Much of January was taken up by being told Apple were about to launch a ‘tablet’, and hearing that the device would probably look like a massive iPhone. A short time later Apple launched a tablet that looked like a massive iPhone. The funniest thing I read about this was that Apple are really good at keeping secrets. Actually, like all good suspense writers, Apple recognise that knowing what is coming next is much more exciting and scary than not knowing. And like with the thirteenth viewing of Psycho, we fell for it. There was the usual devotional fervour around the release of the newest piece of super metal.

But this year more than any, Apple’s mad circus gave me the impression that it would be nice if we stopped fetishising consumer electronics. These products have in the main led to us being able to listen to music and watch films in different places more easily, or write PowerPoint presentations on a train. Of course, I think technology is cool, luxurious and exciting, and boy do I want most of it. Using my HTC Hero makes me feel like I’m living in the future. And people should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour by spending money on marvellous new gizmos. But can we please get real about the extent to which these products signify progress? They released a computer and it’s front page news. Even if it’s a ‘third’ category device – not quite a phone, not quite a laptop - that's an odd state of affairs.

Instead it would be nice to get excited about the conditions under which these technologies would become socially more radical. I’m not sure what these conditions are exactly, but they probably involve a reasonably lax approach to patents, copyright and access to the nuts and bolts of how the technology works. They would be the conditions under which really smart people can leech off the incredible power of these tiny music players. Real corporate social responsibility from technology companies involves making themselves platforms through which people can use the power of technology for good.

I’m not having a go at Apple specifically – I use a Mac. I get as excited as the next loser about new Apple products. To the extent that they live up to this responsibility, I’m not criticising electronics companies at all. Just the kind of attention we give them. I’d like it if we were realistic about the social significance of consumer electronics and how we can make them contribute to the world getting better, not just cooler.

See you in the queue for an iPad.

(If you’re keen on such things you could do worse than heading over to the Open Rights Group, who spend their time campaigning on similar issues.)

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