Joho the Blog
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March 19, 2007
Dear Logitech: I'm looking forward to using your "cordless presenter," especially because of its willingness to vibrate in my hand five or ten minutes before my allotted time. I've liked your other pointing devices as well, and over the years have bought dozens of 'em. It's true. But it's going to take me a while to buy another because you seem so determined to keep me from using them. I just cut my thumb opening the clear plastic Fortress of Solitude in which you've packed the cordless presenter. The presenter is a wee bit of electronics, not much bigger than, say, my middle finger, but you've got it wrapped in a plastic package that neither scissors nor Xacto can penetrate. You forced me into stabbing your product with a carving knife. Is that really the sort of "initial user experience" you were hoping for? And once you have managed to slice it open, the plastic separates into twin sharpened blades designed to un-man intruders. Here are things that are easier to open than your packaging:
Please remove the pitbulls and razor wire from around your products. And if you don't believe me, do us all a favor: Have your CEO try to open one of your packages. (No executive assistants allowed!) Thank you. A Bandaged Customer [Tags: marketing packaging logitech] Posted
by D. Weinberger at March 19, 2007 04:31 PM
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An unripe, fused pistachio shell
Comments
I so much sympathize with you.
Those plastic packages are totally impossible to open without injuries. I firmly believe that opening the safe of a bank caveau will be not only easier, but also safer.
Posted by: Federico Fasce | March 19, 2007 05:03 PM
You have described to a T what no one else has been able to do. The Pistachio is the one that gets it for me. The anticipation of "I want it and I want it Now" effect. You the man! You the king of description! Incidentally, I found your site through Assignment Zero and what a nice diversion. Look for me there describing you. Thanx.
Posted by: Kimberly Macher | March 19, 2007 05:26 PM
How thick do they make plastic these days? I don't know what's more annoying -- the Fortress of Solitude or Styrofoam packing peanuts.
Posted by: Dan | March 19, 2007 10:14 PM
Very funny and true (but what kind of remarks do you expect from your brother). I just bought a Logitech cordless mouse for my mother-in-law's not-yet-bought (any awards for hyphen use?) laptop and will be sure to open it before her over 80-year-old (more hyphens!) fingers get a chance to be sent to their reward.
Posted by: Andy Weinberger | March 19, 2007 11:09 PM
Send me your mailing address. I have a present for you.
Posted by: Adam Fields | March 19, 2007 11:56 PM
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/001631.php
Posted by: Howard Weaver | March 20, 2007 02:08 PM
I prefer a carbide-blade bandsaw, or explosives when opening these packaging weapons ("It's a conspiracy by the man, you know").
Ya know, you could claim that the packaging caused you injury and sue for damages. It's the American way.
Of course, Logitech will likely argue that you implicitly waived your right to sue by purchasing the device.
Stores should offer a free package opening service for you right at the till. That way, the package is opened cleanly, and you have no frustration when you want to start using the device.
Wired has a great story on this:
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,70874-0.html
smp
Posted by: Stephen Pierzchala | March 20, 2007 05:24 PM
That's a great idea, Dave: Let's see the CEO try to open one of these super-plastic, supposedly theft-reducing packages. Let's see it on YouTube. In fact, let's hold a contest. Winner is the person with the fastest time -- tie-breaker is the least Band-Aids needed.
Posted by: Mike | March 20, 2007 08:15 PM
Next, we will get the CEO of a toy company to unpackage one of the children's toys that they handcuff to the packaging with more twist ties than you will find at your local deli counter. And if they do that in less than five minutes, have them replace the batteries.
At least this usually doesn't result in bandages.
Posted by: Jack Vinson | March 22, 2007 05:13 PM