Live data from Hacker News

Visiting the annual Braun collectors fair

arslan.io

81–87 of 87 posts

Re: Visiting the annual Braun collectors fair

#81

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You got the model right, yes! > decent design it's not "decent design". "Design" is how things work. Button in the lid is bad design, excess poorly fit plastic (which costs some of that $10) is bad design. The kicker here is that it's both bad design and more expensive. > $10 Where you got that from? Quick search shows $20-30+ in most countries, that is mid range and more than other better budget kettles. It's even c…

>That's Xiaomi in my experience Compare it against entire Xiaomi product portfolio and company history, they sell 100s of millions of products per year across different segments, brand is known for quality : price ratio, like IKEA, which has recalls all the time because some SKUs launch with issues. If you follow coffee drama, plenty of high end 100-200 USD kettle's rust. Duds happen. What do you think makes more sen…

Yes, Ikea and others recall products eg. for safety issues. Xiaomi did a recall too for their scooter for similar reasons. Nobody recalls for "bad design" because laws don't require that. Not sure how that helps the fact that design is bad though

(Xiaomi should probably recall this kettle for malfunctioning temp sensor but they don't have that level of responsibility.)

For the prices I saw they are not entry level at any of the rock bottom cheapest online markets in Russia (Yandex), Philippines (Lazada) or China (Taobao). It seems that in UK it sold for 30 pounds at amazon.

And again even at the advertised 69 rmb price that only is true in China you can buy multiple better kettles with sane button placement in China. If you know the prices and salaries there you would hardly call that entry level price for a kettle

The fact that you need to pay even more for a model just with sane button placement (forget other issues) just says it all. They spam white plastic until you don't see the ugly and now they think they're Apple, and apparently some people are buying that marketing. To be Apple you actually have to have good design.

Re: Visiting the annual Braun collectors fair

#82
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sold to Gilette in 1967, expansion into many different areas after. Then, I guess their story is not really unique, they shared the fate of all European household appliance manufacturers — increasing competition from Asian companies, so by the 1990s, Braun was dead. After Procter & Gamble bought them in 2005, it now mostly exists as a brand to be licensed (everything other than shaving and electric toothbrushes).

> they shared the fate of all European household appliance manufacturers Not only household appliance manufacturers but also electronics, mobile phones and whatnot. Philips, Grundig, AEG, Nokia, Bosch are just memories.

Bosch is still going strong - I know them as making mid/high end kitchen appliances and power tools.

Philips still around too, though not the recognizable company it once was (might be doing better financially though?…)

Re: Visiting the annual Braun collectors fair

#83
post #76

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Don't use Amazon for reference, use something like Boots and you'll confirm it immediately.

Alright, here you go https://www.boots.com/oral-b-pro-3-3900--black-and-pink-elec...

Going to the American Boots site is malicious compliance at its finest. I actually lol'd.

Re: Visiting the annual Braun collectors fair

#85
post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> "Miele and Bosch etc are still going strong." Not to mention Phillips, Electrolux (still the world's 2nd largest appliance manufacturer after Whirlpool!), and relative newcomers like Dyson.

You seem knowledgeable about these companies, but can I just please point out that the Dutch company is "PHILIPS" [1] with a single 'L'. I wrote it in all-caps to make it more clear, but see the logo on the linked Wikipedia page of course. Thanks. [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philips

You're quite right, sorry. My uncle worked for Philips back when I was growing up and due to his staff discounts, our house was filled with all their products (back when they made TVs, audio equipment, and even computers), so I should know better!

Now days I'm still loyal to their excellent toothbrushes, beard trimmers, and LED smart lighting products.

Re: Visiting the annual Braun collectors fair

#86
post #76

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Alright, here you go https://www.boots.com/oral-b-pro-3-3900--black-and-pink-elec...

Going to the American Boots site is malicious compliance at its finest. I actually lol'd.

Huh? It goes to the UK Boots site for me. Where Oral-B toothbrushes are definitively called "Oral-B".

Does Boots even operate in the USA? They're part of the same parent company as Walgreens so I'd be surprised if they did.

Re: Visiting the annual Braun collectors fair

#87
post #66

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've seen the small Muji house last year and thought it would be a nice addition in our garden :D

I'm assuming you saw the "hut", there's a few models. https://www.muji.com/jp/mujihut/en.html They have a prefab house as well: https://www.dezeen.com/2020/01/16/muji-yo-no-ie-prefabricate...

Yeah, it was the hut. The other one is pretty cool too. I’d need something like the hut but with a small bathroom. Would be nice for guests.
Post reply on HN