Tiny, tinier, tiniest

In the 2001 spoof comedy “Zoolander,” the lead character shows off a cellphone the size of a small cigarette lighter. Its microscopic dial pad makes it all but impossible for human fingers to key in a number, of course.

But what elicited laughter in cinemas was indeed a satirical punch at a curious phenomenon at the time: the scramble to make cellphones tinier and tinier; in fact so small that they eventually became almost inoperable.

A similar trend can currently be observed in the pod mod arena, with devices tending to consistently shrink in size. However, this happens for much sounder reasons, as a smaller device is easier to carry yet still remains fully functional.

Shenzhen Mlife Technology Co. Ltd. in February launched its headline-inducing M10 closed-system pod device in Las Vegas. Commissioned by Mlife to an unnamed (but Red Dot Award-winning) Korean-Canadian designer, it turned out the size of two US quarters laid side by side and is regarded as one of the tiniest pod mods presently around. Yet it packs a punch and is exceptionally stylish to boot.

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“The M10’s performance [in terms of vapor amount, density, and taste] is fantastic,” asserts Mlife’s sales manager, Kuang Zhaoguang. “But what I like even more is the texture of the [matted, silky-smooth] housing surface and the feeling when you hold it in your hand. It is extremely pocket-friendly and looks smart.”

The patented M10 is good for approximately 300 puffs before battery depletion. Users have a choice between two heating coil versions, one of ceramic, the other utilizing cotton fibers. Besides nicotine-free liquids, nic salt concentrations of 20, 35 and 50mg also are available.

“We recommend mango, strawberry, tobacco, ice mint, caffé latte, or ice wine as flavor choices, but have of course many additional flavor options ready, too,” Kuang says.

But why did the M10 have to turn out so dwarfish? “It’s what wholesalers and end-users want. Searching for a ‘cool’ disposable pod device, many of them have become bored with normal-looking, run-of-the-mill models,” insists Kuang. “Besides, it’s no longer rocket science to create a functional pod device. But to innovate a great one with a unique look requires hard work. It took us months to finalize the M10. It’s comparable to what has transpired in the smartphone industry. Once the performance has been perfected, design is all that matters forthwith.” Derek Zoolander certainly would approve.