Hardcore geek porn - YouTube's unboxing videos

There was once a time when you would head to the electronics store and longingly gaze into a glass case containing your object of desire - a brand-spanking new Sega or two-megapixel camera - and wonder how it would feel to hold it close.

After weeks or months of hard work, you'd dutifully earn the money (or otherwise find it) and after much anticipation the big day would finally come and you would be united with your beloved. Once home, the purchase would be consummated as you lustfully unboxed and excitedly activated the gleaming device.

But parents beware - a new enemy to morality lurks on the internet.

These days, you can watch high-definition video clips on YouTube of someone else unboxing, fondling, drooling over and even firing up brand new gadgets, without having to undergo the normal courtship procedure.

You can feel the excitement as a virgin Ipod Touch or Canon lens is unboxed, never before turned on, the geek's dream realised and held in their hands. Watch as they sensually fondle and caress the item, laying it carefully to one side as they gently but firmly ravish the contents of the package.

But the gadget itself is not the sole attraction - oh no - there is so much more to relish. A variety of cords, bags, manuals and accessories, each prolongs and enhances the unboxing experience.

It would seem that much of the romance has gone from buying electronics (or almost anything) when done via the internet, as detailed reviews, photographs, descriptions and videos are available to show you almost exactly what to expect. Most of the surprise is gone.

Hard-core gadgets are online - and are undressing right now, for free.

So, do you still prefer to go down to the store and check out your electronics before purchase, or are you more of a net-buyer? Do you watch a lot of reviews and read up on the web before a purchase?

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paul   #1   08:33 am Nov 19 2009

I hate those videos. They just twist the knife. It's like watching some complete freak score with a super-model by complete coincidence.

guy   #2   08:48 am Nov 19 2009

yep net buyer and lots of reviews. the high of unpacking/fondling is usually a lot bigger than actually going to use the thing.

Geoff   #3   09:30 am Nov 19 2009

Research in any way possible. Usually a combination of on the net and by talking to people in store or with experience of the product.

For those bigger purchases where funds are limited it's essential to make the right choice first time.

Courtney   #4   09:39 am Nov 19 2009

I like to read reviews about the item before I buy it. To make sure it's not going to fall apart on me when I start using it.

There's still that indescribable, delicious joy from unwrapping the gift as soon as it arrives, too. The anticipation of knowing what you're going to get is almost as good as staring at it through a window.

Obzen   #5   10:19 am Nov 19 2009

I feel dirty after reading that

paul   #6   12:10 pm Nov 19 2009

Speaking of research... Magnum Mac (in CHC) have some replacement components cheaper online than in-store (iPod chargers that sort of thing) so check the website and order through there rather than going to the shop.

Russell   #7   01:58 pm Nov 19 2009

My experience of NZ technology (and to be honest, many other types of) shops has sadly demonstrated that a lot of the people that work in them are completely ignorant of what they're selling.

So if you want to know about the product, get the info from someone who's actually interested in it. If that's on the Internet, so what?

BATMAN   #8   05:45 pm Nov 19 2009

Its so true, when i got my new ipod touch i watched, with envy, the geeks in the US unboxing and turning on their new touches. was just as exciting when mine arrived in its little brown box... Tech-Filth

amused   #9   03:23 pm Nov 23 2009

Bahahahahahaha

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