I thought I’d explain why I hold a rather strong hatred for Apple products and how Apple operates as a whole.

Let’s look back at how Microsoft worked on the PC market. The main thing Microsoft created was the operating system, the base which everything else runs off of. While the code, or what makes up the operating system, was closed, Microsoft provided multiple application languages for people to create applications for the OS. On top of those languages, others created sub-languages, which allowed for developers to create applications how they wanted. Microsoft also allowed third parties to create hardware as they wished, which is why we have a wide array of companies (Gateway, Dell, Acer, HP, Logitech, Microsoft, + hundreds of others) which provide drivers which plug into the OS which makes everything function. So, in essence, Microsoft created an open marketplace for third parties to flourish and innovate, making PCs in all forms [traditional towers, slimline, all-in-ones, netbooks, laptops] and with all levels of functionality [basic uses, gaming, photo editing, video editing, etc.] at any price point [300, there’s a PC. 600, PC. 900 PC. 15,000 dollars, PC].

Now, let’s look at how that compares with Apple and their computers. Apple computers are made alone by one company, Apple, and only operated one OS, Mac OS, for the better part of their existence. Now, during the last five years they have shifted to hardware which can run Windows, but most of their users don’t need that functionality. Now, Apple may use third party hardware in their PCs, but they hold complete control of what goes into them. Since Apple does not have competition, because they are the only ones which run Mac OS, they can hold their prices where they want, which is why their least expensive PC, which a screen and keyboard, will cost you 999 + tax. Now, if you buy something with a little more advanced hardware, you’re talking 1500 and more. A powerhouse workstation, that’s more than 2000. Now, this wouldn’t be bad if apples to apples costs were equal, but equal hardware in a PC usually costs you 2/3’s of the cost.

Also, we have the mobile marketplace. While open options exist (Android, Michelle’s Phone), there’s also the iPhone, which like Apple’s mainstay, is completely closed out from the rest of the marketplace. Apple forces developers into using only one programming language, all applications MUST be approved by them, and if you want an Apple iPhone, you have a very limited set of options that come from one company and have no alternatives with the same OS. As well, any applications you buy from Apple for the iPhone only work on the iPhones. If you compare this with Android, for example, you can buy the same OS on a wide array of phones, costing anywhere from 99 bucks to a few hundred on contract, and get quality applications which, if you choose to switch to a different Android phone, will come with you. If you want to have a giant phone, you have an option. Physical keyboard, there’s an option. Small, there’s an option. But iPhone? You have only one option.

While I may be tempted by their beauty, and their slickness, Apple would not be my first choice for that reason. Their mobile platform is locked down and everything MUST be approved by them, and their hardware is overly priced and also rather locked down. I’d rather choose from an open market where I can get what I want, not what they WANT me to want.

I mean, would you have bought the Chevy Avalanche if you had to use Chevy brand oil, Chevy tires, Chevy windshield wipers, could only go to Chevy dealerships for absolutely any car work, only use Chevy soap with Chevy rags to wash the car, and absolutely anything that went into the car had to be Chevy approved, like even as plastic cup in the cup holder?