Our Obsession Drives Apple’s Success
We all have it. This weird obsession with Apple. Whether we love or hate them, we are obsessed with everything they do. I know that some of the haters out there will deny that until they are blue in the face, but in a strange way, it proves my point. Let me explain, you clicked your way over to this article because it said Apple in the title and that is always an attention grabber. When you read this article, you will most likely do one of two things: 1. nod your head in agreement or 2. read it and create a counter argument for each point. But either way, you are reading this article.
I have found that simply discussing an Apple product, rumor, or flaw is a sure-fire way to make an article more popular. I mean, we have websites dedicated to covering Apple almost exclusively (if not exclusively). MacRumors, AppleInsider, 9to5Mac, TheAppleBlog, CultofMac… should I continue? Because I can: TUAW, MacSlice. I think I’ll stop now. These sites can (and have) survived solely on covering Apple. There isn’t the same sex appeal with Dell, HP, LG, Motorola, etc. as there is with Apple. But it doesn’t stop there.
It isn’t just about sex appeal though. Sure, Apple builds some sleek products that look great just about anywhere you take them – there is no denying that. There are other factors involved too. Price is another. People either make either of the following arguments when it comes to Apple’s pricing structure, a.) you are paying a premium price for a premium product and support. b.) you can get the same (or better) product for less from another company. And again, we are brought back to talking about Apple. People can debate (and have debated) that one topic for years now. At the end of the day, people are still talking about Apple and really that is all that matters.
The great Windows vs OS X debate is another factor. I would say up until OS X (10.5) Leopard, I would still prefer Windows. But now, I use OS X (Snow Leopard) almost exclusively. Of course, OS X only works (legally) on an Apple made computer. Yet another fiery topic that us geeks love to talk and yell (in some cases) about, but you know what? We ended up talking about Apple again. The funny part is, most of the time throughout these conversations, Apple is the focal point. It normally focuses on these facts: Apple only supports their own computers, OS X should be allowed to run on PC’s, Apple only supports Mac’s so they have better control over the environment and thus can provide a better overall experience. Often times Windows isn’t even mentioned. If it is mentioned, it’s only for comparative purposes such as Windows can do that too or does this better.
Mobile is another topic where Apple will come up. The iPhone has become the de facto comparison phone. Everything not iPhone is typically referred to as the next iPhone killer. Just putting even more attention on the iPhone itself. Also, you wouldn’t want to forget the the iPod which is the only really worthwhile MP3 player to own. Even most Apple haters might agree with that statement. Even though it seemed Apple faltered with the whole antenna issue, the iPhone 4 was still the most successful product launch they ever had with over 3 million units sold already. People also loved talking about that.
When it’s not about pricing, operating systems, or mobile devices it usually revolves around the naming of their products. We always hear: “Why is everything always iThis and iThat?” Does that even matter? The childish uproar over the name “iPad” is evidence of that, but hey, everyone was talking about it and the iPad is flying off the shelves. Why didn’t anyone care that Microsoft is calling Windows 7, when it is really Windows 6.0 (in terms of builds)? I mean, that seems silly when you think about it.
Whether it’s Apple’s sleek products, elegant designs, hipness, premium prices, or maybe it’s just Steve Jobs. You are all obsessed. Me included. Apple is at the point now where people know what to expect from their products. The more people talk about them (haters included) the better they will do. If you don’t like that, stop talking. However, I can’t guarantee that will work. The express train is already rolling and running full speed ahead.