Proposal for Essay 2
For my second essay, I have chosen my cell phone as my text. I believe it not only says a lot about me, being the owner, but also a lot about the American culture. The main purpose of a cell phone, in general, is to stay in contact with people whether they are family, friends, or business partners. Upon closer examination, it would not be hard to see that this cell phone also allows the use of text messaging, picture messaging, as well as the direct connect service that is used in a way similar to that of a walkie-talkie. Clearly, this cellular device provides multiple ways to contact other phones.
Needless to say, just by the description given, this particular phone is a Nextel phone, as Nextel is known for it's two-way direct connect service. Features of this Nextel ic602 include a speakerphone, a built-in camera, group connect, and Nextel Direct Connect. These phones are GPS enabled, as well as web and email capable if the consumer wishes to add this to the package. There is an external display of the clock, along with icons, such as the life of the battery, the bars of reception, etc. The design of this particular phone is far from the widely used sleek and slim Razor, but instead, more of a bulky, rugged exterior design.
I think Nextel is extremely overpriced, especially when the reception areas are taken into consideration. It is hard to find full reception at my house, but I have come to find the service is much more reliable in urban areas. The features and design of this phone allows one to see how vastly our culture is growing along with the business world. Business people are the primary consumers of this product mainly for the direct connect service, which enables them to communicate without having to use minutes. For that reason, they are the intended audience for the Nextel phones.
Thesis: This paper will argue that, among closer analysis, this particular cell phone, the Nextel ic602, reveals messages about identity, culture, and values, all of which are reflected in the phone's design.
Needless to say, just by the description given, this particular phone is a Nextel phone, as Nextel is known for it's two-way direct connect service. Features of this Nextel ic602 include a speakerphone, a built-in camera, group connect, and Nextel Direct Connect. These phones are GPS enabled, as well as web and email capable if the consumer wishes to add this to the package. There is an external display of the clock, along with icons, such as the life of the battery, the bars of reception, etc. The design of this particular phone is far from the widely used sleek and slim Razor, but instead, more of a bulky, rugged exterior design.
I think Nextel is extremely overpriced, especially when the reception areas are taken into consideration. It is hard to find full reception at my house, but I have come to find the service is much more reliable in urban areas. The features and design of this phone allows one to see how vastly our culture is growing along with the business world. Business people are the primary consumers of this product mainly for the direct connect service, which enables them to communicate without having to use minutes. For that reason, they are the intended audience for the Nextel phones.
Thesis: This paper will argue that, among closer analysis, this particular cell phone, the Nextel ic602, reveals messages about identity, culture, and values, all of which are reflected in the phone's design.
posted by Brittney Queen at
6:09 PM
2 Comments:
Brittney, this is a very good start. You’ve given thought to the design, the use, and the potential consumer. However, make sure you elaborate on this point leaning heavily on design. You are saying that the exterior is neither sleek nor attractive and that the consumer is likely a business person. So, what makes this phone more attractive to this type of the consumer than the sleek and stylish blackberry or I-phone? That is, place this phone, with its unique design against other competitors that are either in the same price range or in the same category as far s the features are concerned. It seems that direct connect is a crucial attractive features. What otherwise useful features does it lack? Does it look like it is as durable, small, and reliable as other phones in its category? If a person owns one, what do others conceive of him or her?
By
Anna Mkhaylova, At
March 5, 2008 at 5:10 AM
I think it is good how you are connecting the cell phone to a larger meaning having to do with American culture itself. I also think it is good that you have analyzed the negative sides like cost and reception.
By
Melanie, At
March 5, 2008 at 9:47 AM
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