These revolutions have changed the technological world as we know it. Nowadays the inventions that came about during those revolutions run and regulate almost all American lives. Very few people go though the day without using a cell phone for communications or a laptop for work. And what teenager goes through the weekend without listening to a song on an iPod?
With all these inventions comes nothing but room for improvement. Top companies release new products in hopes that eager consumers will spring to the stores and pay outrageous prices for the latest gizmo or gadget.
But the surprising truth is that many companies spend more money making the gadget than the gadget actually costs. For example, Sony’s PlayStation 3 sells for $600 but costs $840 per unit to make. Similarly, the Xbox costs Microsoft giants around $126 more to make the game system than it retails at.
Despite the high prices, however, most people enjoy the new technology. There are so many great products out there that the debate over the absolute best phone, iPod, computer and game system becomes an interesting one.
The top-selling game system in the past two years is the Nintendo Wii, which sold over 34 million units. However, in a recent poll taken by about 90 Faith Lutheran High School students, the Xbox 360 was the most popular game system.
“The Xbox 360 is the best game system because the Xbox live experience is cool” says sophomore Austin Magness.
The most popular iPod, according to the student survey, was the iPod Touch, which received 66 percent of votes -- far more than any other iPod. The iPod Touch includes more media than any other iPod, or mp3 player for that matter. The iPod Touch includes music, photos, movies, Internet, the iTunes store and many more downloadable applications.
“The iPod Touch is the best iPod because on it you can get Internet and applications,” says junior Jordan Fehrman.
According to the student survey, the most popular computer is the MacBook. The MacBook is the best-selling Macintosh laptop in Apple history. According to the National Purchase Diary, the MacBook has been the single best-selling laptop of any brand in U.S. retail stores for the past five months.
“If you want to spend $2,500 on a computer, the Mac Pro is the best,” says junior Charley Berry. “Otherwise, the iMac is also a good alternative.”
According to the NPD, the iPhone is the best-selling phone in the U.S.; nearly 7 million iPhones
were sold in the last business quarter.
“The iPhone is the best out of any phone because of its many great applications you can purchase from the Apps Store,” says Alex Barnes, a senior.
These days there are many options when purchasing technology. All products have minor glitches and errors, but despite those few little problems, most high-tech gadgets are sure to thrill you -- whether it be in speeding up a tedious day or relaxing after a stressful one. Technology can do it all.