To Apple or not to Apple?

What can I say, times have changes since I got my first Walkman in the mid-1980s. Back then, consumer technology was generally focused on providing entertainment in audio and video formats. The hardest thing to do back then was use a TV remote. Nowadays, technology is ubiquitous and we use it for everything from music to communication. Back then, shopping for technology usually involved a trip to the department store or the Hi-Fi shop. I believe it was “Maison Sony” in my home town of Montreal that was the first brand to try its hand at having its own dedicated consumer technology store. And for many years, when Sony was the Apple of today, Maison Sony raked in the cash. Oh my, how times have changed. Now Apple has stores everywhere. People have iPhone, iPads, i-everything. But let’s focus on mobile phones.

Before doling out your money, be honest with yourself and ask what the purpose of your purchase is. Ask yourself what you really are buying your device for. Next, define a good budget, one you can afford. Remember that nowadays, it isn’t just the initial cost of the device that you are paying for. You have to consider monthly charges, media charges e.g.: iTunes, and the incredibly annoying repair and replacement fees. Finally, what is more important for you, style or functionality? Increasingly, we are sold devices that are supposed to improve our lifestyle and images. Is it really better to look cool or be kick-ass functionality wise?

Apple has really been riding a massive wave of popularity that is largely the result of its focus under Steve Jobs to create devices that were the epitome of cool design, functional excellence, and dependability. But like Sony back in the day, Apple devices come at a premium, and it is sometimes worth exploring whether the premium you pay for a device outweighs the advantages.

Without further ado, here is my point form shopping guide for Apple vs the world.

1) Cool factor: Go Apple 2) Price: Go with anything else but Apple! 3) Functionality: Draw; it really depends on your needs. 4) Security: I like Blackberry here. 5) Portability (going global): I kind of like Android, but it is really provider dependent. 6) Apps: Definitely Android for apps, Apple’s scheme has scared away many developers 7) Durability: It’s a tough one here. But given that Apple screens have a tendency to crack often, I will go with Samsung and Sony devices 8) Provider: This is the hardest question. Docomo for signal and out of country service. Softbank for being a forward thinking progressive company (and for having iPhone). au, a solid cheaper provider that has a decent range of products, including iPhone. 9) Customer Service: None of the above. Softbank stores can be a nightmare at times, but then again, so can Docomo ones. 10) Compatibility: Apple loses to everyone on this. Android phones are far more versatile.

So there is no clear winner here. It really depends on what you want out of your phone. I do feel that people are paying a slight premium for Apples products because it is considered cooler right now. Good for Apple. Let’s hope they do a better job than Sony as technology giants.

© Japan Today