Apple's shine

I recently wrote a commentary on Apple Computer, and how new entrants in the digital music business were just polishing Apple's brand, at least in the short term. The column, which can be found on MarketWatch.com, prompted a number of readers to respond. Many readers are Apple enthusiasts, I've gathered. Many agreed that Apple's brand is a status symbol, but many pointed out that Apple's OS (free of spyware) is the draw as much as the hardware design. Some wanted me to be more expansive and specific about the compatibility of Apple's Shuffle with other music formats, like MP3, MP3 VBR, etc. (Thanks to Rob Labatt, CEO of eZBoard for format info.) Fair enough. Others did not agree with my conclusion that there are comparable Apple products out there that are cheaper and offer just as many features. True, they may not be perfect comparisons, but my comparisons were done based on my specifications and needs. Apparently, some people need more graphics capabilities and other robust features. The reason for this blog is that I cannot possibly respond to all the readers, but their comments are worth noting. So, I hope the readers will take time to respond on this blog. Thanks

Comments

[Biggie]

Bambi, you're so cool, you're so hot...

[tiffany]

You must be part Filipino. I know a lot of Bambis here in Manila.

[Keith Williamson]

1.  The ipods (shuffle, mini and regular) can play music from the iTunes music store, plus any music ripped from CDs.  The majority of people buying these products are converting their existing CD collections into more portable, convenient collections.  This holds true for all of the digital music players (Apple, Creative, Rio, iRiver, etc).

2.  Apple computers:  People pay a premium for higher quality hardware, true.  But it is mostly for the software.  OS X (mac's operating system) is free of spyware, viruses, and all of the other junk currently hurting PC users computers.  Plus, the included iLife suite is unmatched in the PC world.  These are the BIG reasons people use Apple products.

Otherwise, your article was good.  I just think it's important to know we use Macs not just because they are "cool".  Though, that being said, they are pretty cool.

-keith

[Tone]

Clearly there were plenty of portable audio devices in the market before Apple. The key oppty Apple siezed upon was introducting the well designed iTunes store. Has it escaped you that iTunes store sold well over 100m songs and that a seamless integration of a store with over 700K track library might have something to do with Apples taking ownership of this market?

[Tone]

Make that 300m songs.

[David]

I don't think the article was divisive or unclear, if that was you concern.

That said, I bought an Apple iMac after years of owning various PC products. My first computer was a Apple IIe that my father bought in the early 1980's. While old, I used it to write many college papers and two master thesis!

Personally, I know I paid a bit of a premium for an Apple. I bought an Apple due to its reputation for solid state hardware and unique style. I'm very please with the purchase; I use .mac for software updates/upgrades and I love the dependable service support I get from Apple.

Bambi, I guess going back to Apple for me was like when I bought a Saab years ago. I wanted a Saab after having a very dependable Honda for years. The Saab was my first "cool" and "status" car. It also broke down A LOT and I finally had to get rid of the money pit on wheels(!). I went back to Honda. I went with a brand and a quality product I felt I could trust. No regrets.

Maybe there will be other products with similar product lines (Samsung?), but (for me) I believe the quality and unique style of Apple products will keep me as a customer for years to come.

I simply hope Apple keeps up their quality control and innovative style!