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Topic: Apple

Unboxing the MacBook and ThinkPad

Summary: As part of Mitch Ratcliffe's ongoing examination of the strengths and weaknesses of the Vista and Mac OS mobile computing experience, we look at the packaging of the ThinkPad X60 and MacBook Pro. Apple's design aesthetic wins hands down, from the elegance of the packaging to the amount of material used.

Mitch

By Mitch |

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The Lenovo ThinkPad arrives in a Russian doll-like package, a large box containing two more boxes. The box containing the system includes a third box full of accessories and documents. There are several pounds of cardboard, plastic and styrofoam to toss out when you're done unwrapping.

The MacBook Pro, by contrast, is delivered in a box smaller than the briefcase you'll need to carry the computer. It's packaging one would want to keep around, because it is beautifully designed, and there's not much more than a pound of materials used.
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Topic: Apple

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5 comments
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  • Enlighten me...

    ...as to how something as forgettable as opening a box is somehow newsworthy? Ok, the Mac box is wonderful, pretty...beautiful even.

    Um, so?

    I remember my iPod box was similarly pretty, but it's long been hauled away by my trash man. Since I don't view a cardboard container as a "useful" device when purchasing electronics (or anything else for that matter, groceries, et al.) I guess I fail to see the point here. If this is more "Mac vs. PC" drivel, that's really reaching to new depths!
    scottz29
    Reply Vote

  • What Packaging Says Matters

    Packaging can say a great deal about a product. It is a tool that can be used to
    target market(s). The real question is whether the packaging attracts the
    consumers it's hoping to.

    For example PCs have always tended to be more business oriented and -- not
    surprisingly -- their packaging has that office/engineering feel to it. On the other
    hand Mac always has been directed toward users who are likely to be drawn to a
    sleeker high-end package, like graphic artists. (Is is just me or do the products
    packaging resemble the attire of their CEOs?) :)

    In the end, I think the real test of packaging is how it complements the product
    and consumers who are likely to want the product.

    Personally, I use both Mac and PC since my profession is packaging design and I'm
    also currently an MBA student. I think there's room for both platforms -- at least
    for the foreseeable future.

    Heidi
    Heidi Love
    Reply Vote

    • Yay! A packaging professional!

      i've been trying to see how to get it across to the yobs in the article's talkback that packaging *is* important to the average user, even if not to those of us who know exactly what we want in a computer. i don't think they realise that there's a whole specialisation in Packaging Design . . . i only know because my partner has a degree in advertising and really enjoys packaging design.
      aellath
      Reply Vote

  • keyboard scratching the screen

    ThinkPad does not have protector because keyboard simply never scratches the screen - have had several ThinkPads and never this problem.
    iavor.raytchev@...
    Reply Vote

  • Brand Experience

    It's all part of something called Brand Experience.
    Every brand generates an experience, positive or negative.

    You may say it is not important, but it is: you still remember your iPod's beautiful package, an even though you trashed it, it imprinted a positive image in you.
    Robby!
    Reply Vote
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