You have to admire Apple for making so much money. Yet they seem to also retain credibility. They have a fan base that suggests to the world that Apple products are fantastically designed, work intuitively, and are a "lifestyle" accessory.
On the 26th of May it was announced that Apple overtook Microsoft in the league of companies and became the largest "tech" company in the world. Only Exon Mobil are larger.
Often news of Exon or Microsoft is not so good. Its often about how their stuff does not work so well, what nasty people they are, or just another funny picture of Bill Gates. News about Apple is often only good.
What I do not understand are the following:
As the makers of an MP3 player that has moving parts rather than solid state they manage to charge five times the amount of an unbranded product.. In fact all their products are much more expensive, but their packaging is wonderful.
Most of their items are proprietary. This means that they have some element of protection and work best or only work with other apple products. For instance if you want a dock for your iPod, it will have to be an "Apple" dock made under license. No standard usb connections.
They use "cheap" manufacture. Whilst everyone does this - the spotlight has recently been on Apple due to the suicides in their subcontracted factories.
Like everything else - their stuff breaks or becomes obsolescent. iPod's batteries wear out, and it is common for people to mention that they are on their second, third, or fourth product. Such loyalty!
The secret of Apple seems to be their appearance and function - not just packaging, but how their products look and feel. Against other similar products their menus work more intuitively and the "buzz" around the product gives you a feel good factor that can forgive any issues that arise.
The fact remains - they stretch their brand as far as they can. This is about price and profit. Are they about to be uncovered as just another corporate?
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