Why I hate ‘Apple Juicz’
Upon reading the title of my latest blog entry, I’m sure many of you will take me to be some prepubescent pseudo-hipster, still in the phase of substituting unnecessary “Z’s” to the ends of words to add some sort of awkward tonal effect. However, I’m not talking about the real apple juice, I’m talking about something much, much worse. A collaboration of bad ideas all barely adding up to the intrinsic value of lukewarm apple juice on a hot, summer day.
“Innovative” technology producer, QuickerTek, has released a “green” alternative for Macbook users, claiming this product to be the “ideal way to go green”. This collection of photovoltaic cells laid out in a large grid enables users to recharge their macbook outdoors, in an attempt to maximize working freedom and flexibility.
Now, there are many, many serious flaws to this item, both in the actual physical characteristics and marketing.
1) The price- The ‘Apple Juicz’ comes in two models- the 27 watt model and the 55 watt model. Their prices are $700 and $1200 respectively. I understand that solar energy is good for the environment, but charging buyers just as much as their laptops for a glorified power adapter is ridiculous. Why would I spend around $1,000 so that I can attach my laptop to a 27 watt or 55 watt power source?
2) Usability- QuickerTek proudly claims that it takes only 6 hours to completely recharge the battery of your Macbook with the 55 watt version, and 8 to 12 hours to recharge it with the 27 watt version. Yippee? The Macbook uses up energy faster than even the $1,200 Apple Juicz can produce in an optimal environment. What’s worse is that this requires either the Macbook or you AND the Macbook is sit outside in the sun for a potential 12 hours. But careful! Don’t even think about actually using the laptop, or your battery will never actually recharge. Not to mention, why would anyone in their right mind leave out their laptop in the sun for such an extended period of time?
3)Marketing- The marketing for this product was actually the best part. Now, I use ‘best’ loosely, and only because the cheesy-ness of it was actually quite refreshing. These are actual quotes from the product description on QuickerTek’s site:
“A very cool backpack is included, which stores your MacBook and Solar Cell.”
Honestly, after dishing out $1200 on useless photovoltaic cells, the least of your concerns would be how “cool” you look carrying what essentially is interchangeable with a huge arrow above your head that says: Look at me! I have the mental capacity of a chipmunk!
“This might be the ultimate gift for a college student. Imagine being on the campus lawn using the MacBook without ever running out of battery power.”
I suppose this could be true, if said college student was kicked out of their dorm for underage drinking, and in a drunken rage, went out and actually bought this product so that it can both double as a blanket and way to update their twitter about life residing on the “campus lawn”.
Anyways, here is the link:
http://www.quickertek.com/products/apple_juicz.php
WORST GREEN PRODUCT EVER.
