Cachet Defined:
Current colloquial use is “cool” or “happening”, but in a “hip” sort of way. Sort of like, happening, but not looking like you're trying to be happening.
Case in point, the iPod: you gotta love the effect this has had on cool. But, it's getting to be too cool; in fact, so cool .. that it's not.
You can buy the unit (well, multiple units now; the latest are the Nano and a cell phone that carries the name) almost anywhere (including your local drugstore); but why bother? You can just pick up a pair of white earbuds that will work with any digital audio player. As most folks keep their players safely tucked away, it's easy to fake the cachet.
So, let's look around the bus (yes, I ride the bus, each and every day; gives me time to do this). I see fourteen sets of headphones (and a few strange looks at my observation).
Of the fourteen, there are seven white earbuds and a mix of others. Of the seven white earbuds, I see two exposed iPods and three non-iPod players; the rest are safely tucked into pockets or bags. Granted, it's possible some of the non-white earbuds are connected to iPods; I'm sure many folks opt for better-than-earbud sound.
That said, what does a pair of white earbuds buy you? Cachet, baby.
I got to thinking about the iPod as an audio player in the current market and just don't get it. In fact, I didn't get it back in 2003 when I bought my Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen (current version linked). This was (still is; it's on my belt now) a sweet player. It boasts a 60gb hard drive, access to the hard drive via Windows Explorer for file transfer and plays my digital audio at a birtrate of 160kbps (I think it goes higher, but I've not tested it).
In May of 2003, it sold for $399; $100 less than the 40gb iPod. Granted, it's bigger than the iPod, but has long battery life, integrates with MSN Music, iTunes and my stream ripper. The (free) music library synch software supports two-way synchronization, playlists and music management. What's not to like?
I just found the new and improved Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen Xtra 60gb edition for $280 on buy.com. The 60gb iPod is listed at $429 on buy.com.
So, the iPod has cachet. It's the happening thing. But, is cachet worth $140? Guess you need to decide.
Better just to buy the earbuds and take your wife / husband / partner / significant other / kids out to a really swell meal.
Nobody at Microsoft put me up to this article: I just had too much time on a bus stalled in traffic today. Flame away!