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You are right @MacDawg you haven't listed anything the show off you affinity for Apple or Mac. I didn't quote you @MacDawg because you didn't have a signature in the first place. I intended to involve those that I quoted but @MacDawg I can see where the confusion might have happened. I'm sorry @MacDawg if i insinuated that you attempted to label yourself. it's clear @MacDawg I have made a mistake and apologies... my comments were only directed at those tho choose to list their Apple belongings in the signatures they attach to every forum posting.
 
To me, a status symbol is largely congruent with an aspirational brand. That is to say something that people want to own but literally cannot afford to own. Think Rolls Royce. This is not Apple's business model. Yes it's true to say they aim at a premium market segment, but they don't price themselves completely out of mass sales, rather they stretch the top of what people en masse are willing to pay. They go for price and volume. This is what makes them successful. They are the BMW of the tech industry. Premium but really not exclusive in any meaningful sense.

I'm sure if Apple wanted, they could charge starting at $10,000 for their iPhones, then they would start falling into the status symbol/ aspirational brand. And they would likely haemorrhage market share, revenue and profit because selling 100,000 $10,000 phones doesn't net you nearly as much cash as selling 29 million $1,000 phones.
 
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To me if someone you date cares about what phone you have, you don’t need to be dating.

I Agree. But many people are denying status exists or that Apple products are a form of status at all. Just as i mentioned, we all consciously or not, are adverting brands and reflecting out own status.Even when when we choose not to, purposely picking items that carry no branding... that too says a lot about a person. Just as much as one who adapts a persona of a brand and lists all the items they have collected of that brand for all to see
 
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For those of you arguing against acquisitions and status why do you choose to list all your accumulated Apple gear in your signature? One might argue it has an impact on your ability to support other forum members or for trouble shooting ETC. However, plenty of other forum members get by without listing all their things and belongings.

Don't know why you quoted me. I don't list my gear in my signature.
 
If anybody has a problem with my phone choice they can go pound sand as far as I'm concerned. Don't really care what shallow, judgy people think. Conversely I don't look at someone else's phone or car or whatever and think "wow that guy is winning at life". I can appreciate nice phones and nice cars for the technological wonders they are but I'm sure as hell not linking the quality of a possession to the quality of the person. A lot of times the person flaunting said possession for the sole purpose of impressing me is not a good person.
 
I would rather think that a CEO would be more interested in the creativity, work ethic, clear indications of genuine ambition and accomplishments presented by the ten summer interns who are all hoping to get the one full-time position that is available than in whatever smartphone the summer associate or intern has been using..... In the end, aren't the results of someone's actual work product and signs of the potential to be a high achiever more significant?

Nope. Read up on "perception vs. reality" in the workplace.

Doing a good job can only get you so far; the rest is the perception of your value now and in the future. Multiple associates all doing an equal job are judged on effort, communication, leadership, and the usuals, but it's the intangibles that are the differentiator. How you dress, what you drive, what watch you're wearing, and what phone you have make a difference as they feed the perception.
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Anyone who sees $1500 as wealth doesn't know wealth.

Again, it's about context.

Spend $15 on a drink in a bar no one pays attention, spend $150 and people will view you entirely differently. A $1,500 car is garbage, a $1,500 smartphone is top-of-the-line.

It's not the question of whether or not you have $1,500 it is whether or not you have a $1,500 smartphone. Very few people do, therefore the iPhone X is very much a status symbol.
 
Nope. Read up on "perception vs. reality" in the workplace.

Doing a good job can only get you so far; the rest is the perception of your value now and in the future. Multiple associates all doing an equal job are judged on effort, communication, leadership, and the usuals, but it's the intangibles that are the differentiator. How you dress, what you drive, what watch you're wearing, and what phone you have make a difference as they feed the perception.
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Again, it's about context.

Spend $15 on a drink in a bar no one pays attention, spend $150 and people will view you entirely differently. A $1,500 car is garbage, a $1,500 smartphone is top-of-the-line.

