The Personalization of the iPad/iPhone

Today in class we got to play with a bunch of iPads. Now, I have never owned an iPad or really used one but my mother got one when I left for college. I do have an iPhone so I have used an Apple touch screen product. The only thing I have done on an iPad before our class was taking a picture with my moms’ over break. Other than that, I did not know anyone who owned one and therefore never got around to appreciating the iPad for what it does. The iPad takes the “personal computer” to a whole new level.

This got me thinking about how well Apple makes their products, giving the consumer the ability to “personalize” their iPad or iPhone. As an iPhone owner I have definitely realized how personalized my iPhone is to me. I have lost my phone and another Lawrence student was able to tell by looking at my background image and music that the phone belonged to me.

The iPhone and the iPad have a simple yet elegant design that makes them very easy to personalize. Externally, Apple (along with many other companies) manufacture many colorful, complex, or cool case and cover designs so that you can personalize and keep your iPhone/iPad safe. Then there is the home screen and background, both of which you can set to any picture or texture of your choice (both my pictures are of Green Day). On the iPhone, you can change the text and ringtone noise. For both the iPhone and the iPad you can download thousands of different apps to your phone. I have a Sudoku app, Instagram app, and a Green Day app on my phone. I would have more but I decided I want more room for photos and music rather than have a bunch of apps. Music is another way one can customize their iPad or iPhone. The type of music on their Apple product can show what kind of person you are. These are just the main customization options for the iPad or iPhone, there a multiple other options a consumer has to make their Apple product “personal” and theirs.

While some people may complain that Apple consumers are just conforming to what is “cool” and that people who buy apple products are just like one another. While they may have initially purchased the same product, they become completely different to the person who owns it. Just by looking at someone’s iPad or iPhone you can tell what kind of person they are.