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Thursday July 3, 2008
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I was getting ready to try out these new AirDrives headphones when I got a bit tripped up in the process.
I've never been a big fan of the blister pack--anything that requires a razor, medical tongs, and/or a blow torch to open is probably not worth the trouble. If you can't just rip open those headphones on the way out the door of Best Buy, what's the point, really?
It seems we've sunk to a new low: a blister pack inside of an otherwise useless shell of a cardboard package? Considering the amount of money spent every year on the research and development of the latest and greatest consumer electronics, you'd think that the package would have benefited from its runoff. But if anything, this is a backslide.
Anyway, more on the AirDrives later. Maybe. If I ever get the damned things open...
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July 3, 2008 3:16 PM
Hi Brian-
I completely share your feelings on blister packs. The reality is they are a requirement of the retailers. All the good headphones at Best Buy share this same issue to reduce theft and meet merchandising requirements.
I am very open to suggestions on packaging. Each Christmas I curse the toy companies that use all the screws and wire ties to keep their products secured in the cardboard boxes as I try to get the toys into my kid's hands. At AirDrives, we want every end user experience to be positive. We would love to incorporate a solution that meets retailers needs while allowing end users easier access to the goods.
I do look forward to your review once you get past the packaging.
Thank You,
Andrew Siminoff
Director of Business Development - AirDrives
Andrew@airdrives.com
www.airdrives.com
July 6, 2008 1:02 PM
I actually like those packings; it ensures you that the retailer has not repacked the item to seem brand new when it could be a return or defective item.
July 6, 2008 5:42 PM
I agree with all of Andrew's comments. Please go green and get rid of these packages that waste our time and resources.
July 6, 2008 11:30 PM
Get rid of blister packs. Retailers can repackage blister packs (they stock some of them) and these are a waste of resources for simple gadgets.
July 7, 2008 11:36 AM
These blister packs have been a thorn in the side of consumers for AGES - not a single consumer will tell you that they're worth having, although plenty of retail spokespeople will claim they reduce in-store loss, and lots of product spokespeople will blame it on the retailers when in reality they enjoy the fact that it makes their products look attractive when on store shelves.
In the end though, consumers won't win here - David Pogue wrote an interesting piece a little while ago about his hatred of blister packs, and some tools he discovered that make them much easier to open. He says:
"If consumers hate these packages so much, why does the industry love them? Consumer Reports cites lots of reasons. Plastic is cheaper than cardboard. Plastic clamshells make a package bigger and therefore harder to shoplift. Clamshells hold all parts secure during the bumpy ride to the U.S. from their overseas factories.
My guess, though, is that there's an even bigger reason: Plastic makes a product look good in the store, and lets you see exactly what you're buying. You don't discover the frustration of opening the package until you get it home--and at that point, the company doesn't really care. It has your money already."
I think that sums it up. He's got a few openers that I think should be included with those packages, but since they're not, we may as well buy them on our own:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/08/technology/circuits/09POGUE-EMAIL.html
July 14, 2008 10:18 AM
When you have an opportunity to review the AirDrives product, would you consider reivewing a comparable $12 alternative from mylobie.com? I own a pair of airdrives and they work as advertised. Also use a product called lobie from mylobie.com. Lobies work with ipod earbuds and are interchangeable with most others earbuds. Bass response seems better as well.
Tom Dean
CEO - Acousticlobe Inc
Tom.Dean@MyLobie.com
www.mylobie.com
September 28, 2008 2:14 PM
Black and decker electric scissors saw though blister packages like a hot knife though butter -
or they used to. Some blister packages now have a large lump of plastic placed regularly along the edges just so my scissors little jaws cant go over these malicious speed-bumps.
For the packages that dont have the anti-scissor bumps yet, the electric scissors work great. It's small enough to throw in your car and the battery lasts practically forever. Mine's become my best friend. :)