It's not the question of whether or not you have $1,500 it is whether or not you have a $1,500 smartphone. Very few people do, therefore the iPhone X is very much a status symbol.

No. Even though the X doesn't sell as well as Apple hoped it is far from exclusive and many people have it. Other people don't want this $1500 smartphone because this phone is not good enough.
 
It's like there being 29 million bugattis..just say'n

It's a phone. It is a phone.

This site really makes me laugh sometimes, why would anyone consider a mobile phone a status symbol? It may have sparked interest when I had a luggable with huge battery pack, but still no status symbol. Oh boy, people do love to talk some nonsense.

I really like my iPhone X, it is the best iPhone I've owned since the 7 Plus, and I'm sure it will be bettered with the next update. But come on it is just a phone.
 
To summarize it in general, electronic devices don't make anyone stand out apart from the rest. That's not what defines anyone being a status in society.
 
For those of you arguing against acquisitions and status why do you choose to list all your accumulated Apple gear in your signature? One might argue it has an impact on your ability to support other forum members or for trouble shooting ETC. However, plenty of other forum members get by without listing all their things and belongings.
I never did that for status when I joined back then. It just seemed appropriate to list it as common ground when joining a site to discuss Apple gadgets. I haven’t modified my signature because I haven’t viewed this forum on anything other than Tapatalk for a few years now. I can’t see my signature or anybody else’s. I would imagine I don’t own anything in that signature anymore.
 
You are right @MacDawg you haven't listed anything the show off you affinity for Apple or Mac. I didn't quote you @MacDawg because you didn't have a signature in the first place. I intended to involve those that I quoted but @MacDawg I can see where the confusion might have happened. I'm sorry @MacDawg if i insinuated that you attempted to label yourself. it's clear @MacDawg I have made a mistake and apologies... my comments were only directed at those tho choose to list their Apple belongings in the signatures they attach to every forum posting.
I think the whole angle is a mistake to be honest. We admit to the devices we own as part of the discussion here and I think you’re the only person in all the years I’ve been here who has drawn the conclusion it’s done for status. Pretty much everyone here owns iPhones of some description so it kind of ties in with the fact they are commonplace and rather devoid of status. If I can edit my signature at some I will as it’s several years out of date and pointless as it’s invisible to me now.
 
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There’s no status here as far as I can see?? I have an X because I wanted a bigger screen in a small form factor. Couldn’t care less what that says about me one way or another.

Besides...I know people who drive around in Range Rover Sports etc acting like the big cheese who are literally living beyond their means and can barely afford to pay for it. Sad if status is so important that your financials are in the red to try and support it.
 
To summarize it in general, electronic devices don't make anyone stand out apart from the rest. That's not what defines anyone being a status in society.

Tell that to my sons who in high school and junior high school respectively each wore a pair of $350 Beats by Dre headphones in the halls when everyone else was wearing $10 earbuds.

Tell that to those same two sons who today in college and high school respectively each own a $1,250 iPhone X while everyone else has a crappy iPhone 6 with a cracked screen and a battery that lasts 3 hours.

Ask them what "status" means regarding electronic devices. Spoiler: It's a really big deal in those environments.

And as for me, from the boardroom to the business class lounge to waiting on line at the grocery store to dining at a restaurant, there are to this very day and almost every single day people who stretch their necks to get a look at my iPhone X. And just like they check out my phone, I check out theirs, and every day I see hundreds of old iPhone's and nondescript Androids with street values of under $150. It's all about context. It's not a matter of whether or not people can afford a $1,250 phone; it's whether or not they have a $1,250 phone and the answer is no. That's why an X is very much a status symbol. It's worth 5x to 10x what the average person's phone is currently worth and can't justify paying more for.
 
Tell that to my sons who in high school and junior high school respectively each wore a pair of $350 Beats by Dre headphones in the halls when everyone else was wearing $10 earbuds.

