steven n fettig's Jitterin' Thoughts

There has been much ado about Apple's new packaging of products like iLife and when I just received my copy, I had to comment. What the heck took so long? I've never understood the ridiculous wastefulness of the way software has been packaged over the years. We rarely receive any documentation with software anymore, so what use is it packaging it in a textbook sized box? The sad part, however, was the box it came in. It was still your standard 8"x11"x5" box. I guess it is a start, though.
I've tried to complain to companies like CDW (one of my biggest suppliers of tech equipment) about the huge packages that I get for parts like RAM (why is RAM shipped in a shoe-box?), but have had no luck. They state it is because of inventory control. Okay - I understand, but with all of the technology we have these days, aren't there easier ways of controlling whether or not something walks out of your warehouse without being paid for? Or if it is a problem with the shipping companies, isn't there a way to simply say no and tell them that they have to learn to deal with shipping smaller packages without them also walking away?
For all the defending I do of our country and culture, this is one area where we are extremely guilty of unnecessary excess that can easily be changed without changing our habits. Hopefully this will start a small revolution.