I have experienced nearly identical conversations with almost every student I've talked to in the first week of school. Typical questions like, "How was your summer?" and "What classes are you taking?" seem to be the easiest thing for everyone to talk about. However, this fall we find ourselves with another hot topic: the new computers. The majority of students have received Lenovo ThinkPads, much to the dismay of the student populations I have come into contact with. Select majors including Art and Science programs have received Mac computers, making them then envy of the campus.
This leads me to wonder, What Makes Apple So Cool? Apple products are user friendly and fairly simple to figure out, which may be the main reason they are so popular. They are also beautifully designed, and just seeing them makes you want to pick one up and play with it, which ultimately may lead to purchasing one.
Apple adds to the popularity of the products by making grand events out of introducing new products. Product launches seem so exciting because of Apple's secrecy, leaking nothing about their new products until the launch.
Apple products typically cost more, creating a status symbol out of the products. It's true that you get what you pay for, because you end up with an arguably better product as well as something to show off to your friends and even complete strangers.
While there will always be a competition between Apple and PC's, Apple seems to be leading the way in innovation and creating new products. In the end, it comes down to personal preference and using products that truly fit your needs.
Ain't that the truth? Apple puts time and energy into developing the best of the best, whereas other companies (Windows, Lenovo, etc.) work to keep up with the demands of the time. I think it entertaining that we have to sacrifice one feature for another, and yet Apple just incorporates them all (for half the weight). This computer change has challenged many of the dynamics on campus. What about students who completed their music minor? Do they get the Apple? A freshmen who just came in for the Library Science minor...do they receive an Apple? The demands of technology will always be a topic of conversation, as you discovered. Where will this lead campus (that is the question).
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