"I just want a simple cell phone …"

Despite high-tech companies’ attempts to peddle hybrid devices that combine everything from televisions and computers to cell phones and Web browsers, America is just saying no–for now. Consumers cite the high prices of such devices and their poor functionality as the main reasons why they avoid many combination products. They would rather pay for two separate devices that perform well at their functions than a hybrid that does both poorly.

But that won’t stop the designers and engineers from trying, according to The Wall Street Journal. Companies are convinced that hybrid products have potential appeal to a huge audience and, because of their increased functionality, can be priced to make a tidy profit. So expect to see more attempts at building the perfect monster–one that can e-mail, browse the Web, make phone calls, and more–until consumers decide when technology has met their demands.

Illustration © Digital Vision.

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