Or they buy the latest, fastest computer just to surf the Web or send e-mail. The only people I could think of are the bookies. Dr Cook suggests that many technology purchases are a case of keeping up with the Joneses. But the Joneses no longer just live next door they also work and socialise with us. If you don t have a mobile phone, people can t reach you and you stand out, he said.
People feel like they re missing out on something.
This is a new revolution. Palms and mobile phones are not just new products they re new mediums. It s not like getting a new pair of Nike sneakers or a new car. Of course, all those new high-tech gizmos on the market come with unfamiliar features and controls that are sometimes hard to understand and set up. Computer message boards for technical-support staff are filled with complaints about customers who do not know how to use the products they purchase.