Tell that to those same two sons who today in college and high school respectively each own a $1,250 iPhone X while everyone else has a crappy iPhone 6 with a cracked screen and a battery that lasts 3 hours.

Ask them what "status" means regarding electronic devices. Spoiler: It's a really big deal in those environments.

And as for me, from the boardroom to the business class lounge to waiting on line at the grocery store to dining at a restaurant, there are to this very day and almost every single day people who stretch their necks to get a look at my iPhone X. And just like they check out my phone, I check out theirs, and every day I see hundreds of old iPhone's and nondescript Androids with street values of under $150. It's all about context. It's not a matter of whether or not people can afford a $1,250 phone; it's whether or not they have a $1,250 phone and the answer is no. That's why an X is very much a status symbol. It's worth 5x to 10x what the average person's phone is currently worth and can't justify paying more for.
Agree with your first scenario where you're talking about kids & their shallowness.

Kids normally grow out of that phase though.

If I were in an adult environment where similar judgements were made, I'd find it both ridiculous & immature.
 
Tell that to my sons who in high school and junior high school respectively each wore a pair of $350 Beats by Dre headphones in the halls when everyone else was wearing $10 earbuds.

Tell that to those same two sons who today in college and high school respectively each own a $1,250 iPhone X while everyone else has a crappy iPhone 6 with a cracked screen and a battery that lasts 3 hours.

Ask them what "status" means regarding electronic devices. Spoiler: It's a really big deal in those environments.

And as for me, from the boardroom to the business class lounge to waiting on line at the grocery store to dining at a restaurant, there are to this very day and almost every single day people who stretch their necks to get a look at my iPhone X. And just like they check out my phone, I check out theirs, and every day I see hundreds of old iPhone's and nondescript Androids with street values of under $150. It's all about context. It's not a matter of whether or not people can afford a $1,250 phone; it's whether or not they have a $1,250 phone and the answer is no. That's why an X is very much a status symbol. It's worth 5x to 10x what the average person's phone is currently worth and can't justify paying more for.
To me none of the examples have got a clue about what status truly is and will always be slaves to others.
 
If I were in an adult environment where similar judgements were made, I'd find it both ridiculous & immature.

I'm not sure what environment you operate in, but spend a little time in an executive boardroom or on social media and you'll see just how much more important the brands and possessions that people own become as one gets older. I'm not sure how old you are or what your walk of life is, but there are reasons why people drive Mercedes Benz and wear Rolex and those luxuries are important to millions of people and admired by hundreds of millions of people. That's not "shallowness" (your word) but rather celebrations of success no different than a diploma or a promotion means to other. These are facts. They might not align with your specific morals but that does not mean that they are immoral or irrelevant.

Apple is a luxury brand making luxury electronics and they've been doing so for over 30 years. If you think someone with a $300 HP laptop from Best Buy isn't judging you and your $2,000 MacBook, think again.
 
And as for me, from the boardroom to the business class lounge to waiting on line at the grocery store to dining at a restaurant, there are to this very day and almost every single day people who stretch their necks to get a look at my iPhone X. And just like they check out my phone, I check out theirs, and every day I see hundreds of old iPhone's and nondescript Androids with street values of under $150. It's all about context. It's not a matter of whether or not people can afford a $1,250 phone; it's whether or not they have a $1,250 phone and the answer is no. That's why an X is very much a status symbol. It's worth 5x to 10x what the average person's phone is currently worth and can't justify paying more for.
Typing drivel like this, you say a lot about yourself that you don’t mean to. People who boast about what I’d call a decidedly new money middle class lifestyle are those who have arrived there from nothing, not been brought up used to it. My guess is you’ve come from a poor background, got yourself a half decent job and now think you’re a little bit special? I know the type, my part of the country is flooded with them - here’s some advice, you’re not unique and you’re not impressing anyone, especially not with a mere mobile phone and a Mercedes ;)
 
Tell that to my sons who in high school and junior high school respectively each wore a pair of $350 Beats by Dre headphones in the halls when everyone else was wearing $10 earbuds.

