Item — HN Reader

It's not stupid. When people are vested in an ecosystem, they want devices in that ecosystem to be able to satisfy their specific use cases. This is why I wanted a waterproof iPhone: I play a lot of water sports, and it would be awesome to not have to rely on a second device to take photos/videos. So, as a dedicated Apple user, I started imagining how I would use such a device. When it didn't come, I was disappointed.

Seriously, it's appalling that you are having trouble understanding this, and are strawmanning it down to "wanting a pony."

2 comments

Do you have any idea how hard it is to waterproof electronics? Not only do you need to keep water out of the device, but you also need to make sure that it can't collect anywhere and corrode away parts. There's a reason that hardened waterproof electronics are the way they are: big and heavy.

On the weekends, I go fly fishing. Full waders and everything. And I take my phone with me. In a plastic sandwich bag, which has kept the phone completely dry even after I accidentally submerged my bag. I could invest in a case if my phone spent more time in the water, but I don't feel the need to.

So yes, I understand your entire point, and yes, it IS pretty much down to wanting a pony.

>>Do you have any idea how hard it is to waterproof electronics?

It is hard, but Apple has $117 billion in cash. They could make an elegant and waterproof smartphone if they wanted.

Yes, and if a significantly large portion of the market was clamoring for a waterproof smartphone, Apple probably would make one.

I believe it was Steve Jobs who said that people don't know what they want until you give it to them.

A waterproof iPhone is definitely the equivalent of a unicorn that shits Skittles.

If you seriously thought that was even a miniscule possibility with the iPhone 5, then you are in for a lot of disappointment.

A MacBook that fits in a manila envelope? Ha ha unicorns and rainbows!