While I’m widely known to be deep and long in Apple stuff, I like to think I’ve become this way for practical and aesthetic reasons. That said I’m no Apple evangelist. I will admit drawbacks and limitations in the products I own and use.
Since the release of the iPhone, I’ve followed the loudly vocal debate between the advocates of Apples approach and their many and varied opponents amongst technical literati, open source advocates and folks who just want something that Apple didn’t include. A few things seem notable, especially in light of this week’s debut of the iPad.
1. If the feature you want is not included, whatever that is, it can be hard to get over that. In my case, I’ve got devices and computing—well, covered. So with the iPad, I was interested, but I hardly was expecting myself to want one since there aren’t any “features” I feel I need, period. After thinking the iPad over, I’ll say I’m very interested.
2. If you can’t add kernel extensions, play FLAC files or set the default keyboard to dvorak, the thing is a failure.
3. I saw over a half dozen posts about the “dangerous threat” of Apple moving towards “closed,” such as the app store. “Computers were designed to be open…” Last time I checked, you can build a linux box for a weeks lunch money. No? Just because Apple wants to build devices with a controlled UI does not in any way cause you lose open computing. It’s just not what Apple does.
4. No flash? No comment, not worth the breath.
5. No upgradable parts? Why would that matter if the device can do what most users need it to? You can always design and build your own if you want/can.
6. Windows? Any current Macintosh computer is a viable PC, seems like we forget that. Not iPhone/iPad? Would you want Windows Mobile, really?
7. Again, if you want something Apple doesn’t provide, there are unlimited opportunities to buy, design or build what you want. Why is Apple bad for not building it the way you think it should be?
8. FUD. Somehow this is like telling me it’s the bartender’s fault I got drunk [which in many places in our country it is.] If you feel that Steve Jobs has brainwashed consumers into buying his under-featured, closed-sourced, limited, un-upgradable products against their best interests, shame on them for buying the stuff. I hold everyone responsible personally for anything they pulled the trigger on and bought. If Apple products don’t do what you need, don’t buy them.
9. Apple is way more expensive. This issue is subjective. If you don’t think the products are worth the money, no worries. In my case, I know how much time I spend in a Windows or Linux environment to accomplish what I do on a Mac. Macs do what I need best. That’s not you, just me.
10. Design, oh that?