Tell that to those same two sons who today in college and high school respectively each own a $1,250 iPhone X while everyone else has a crappy iPhone 6 with a cracked screen and a battery that lasts 3 hours.

Ask them what "status" means regarding electronic devices. Spoiler: It's a really big deal in those environments.

And as for me, from the boardroom to the business class lounge to waiting on line at the grocery store to dining at a restaurant, there are to this very day and almost every single day people who stretch their necks to get a look at my iPhone X. And just like they check out my phone, I check out theirs, and every day I see hundreds of old iPhone's and nondescript Androids with street values of under $150. It's all about context. It's not a matter of whether or not people can afford a $1,250 phone; it's whether or not they have a $1,250 phone and the answer is no. That's why an X is very much a status symbol. It's worth 5x to 10x what the average person's phone is currently worth and can't justify paying more for.
That’s a very sad world you live in. I am 40 year old IT professional who is lucky enough to be able to buy pretty much whatever I want, but personally I couldn’t give a **** what others buy and I certainly don’t judge people based on what phone they can afford. I judge people based on whether they are a good person or not. It sounds like an incredibly sad materialistic world you are living in.

Also I was sat next to my director in a meeting last week and his iPhone 7 was on the desk. Do you HONESTLY think he cares what phone I have?? As a director he has far more important things to occupy his mind.
 
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I'm not sure what environment you operate in, but spend a little time in an executive boardroom or on social media and you'll see just how much more important the brands and possessions that people own become as one gets older. I'm not sure how old you are or what your walk of life is, but there are reasons why people drive Mercedes Benz and wear Rolex and those luxuries are important to millions of people and admired by hundreds of millions of people. That's not "shallowness" (your word) but rather celebrations of success no different than a diploma or a promotion means to other. These are facts. They might not align with your specific morals but that does not mean that they are immoral or irrelevant.

Apple is a luxury brand making luxury electronics and they've been doing so for over 30 years. If you think someone with a $300 HP laptop from Best Buy isn't judging you and your $2,000 MacBook, think again.

Classic bolt.

I prefer to avoid time spent in executive board rooms, despite the many opportunities I've had to progress to that area within my industry.

Apart from the decisions made 'for the brand' over the people doing the hard yards, the politics involved & the corruption of ones morals that I've witnessed in those I used to work alongside, it's not for me.

Just speaking on behalf of my particular field, although many big businesses follow suit...

Anyway, back to discussing a phone!...
 
Is it a status symbol? I hate talking about such matters but financially I’ve been very lucky in life, as have many of my peers. The richest guy I know runs a software company in Canada, but drives some run down truck that he uses to transport wood he chopped himself from around and for his town. He could easily buy an expensive flashy truck and pay someone to do, but well maybe I just don’t get it. He doesn’t have the latest and greatest gadgets and gizmos and cars, and raised his kids to understand and respect the value of money.

Last week I bought some new headphones and a new Kindle. I didn’t buy the most expensive ones. I bought the ones that reviewed well and suited my tastes. And even then I could have gone up a model but didn’t because wasting money is silly.

Yes yes perhaps it’s that thing just like expensive watches have. You’re flaunting the fact that you have that much disposable income.... it’s not the item at all. The more wasteful the money (ie the higher the inflated cost and more useless and short-lifespan the item has) the bigger the statement. But to me that just seems like pointless bollocks.

In this regard I don’t consider the X to be pointless bollocks as there is an appeal to it and serves up some useful functions.

In summary grand wealth symbols are for silly people.... not rich or successful people.

Finally though one must always be aware of buying cutting edge tech as it won’t last. I went for an iPhone 8 because it feels like the end of well made line while the X feels like the start of a new one. For this reason despite it being well in my price range I haven’t upgraded my house for smart home features because I’m waiting for standards and tech to stabilize.
 
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