I never used a case with it because I loved the tactile sensation of its elegant, industrial design in my hand. Despite the well-publicised reception problems, I still consider it the best iPhone ever crafted. It was more than a phone; it was a statement piece.

Now, there's the iPhone 15 Pro, and I find myself wrestling with a familiar outbreak of G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome). I've been using the iPhone 11 Pro, and it's been a remarkable device in its own right. But the allure of the new, the promise of the undiscovered, is a seductress that's hard to resist.

The 15 Pro deserves a place next to the inimitable iPhone 4, which Steve Jobs himself described as related to a 'beautiful old Leica camera'. This iPhone feels like a camera. ~ iPhone 15 Pro Max review by lux

Reading reviews like that for the iPhone 15 Pro Max doesn't make it any easier. When they compare the 15 Pro to the iconic iPhone 4, mentioning how Steve Jobs likened it to a 'beautiful old Leica camera', it strikes a chord. The iPhone 4 was not just a phone but a work of art reminiscent of a classic camera, combining aesthetics with functionality. To hear the iPhone 15 Pro described in similar terms is tempting.

For me, it's not just about having the latest gadget; it's about owning a design that feels like it's been crafted, not just manufactured. It's about holding a device that surpasses its primary function and becomes something more, something akin to a camera – a tool for creativity and expression.

So, as I consider upgrading to the iPhone 15 Pro, I'm reminded of what drew me to the iPhone 4. It's about more than just the specs or the new features. It's about how the device feels in my hand, the memories it evokes, and the potential for creativity it unlocks. Maybe it's not just gear acquisition; it's about recapturing that sense of awe and inspiration I felt with the iPhone 4.

Author:Khürt Williams

A human who works in information security and enjoys photography, Formula 1 and craft ale.

5 thoughts on “Wants”

  1. I recognize this so much ... with so many things ? But I've decided not to upgrade my iPhone 11 Max until one of three things happen: 1) The phone breaks in some way, 2) The battery doesn't work any more - I can still use it a full day without charging, 3) It can't be updated to the latest OS

    1. I have similar smart criteria for replacing my iPhones. I replaced the battery a few weeks ago and permanent breakage isn’t usually an issue. #3 is the only one left to consider.

    1. The remedy for G.A.S. is P.A.U.S.E.

      Plan: Carefully plan and assess my needs before purchasing new gear. Determine if the new item adds value or is necessary for the current setup.
      Assess: Assess your current gear. The equipment I already have can often meet my needs with proper usage or slight modifications.
      Understand: Understand the underlying reasons for my desire to acquire new gear. Does a real need drive it, or is it more about the excitement of having something new?
      Save: Save and budget for new purchases. This ensures that when I do buy new gear, it's a financially responsible decision and not an impulsive one.
      Evaluate: After a waiting period, re-evaluate my decision to purchase the new gear. Often, the urge to buy something new diminishes over time.

      If the G.A.S is bad, get the C.U.R.E.

      Contemplate: Contemplate the real need for the new item.
      Use: Use and master the gear I already own.
      Research: Research thoroughly before buying to avoid redundancy.
      Enjoy: Enjoy what I have and resist the urge for constant upgrades.

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