:: Gulam Zilani ::
Ever since Apple first introduced to the world the very first one housed system the iMac back in 1998, we have had a spur of updates on the design and its numerous hardware changes. 12 years on, Apple still produces these wonderful devices that simply look elegantly, work superbly and to be honest is just perfect for majority of the users out there. There are just a few problems though. It’s not popular enough within organisations so that user can get accustomed to using the devices and platform. One of the many reasons for this is that the Operating System is not really what would be described as “user friendly” interface or non-logical names. The use of simple terminology is not used often enough for people to understand the system. Followed by inherent confusion of the toolbar – is it the applications toolbar or is it the system toolbar. No matter how badly I love the looks of the device from the original iMac to the latest glossy piece of work – I just can’t bring myself to owning one. Not just because of its inherent issues as mentioned above. But for the following reasons below. Upgradeability:Only Apple can do it at an extortionate rate. User interface:Yes its crystal clear – but illogical design – that said the age old argument of why we should click on Start to shut our machine down is still an issue from Microsoft – those boys in Redmond really should start thinking about fixing this. So should Apple as it goes. Hardware choices:Ok I’m not complaining about the recent choices of chipset, graphics card etc etc. Its all fine, in fact better than fine – its great – so all you Apple fans can put down your pitch forks and carving knives. The recent to ship with i5 chips and appropriate graphics card and memory have certainly improved marketing and sales viability. Not to mention the screen. Not too shabby I must say. Crystal clear, smooth – but still finding the whites a bit off balance; more like egg white? Was this down to the graphics card or the display itself? Software:Im not particularly a fan of the Apple operating system – whether its Leopard (which is more like Leopard in a leotard), Tiger or whatever comes to there minds (what will happen when they run out of names of cats??) – I still find the interface dull, unexciting, and lacking in colour and depth. A bit like the British weather in a cold winter day. Having said that Microsoft Windows isn’t all that better. Bright and sparkly enough to blind the soul who uses the system. Having said that there is a huge thumbs up to Apple for their Dock system. Absolutely fantastic and beats Windows Quick Launch toolbars any day.Peripherals:While l like and not love the Might Mouse form Apple, I also loathe the current Keyboard. It’s a typist nightmare. Hand that over to Microsoft though, and you’re in the same ball of twists where their peripherals are exciting as the monthly security patches you need for Windows 7, Vista and XP. For such items we are glad of companies like Logitech who have actually given thoughts to its usage, comfort and practicality. Price:Last but not least in my books is the price. Apple has fast become an expensive “tool” to keep – and marketing towards the rich. And if you’re not rich enough to own one, why not raid your piggy bank to own one. Whether it’s an iPod, iPad, iPhone, iMac – or even an “I owe you” sticker; its becoming to far out of reach for the average consumer. Pricing for a low end specified iMac begins from £999, while an offline iPhone 4 sets you back the same. Maybe that’s why it’s located in Regents Street, where the “white collar” man/women will shop, as opposed to Oxford Street where the “blue collar” man would be. Pointless targeting customers there who would simply browse and walk away as it’s “out of there budget”. Well Mr Jobs, it’s the very reason that you will find Microsoft and their partners standing high above you when it comes to consumer and retail marketing. The products meets requirements’, is very much customisable, and above all affordable. Which brings me on to Lenovo’s ultraslim ThinkCentre 91z. The product may not be like Apple or dressed in Apple white colours, but does have that all-in-one feature. Packed with Intel i7 chip, 8GB memory, 1TB harddrive, 1GB AMD Radeon HD 6650, 2MP HD web camera, 6 USB ports, 6-1 card reader, and of course a 23.5inch HD screen. All for £685 (at the time of printing). And then going back onto handsets, while iPhone offline will set you back £1000, a high specified Android handset will only set you back £550 if you were to go out an get your hands on the HTC Sensation which offers you full HD, as apposed to 720p on the iPhone and many more features your guaranteed you wont find on the iPhone. Which will you, the average Joe pick?