Is Technology Really Getting More Affordable?
This is a time of year when everyone has a list. Best of, Worst of, Predictions for and the like. Seems we have a preoccupation with looking where we've been while trying to guess where we're going. At the beginning of 2011 most technically inclined folks were preoccupied with the next Iphone and Net Neutrality. Now we're debating SOPA/PIPA and whether 2012 will finally bring an Android tablet to rival the IPAD.
Oh yeah, and maybe we'll get a new version of Windows that will realize Microsoft's hopes to rival Apple's omnipresence on a myriad of devices...
That's all fine and good but one thing that hasn't changed is the push to make our data portable via "The Cloud" and the costs associated to get it there. With maturity and broader acceptance (read that volume) we usually enjoy better service at reduce costs. That doesn't seem to be the case, however.
I'm a frequent viewer of Leo Laporte's Twit.TV video podcasts. In fact I watch them more frequently than regular television. I'm sure I'm not alone in my viewing habits. It's an excellent source for tracking technology trends and news where you prefer a more relaxed but still professional presentation.
Still, as I watch I sometimes feel a sense of incredulity at what the hosts consider an acceptable price when discussing products and services. For example, Ford is a sponsor of a number of Twit.Tv podcasts with Twit produced commercial spots interwoven in their shows. On one the 2012 Ford Focus is featured. Economy, styling, and of course technology are featured in the spots with Ford's Sync technology being the centerpiece. Sync can apparently integrate with the features and services on your Smartphone and make them available via voice control without distracting you from driving.
I have no issue with Ford or Twit's celebration of a technology. What I take some issue with is what is considered affordable. In one commercial Leo claims the Focus with Sync is affordable. I went on Ford's website and built a similar vehicle with features equivalent to the example in the commercial. When I was done I was looking at a $24,000 subcompact with a 4 cylinder engine.
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