Aesthetics over upgrades
Briefly

The article reflects on the nostalgia for older, beautifully designed tech products like the iMac and Palm Pilot, contrasting them with today's iterative improvements in devices like the iPhone. While past models showcased unique aesthetics and significant innovations, recent generations now emphasize minor upgrades. With technological maturity, consumers can appreciate vintage designs without sacrificing function, as older models remain relevant. The example of the iPhone 14 Pro illustrates how modern devices can echo beloved earlier iterations, highlighting a shift in consumer preference towards design alongside performance.
The colorful plastic enclosure of the G3 iMac, the articulating arm of the G4 and the translucent shell of the G5 each offered a unique intrinsic beauty that was lost when a new design was introduced.
For the first time, I don't have to give up the beauty of older models. When devices from multiple generations remain functionally viable, I can choose designs that would otherwise be lost to progress.
Read at Arun
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