Apple's Dictatorship

Let me begin by clarifying that this is not a slam on Apple. Though I may have strong negative feelings toward the company, I do not wish to be immature or closeminded in attacking them here.

However, I do wish to discuss their company policies/tendencies and see what all of you think.

Why is it Apple feels the need to control everything so closely? I realize the average populace is not bothered by this (hence their ridiculous fan following), but it aggravates me to a great extent.

I understand that Apple has every right to do with their products as they please, but why do they feel the need to control every aspect of their devices? For instance, the iPad does not allow me to download Adobe Flash supposedly because "Programs requiring Adobe Flash use too much battery". Well I'm sorry, that's not their problem. I should be able to download it if I want to. I'll plug it in if I have to, but I want Adobe Flash.

This is just one example, but Apple is super controlling with all of their products. Microsoft is fairly controlling, as well, but not nearly as bad. And Google is completely open, which makes me more and more interested in what they have to offer. I saw a comment recently that stated, "Google just wants to interest me in their Android products. Fat chance!" Why? Apple is literally a dictatorship. You can only use what they say you can use, and that is rather limited where software is concerned. Google lets you use whatever you want! Their products may not work as smooth as Apple's (although I disagree on this point), but they have no restrictions!

I guess I just can't understand why so many people are mindlessly following Apple like it's a god. I love Microsoft and Google because I'm a programmer. They cater to my needs as a developer, where Apple does no such thing. However, I'm not so blinded by this to be unwilling to admit that Microsoft and Google both have failings, and Apple does make some nice products. Apple fanboys will do no such thing, though! They swear by Apple and scoff at all else.

I don't get it. Sad

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"It's not about the legacy you leave, it's about the life you live." ~Mara Jade Skywalker

Master Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 4400 Location: Korriban

@Mara: Believe me, I know. Its really sad. Did you know that Steve Jobs death got more attention than any soldier we had die in our current war? I would be happy to go without an iPad or iPod or anything like that just to know that this current obsession didn't happen. Its horrible and I can't stand people that buy status with a product that is no better than anything PC or Google makes.
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I read once that, whereas in the past, everyone has strong loyalty towards their brand of choice, only two brands in modern times enjoy ferocious loyalty: Apple and Harley Davidson.

Personally, I love my few apple products (iTunes on the PC, and an iPod nano). I've had problems, but the Apple Store is usually pretty good about it.

@Caedus: I wouldn't put too much into the amount of media coverage that Jobs's death got. Anna Nicole Smith's death got far more (Jon Stewart calculated the amount of coverage; the death of ANS was the biggest story of that year, and only slightly less important than 9/11, based on how much time CNN devoted to it). The media just latches on to things. Make no mistake, Gates's death will have as much coverage.
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It was the year of rebirth… the year of great sadness… the year of pain… and the year of joy.
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The year is 2261.
The place: Babylon 5.

Master Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Posts: 1410

I agree that it is rather stupid that Apple products like the iPad don't run flash. However.....what I've grown weary of is the Apple vs PC war. Not the actual products themselves, but among people who buy them. Confused

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I've personally never understood why people say Apple is easier to use. Whenever I've tried to use an Apple I've found basic functions to be maddeningly hard to find whereas PCs don't normally tuck things away (I might take issue with Windows 7 not putting everything in the exact same spot as XP but I'm probably being picky about not wanting to adapt my ways more than anything else).

The thing I dislike most about Apple is how they seem to cater their products lately to the people who need the latest cool toy and therefore focus on adding new features. I believe Dave Barry summed it up nicely in a quote (my paraphrase): "People were excited today about the release of the new iPhone and upon getting theirs at the store immediately lined up outside to await the release of the next iPhone"
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Master Joined: 21 Mar 2010 Posts: 813 Location: Maryland

*starts singing "Why Can't We Be Friends"*
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Master Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 4400 Location: Korriban

I think all have there merits but for different reasons:

Apple - Design and some music organization (SOME)

Linux - programming and base function initiation

PC - Programming and customization as well as balance

As to Steve Jobs, he made some huge advances but he and Gates are both jerks in my eyes. Steve Jobs can be as mad at Adobe as he wants but it is small of the man and limiting of the technology (not that much these days, but still). Overall I prefer PC because I like comparability and price ranges a lot better than anything Apple. Its just more my style and preference and I honestly wish it was more about that for people than status and such. My friend bought a Macbook pro and honest to got believe that makes her superior to PC users in some way. Its fairly representative of that culture and it bothers me.
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Perfection is a lifelong pursuit requiring sacrifice. The only way to get it quicker is to sacrifice the most.

EUC Staff Joined: 09 Nov 2011 Posts: 1204 Location: Nirn

I love Macs. If you love PC's, go for it, I'm not going to tell you off. No offense, but because everyone thinks Apple users think they're superior to PC users, PC users get super defensive and aggressive whenever someone mentions Mac. You make a passing comment "Yeah, this Mac has been really useful. Garageband is awesome" and they'll roll their eyes and tell you why PC's are better. I just want to use a Mac. I don't want to fight.
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Master Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 4400 Location: Korriban

There would likely be no Pixar without Steve Jobs, so my hat's off for him.
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Where sky and water meet,
Where the waves grow sweet,
Doubt not, Reepicheep,
To find all you seek,
There is the utter east.