What Are Gateway Technologies?

Gateway technologies entice curious onlookers who are afraid of the ramifications of using or purchasing new technology because of the possible side effects of doing so [just like gateway drugs]. They're usually smaller both in size and cost to their big brother counterparts and this "smallness" is the major enabling factor that gets new users to try them. But once the curious onlooker takes his first hit of the technology he's hooked and wants more. Case in point, Apple. With their new myself to purchase them because I'm not putting out a lot of money and the machine isn't going to take up much space on my work area. So even if I hate it I can still live with it without it taunting me every day because of it doesn't have an enormous presence in my environment. So if I like the machine and it outperforms my Windows based machines then I'd definitely consider purchasing a larger more powerful model. But if I don't like it then it's really no big deal because now I just have a small machine that looks cute and Shuffle. If they like it then they can always buy the iPod and another user is created. My Predictions We'll be seeing lots more in the way of small form factors and low prices enticing folks to use their "gateway technology" products. I chose to look at Apple because of the amount of press their new products are getting and knowing it's something everyone can relate to, even those who aren't already Marketing Shift blog.