The cardboard box end table

I just read an interesting article on Wired.com about people who can’t resist the urge to use Apple‘s wonderfully designed packaging materials in odd ways, such as furniture. I’ll admit that the times that we’ve received new mac hardware in the office I’ve had a longing to keep the boxes sitting around me, available for my every glance, but I’m not sure that I would use them as furniture. You have to draw the line somewhere.
I also go back and forth with myself over what it is about Apple and their products that inspires such a lust-like desire to own them. I’m man enough to admit that on several occassions I’ve had daydreams about receiving a PowerMac G5 and seeing it sitting on my front porch when I get home. I’ve imagined what it would be like to take it out of the box, and the design of the box isn’t a small part of that daydream. Is it the love of the products that makes you crave them, or is it the beauty of their marketing? I think it’s both really. As cool as the new Mighty Mouse is, it’s just a mouse. But look at that box! Doesn’t it make you want one? I rest my case.
Either way, my wife Kristen can rest at east, because I don’t plan on collecting apple boxes and using them for furniture. Nope, I’ll decorate with their hardware, the boxes will stay in the attic.