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> I don't think HN readers understand exactly how harsh tech reviewers come down on devices that aren't as thin as possible. I don't think it's reviewers being
by tweetle_beetle 5y ago
> I don't think HN readers understand exactly how harsh tech reviewers come down on devices that aren't as thin as possible.
I don't think it's reviewers being harsh in their judgements independently so much as most press of that kind has a symbiotic relationship with manufacturers. They need new products with new USPs, however trivial, to feature to justify their existence. More product updates mean more marketing, a faster purchase cycle, more decisions for consumers to make and therefore more interest in reviews.
- com2kid 5y agoHaving sat in on meetings where mechanical engineers reported the results of working massive overtime to shave each fraction of a millimeter off, I am confident in saying that the relationship tends to resemble an abusive one. (FWIW this was wearables, not phones) To be fair, as a customer, thin and light weight is nice, and given the choice between a phone with a replaceable battery and one that is more mainstream, well, my One Plus doesn't have a replaceable battery. Motorola tried making cashing in on pent up demand for Android phones with batteries that could be swapped out. It didn't work out too well for them.
- CRConrad 5y agoAt some point, "thin" becomes synonymous with "sharp". As in, "This fucking thing is so thin it cuts my hand just from holding it!" I submit for debate the proposition that many manufacturers of hand-held electronic devices have already passed this point.