Hardware Reviews - does the packaging really matter?

[jim]

I know it's pathetic, but is it only me that gets really fed up with hardware reviewers who feel the need to discuss at length the packaging that the item comes in? Does it really, honestly matter?

I think they might just be taking the opportunity to show off their literary prowess, because the people who do it nearly always sound like they're about to burst into poetry... or are looking for a job in marketing.

You know the kind of thing I'm talking about...

"the stunning neon blue and pink packaging suggests that this product is really designed for the pro user"
"they've provided a useful, yet also modern, plastic window which enables you to catch a glimpse of this gorgeous tandem of plastic and metal"
"turning the box over, you can find incredibly detailed performance information, mind-blowing marketing slogans informing us that this is the best invention since the wheel, a breathtaking bit of design in the cardboard sliding lock mechanism (which kept the box closed during transit), and a very attractive barcode"

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I know it's pathetic, but is it only me that gets really fed up with hardware reviewers who feel the need to discuss at length the packaging that the item comes in? Does it really, honestly matter?

I think they might just be taking the opportunity to show off their literary prowess, because the people who do it nearly always sound like they're about to burst into poetry... or are looking for a job in marketing.

You know the kind of thing I'm talking about...

"the stunning neon blue and pink packaging suggests that this product is really designed for the pro user"
"they've provided a useful, yet also modern, plastic window which enables you to catch a glimpse of this gorgeous tandem of plastic and metal"
"turning the box over, you can find incredibly detailed performance information, mind-blowing marketing slogans informing us that this is the best invention since the wheel, a breathtaking bit of design in the cardboard sliding lock mechanism (which kept the box closed during transit), and a very attractive barcode"

It would also be nice if during CPU reviews the reviewers could even be bothered in most cases to take a picture of the CPU cooler itself.

This will be useful for people to know the size of the cooler and whether they need to get a different one or not.

[kalniel]

I know it's pathetic, but is it only me that gets really fed up with hardware reviewers who feel the need to discuss at length the packaging that the item comes in? Does it really, honestly matter?

To some buyers, yes. But mostly from a functional or accessory inclusion point.

[jim]

Oh I can understand that, it's the aesthetical analysis that really gets me. This obsession with describing every nuance of the packaging's design, as if it's an important part of a review.

[shaithis]

I agree that the packaging doesn't matter a damn......but it's an easy way to get that word count up when you need some "fluff"

[jim]

This is the paragraph I read this morning that instigated this thread:

The Noctua S12B is presented in similar fashion to the previous Noctua fans. The box lists the key features of the S12B along with giving a sneak preview of the case through a clear window section. At this stage we know that the new case follows on from previous editions, using the same trademark branding of beige and maroon. Reversing the box we find some further details on the features the S12B takes advantage of. In the top left hand corner there is a small label marked “open”. Opening this panel reveals two-pages of in depth information regarding the technologies and methods used in the implementation of this fan. All of the information on the packaging is informative and presented in an eye-catching manner.

Useful

[mycarsavw]

The site that has written that review (I read it myself this morning and thought the same thing!) is also giving readers a chance to win a new NF-S12B FLX - very simple method of entering too.

[jim]

The site that has written that review (I read it myself this morning and thought the same thing!) is also giving readers a chance to win a new NF-S12B FLX - very simple method of entering too.

Yes, credit to this thread.

[mishima]

I'm the author of that review article and I understand your point but I'm unsure why you see it as such a problem?

We are asked to do this by manufacturers. Just like each stage of a product you have to give a rundown of how it arrives. Packaging is as much a part of the product as anything else. A lot of time goes into packaging believe it or not.

The reviews on our website usually only briefly describe the packaging and then move on, by no means do we blabber on about it.

[scaryjim]

I think it's worth knowing what to expect from the packaging of a product, although the example is certainly a little excessive for my tastes! But I definitely want to know if my expensive graphics card is shipping in a flimsy sleeve or a solid card box or an aluminium flight case, and I want to know what extras I get when I open the box...

In fact, I think hexus do this just right - several photo's, and a brief paragraph about anything particularly noteworthy

[Haiku32]

I don't see the problem if they are only spending a few sentences describing the packaging. I'd rather a review covered all aspects than just went into details of a few. Sure packaging isn't all that important in this industry (no ones ever going to buy a new £200 graphics card just because of the pretty packaging), but it's good that they at least mention it.

[Gibbo]

by no means do we blabber on about it.

so how would you describe all that tosh up there then ^^^^ ?

if that's not 'blabbering on' then I don't know what might be

[mishima]

I think it's worth knowing what to expect from the packaging of a product, although the example is certainly a little excessive for my tastes! But I definitely want to know if my expensive graphics card is shipping in a flimsy sleeve or a solid card box or an aluminium flight case, and I want to know what extras I get when I open the box...

In fact, I think hexus do this just right - several photo's, and a brief paragraph about anything particularly noteworthy

Right and the article that I wrote wasn't brief regarding the packaging?

[Haiku32]

so how would you describe all that tosh up there then ^^^^ ?

if that's not 'blabbering on' then I don't know what might be

He wrote 4 lines on the packaging. Takes all of about 15 seconds to read and if that's too much of your precious time to waste you can easily skip past it.

I'm not really understanding what you are complaining about. If he was writing half a page on the packaging and a few lines on the product then I would agree with you, but if he isn't compromising the stuff that everyone wants to read and is just adding extra details which some people might be interested in then fine by me.

[zaphox]

Yeah it annoys me too. I just want to know the key facts, trawling through pages of OCD induced nonsense winds me up.

[jim]

I'm the author of that review article and I understand your point but I'm unsure why you see it as such a problem?

We are asked to do this by manufacturers. Just like each stage of a product you have to give a rundown of how it arrives. Packaging is as much a part of the product as anything else. A lot of time goes into packaging believe it or not.

The reviews on our website usually only briefly describe the packaging and then move on, by no means do we blabber on about it.

I'm not criticising you, and fair enough that the manufacturers ask you to do it. I just find it pretty pointless, and usually quite funny

Also, it's something that I've seen for ages, this is a general complaint - I only quoted that article because it was the most recent example I'd read.