How Apple Became Microsoft (or How Apple Became Sony)

I never thought I’d actually be where I am tonight. I’ve been an avid Apple consumer since 1998 when I bought my first Mac from a thrift store (Quadra 605). I loved that machine. And, from using that Mac, I fast became a ‘Mac User.’ I constantly found myself upgrading to the latest hardware, bought programs, etc. Since then, I’ve been the unofficial Apple Marketing one-man team. I’ve gotten friends, family members, and sometimes complete strangers to switch to Mac. I think it’s possible I’ve convinced over 50 people to either stay Mac or switch to Mac.  

Well, starting tonight, I am disgruntled. This Unoffical Apple Marketing Team has just closed shop.So, what was that ‘last straw’?I recently purchased the third generation Nano. I also bought the iPod Touch.Today, I purchased Griffin’s Air Dock video iPod Dock for a low $34.99 from Target. I was happy that it was so cheap, and it comes with a remote and video cable! Much to my disappointment, the VIDEO-OUT does not work!Well, it seems that Apple DEACTIVATED that feature from all new iPods. You cannot TURN ON Video Out on the Nano’s menu because the new Nano has a software lock that only allows video out with the latest Apple hardware (namely their new component dock and a handful of new Apple Certified equipment).

So, that was the last straw. Here are the other ’straws’ :iPod Classic also does not Video-Out unless you have $50 for that cable or $99 for the dock.iPod Touch lacks all the programs that the iPhone has (Because AT&T now has Apple obeying them)iPod Touch also requires new dockiPod Touch does not mount on desktop Ringtones cost an additional .99¢ (that’s $1.99 total to buy a song AND to make a ringtone out of music you OWN!!!!!!! ) No removeable batteries on iPods (might be an aesthetic choice, but now I’m starting to doubt that) Sucky Selection of Movies in their Movie Store because Hollywood is also evil, but still… Apple, your video selection sucks. You need to compromise some on how much you want. DRM (sorry, this belongs here too because even though I am against illegal downloading, this is fast becoming a hardship for RIGHTFUL use of music we paid for!!!) I’ll leave it there, there are some bigger offenses i’m forgetting, but let me get to the crux:How did Apple become what we all hate?

Well, in the past, products changed because of innovation. That came at a price, as with all computer makers, Moore’s Law went into effect. Old hardware was left in the dust, new hardware was constantly introduced. But, i’m starting to believe that this isn’t the only thing factoring in for Apple anymore. Now, innovation is constantly mingled in with greed. 

“Hey, hey, Steve… how about if we make the new iPods incompatible with the older accessories.” “Why, what are you getting at Phil?”   “Well, think about it. We have the world under our spell. They love our products! They can’t get enough of our technology. Now, what are they going to care if we make a new dock. They’ll just see it as a necessary upgrade. Meanwhile, we make a whole new $99 off of everyone who wants it”  ”Yea. That’s great Phil, I like that idea. I love money, my God!” “Mmmm. Money.”  ”Hey, while we are at it, why don’t we also downgrade the iPod Touch’s features. That way, if someone wants to use the Mail app that’s already on the iPhone, they have to also buy the iPhone!!”    Phil smiles, “Man! forget Money. I love you Steve!”