Comment: Blinged up gadgetry is offensive

The worst kind of conspicuous consumerism

2 November 2007 17:14 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

We run "blinged up" gadget news stories on Pocket-lint as they are often quick, funny articles that we know our readers find amusing, but I personally find the gadgets involved offensive.

I believe it's the very worst kind of "conspicuous consumerism" to borrow a term from the field of sociology, as there are no further features, or purpose, added by these gold-plated or gemstone-studded modifications.

It's as if it's not enough to say "Look at me, I can afford to buy a top-of-the-range MacBook", some sad consumers have to go a step further and add: "And I've had it gold-plated as I have so much spare cash".

And yes, I think "sad consumers" is the correct phrase to use, as I honestly don't believe that a normal, well-adjusted person, even one with money to burn, would chose to tote such an offensive object.

But, there are plenty of companies making these things, iPods and phones are also being given the Midas touch - surely if there's demand then what's wrong with stepping in and filling a gap in the marketplace?

If you need to show off your enormous wealth with possessions then get a swanky car, buy jewelry, get a Rolex, go on the waiting list for the latest "must-have" thousand pound handbag, but leave gadgets alone.

This kind of unnecessary, showy, and definitely not cool excess belongs in the worlds of fashion and show-biz, not consumer electronics, and should say there. We're better than that.

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