We’re all Apple fans. But why? Deep thoughts like that—and 12 reasons—call for a countdown! But don’t worry, we balanced our enthusiasm with a hard-hitting look at the dark side of Apple...
12-THE BEST BUNDLES
When you boot up a brand-new PC, you’re greeted with umpteen offers to buy this security software and that media browser. And oh yeah….Internet Explorer. In contrast, a new Mac greets you with Safari, iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, and a fistful of super-useful utilities for tasks ranging from networking to migrating between machines. Thanks, Apple.
11-NO VIRUSES
Before your Windows-loving friends start talking about Trojan horses and market share, think about this:
OS X is on version 6, right? In that time, how many viruses have taken over your Mac? Uh-huh. But will Macs be virus-free forever? Probably not, but for now, we’re sitting pretty.
10- PODCASTS
Long before iTunes podcast subscriptions were a twinkle in Steve Jobs eye, podcasts were known as webcasts. But then came iPods, which became the perfect way to lug around these
frequently lengthy listens. A journalist dubbed them podcasts, and the moniker stuck. And though Apple didn’t invent them, it did more to push them as everyday downloadables than any other mainstream company. In June 2005, Apple released iTunes 4.9, which let users subscribe to podcasts quickly and freely. We’ve been listening ever since.
9-THE iMAC G4
The iMac G4 might seem like the ugly duckling of
the iMac line dubbed by Mac users everywhere as the lamp one but looks aren’t everything. The Lamp One brought a decreased footprint, a swivel-able screen, and a paradigm-setting whiter-than-snow color scheme to the iMac line.
8- design sense
Back in the day, computers were often limited to the stale outfitting of a beige chassis, and as their innards got faster, their bodies stayed bloated. But Apple changed all this in 1998 with the introduction of the iMac G3. The candy-coloredplastic shell helped distinguish Apple’s focus on design something other
computer companies hadn’t yet considered.
Apple followed suit with the iBook in 1999 and eventually the PowerBook G4 in 2001, a refreshed notebook with a longer battery life and a speedy processor inside a sleek aluminum body. Since then, the hits just keep coming who can forget the small, sleek lines of the Mac mini, the iPhone, the iPod, and even the new Apple TV? All these luscious devices prove that Apple has mastered the art of designing gear that perfectly marries simple yet sexy form with powerful function.
7- Product-announcement events
Everytime Apple holds one of its now-legendary product announcements, the tech world stands still Jobs & Co. know how to tug at our nerdy heartstrings,pacing their words and selective unveilings until the excitement becomes palpable. Don’t even get us started on those "one more things."
6- THE iPOD
In 2001, Apple made what would turn out to be a huge leap from computers to consumer electronics.
The first iPods were Mac-only and held a mere 1,000 songs, but we can’t imagine listening to anything else. Besides, without the iPod, there’d be no iPhone. Rock on!
5-MAC OS X
By taking the raw power of NeXTStep and BSD and rolling it into a user-friendly OS, Apple created a Unix-
based system that’s usable for novices yet still gives super-geeks a powerful base. When released, it was a new robust OS for a new robust company. Today, we’re stoked to see what Lion has in store for us next.OS X, a next.
4-RUTHLESS FUTURISM
Apple is not only ceaseless in its innovation it’s ruthless in its pursuit of it. Apple has helped to usher in
technologies like USB, Wi-Fi, and solid-state memory while inventing its own tech, as seen, for example, in the Magic Mouse and unibody laptops.
But the flip side of the coin exists as well the Cupertino crew eliminates support the instant they deem something outdated. Flash, Macintosh TV, the Mighty Mouse,
floppy drives, FireWire, and even optical drives have all fallen to this sword, often before users were ready to part with them. Ultimately Apple’s single-minded devotion to improvement makes the industry more competitive…and leaves other companies always trying to keep up.
3-THE APP STORE
As much as the iPhone changed the game, the App Store which came a year later in 2008 changed the iPhone from, well, a fancy phone to a handheld computer that can do practically anything, from pointing out constellations in the night sky to making fart sounds.
2-The iPad
Come see our latest creation read Apple’s humble invitation to the iPad unveiling. Since then, the iPad has taken the world and our hearts by storm, becoming one of the fastest-selling gadgets of all time while
changing the way we read books and play music, movies, and games.
1- THE iPHONE
The iPhone has been blowing our minds since its dramatic introduction on January 9, 2007.
Touchscreen interface, amazing web browsing, and effortless multimedia capabilities who knew
a nearly buttonless device could do so much, even before the App Store. It’s the king of the
smartphones, and we’re just its faithful subjects.
