4 ms·

> So, what the consumer is really considering is "is the Pro model worth $5-8/month more to me?" or "Would I pay $200 extra over 2-3 years?" and I think that's

> So, what the consumer is really considering is "is the Pro model worth $5-8/month more to me?" or "Would I pay $200 extra over 2-3 years?" and I think that's an easier justification for many people. I find this attitude bizarre. It's not any cheaper! I guess it can make a difference if you have cash flow issues. But an iPhone Pro is decidedly a luxury, so if you have cash flow issues then you probably just shouldn't buy one?

faeriechangling 5y ago
>an iPhone Pro is decidedly a luxury With my ADHD issues, the combination of >The generally long battery of the ProMax in particular (I had issue with my phone dying midday, forgetting to charge) >iOS 15 Focus mode >UWB wireless trackers >The most effective ANC in any wireless headphones >Apple watch for notifications, timers, etc Are all very helpful and the promax is just good for pragmatic and practical reasons. I would definitely say it's a high priced item but I wouldn’t frame it as a luxury. I fundamentally see my phone as assistive technology, it can’t die on me, Apple makes their longest lasting phone their most expensive.
dangus 5y ago
Your point about cash flow is absolutely why this happens. I think that a lot of people operate on monthly budgets, not total cost. It's not really about the total price paid, it's about whether the item is affordable on a monthly basis. I agree with your philosophy where a lot of people are way too willing to let easy financing change their budget. I also assume that free financing would inflate prices (e.g.: cars and homes). Would the iPhone and other flagship phones cost $700-1000 if financing wasn't so common? I don't think so, personally. The other aspect of this is that, mathematically, $200 paid now is objectively worth more than $200 paid over time thanks to the time value of money. [1] Let's say we're at a "normal" 2% rate of inflation. If I buy a $30,000 car today with 0% financing over 6 years, by the time I hit year 6 my monthly payment is representing a 12% lower value (inflation compounded yearly) than when I started. Technically, even if you have $1000 in cash to buy your new iPhone, you "should" just finance it and invest/save/use the rest elsewhere. [1] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/timevalueofmoney.asp https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/timevalueofmoney.asp

faeriechangling 5y ago

>an iPhone Pro is decidedly a luxury With my ADHD issues, the combination of >The generally long battery of the ProMax in particular (I had issue with my phone dying midday, forgetting to charge) >iOS 15 Focus mode >UWB wireless trackers >The most effective ANC in any wireless headphones >Apple watch for notifications, timers, etc Are all very helpful and the promax is just good for pragmatic and practical reasons. I would definitely say it's a high priced item but I wouldn’t frame it as a luxury. I fundamentally see my phone as assistive technology, it can’t die on me, Apple makes their longest lasting phone their most expensive.

dangus 5y ago

Your point about cash flow is absolutely why this happens. I think that a lot of people operate on monthly budgets, not total cost. It's not really about the total price paid, it's about whether the item is affordable on a monthly basis. I agree with your philosophy where a lot of people are way too willing to let easy financing change their budget. I also assume that free financing would inflate prices (e.g.: cars and homes). Would the iPhone and other flagship phones cost $700-1000 if financing wasn't so common? I don't think so, personally. The other aspect of this is that, mathematically, $200 paid now is objectively worth more than $200 paid over time thanks to the time value of money. [1] Let's say we're at a "normal" 2% rate of inflation. If I buy a $30,000 car today with 0% financing over 6 years, by the time I hit year 6 my monthly payment is representing a 12% lower value (inflation compounded yearly) than when I started. Technically, even if you have $1000 in cash to buy your new iPhone, you "should" just finance it and invest/save/use the rest elsewhere. [1] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/timevalueofmoney.asp https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/timevalueofmoney.asp