Why I'm an Apple Fanboy, and You Should Be, too

Photo by Dawn Endico. (License: Creative Commons Attribution)

The term "Apple fanboy" is used by some to deride and reject anyone who defends Apple from criticism, as if merely labeling someone as a fanboy automatically invalidates anything they have to say. I am an Apple fanboy. I admit it, and I am here to take that term back, if it was ever used in any other way than as a pejorative, and explain why I am said term.

I am an apple fanboy for one simple reason that so very many people seem to not understand: Apple understands that people should have what Stephen Fry calls an "emotional relationship" with their computers, MP3 players, and even phones. Those devices, through their hardware and software design, through how their form and function (and how they meet), should inspire their owner.

These devices should not feel like a commodity, like it was designed and manufactured by a lifeless robot with no humanity, as almost all PCs and other personal electronics do. They should inspire in the same way as a finely crafted, handmade piece of furniture, its craftsman's uniqueness oozing out every time you look at it, and use it. The device's design should be of utmost importance to its designer.

Using a different analogy, Apple's products are like a fine chef's creations, each designed for its own purpose, and almost with a sign on top that its creator cares about its taste and presentation. Most other consumer devices, though, are simply fast food, or a chain restaurant, no focus on the design and function of the product, but rather just on its price. Commodity versus individually designed and made. Mass manufacturing versus creativity. The central difference is this: an Apple product inspires people to look beyond just the price tag, which other companies just cannot do.

That is not to say that other companies cannot create products that do this, that have that same focus involved. Here is where you come in. When consumers begin demanding this focus in products -- and they are, as Apple's recent success shows -- companies will respond, or die. If you appreciate someone who actually cares about the products they are creating and selling, rather than just how much units they can move, you should demand it from all companies. Apple's success forces change throughout the entire industry.

So maybe you hate Apple. Fine. Fair enough. But at least respect that they are changing the consumer electronics industry for the better.

It takes nothing more, in my eyes, to be an Apple fanboy.

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