For almost 30 years Apple and IBM have marketed technology to what would seem to be two different types of users. In the beginning IBM was seen as a tool for engineers and business people - a rather stuffed shirt approach to personal computing and not very user friendly. Apple's Macintosh on the other hand was designed to appeal to younger users with it's sleek (by 1980s standards) design and user friendly graphical interface. From stuffy to sexy, Apple sought to prove you didn't need to sacrifice form for function as it introduced a fun side to the technology of personal computing. Today the battle still rages on, a classic case of form versus function and the race to converge both into a product that serves our needs.
My first computer was an Apple and the reason I bought it was because after some research I believed that it was easier to use. My daughter was very young and I wanted something that she could use to learn and play educational games. The PC seemed very intimidating to a computer illiterate like myself. My how the times have changed.
ReplyDeleteI remember the Apple being used in my elementary school ! It was pretty big, grayish, with a rectangle shaped mouse. We used to play the Oregon Trail everytime we got done learning a lesson. Computers have changed a lot since then, now they can be right in the palm of your hand!
ReplyDeleteHi, I’m Michelle and I’m a PC. But not because I have anything against Macs. I just can’t work them. In school we always had PCs and everyone I ever know always had a PC. You still see Macs being marketed to young, cool people today with Mac vs. PC commercials with Justin Long. But I’m curious to know something if PCs were traditionally used in the business world more than how did Macs get the reputation of being the computer of the graphic designer?
ReplyDeleteI hope this is a battle that neither one wins. Healthy compitiion is what creates new technology and as long as both keep listening to their customer feedback they will do well.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the best kind of technology comes from competition between to similar technologies. Like the Ipod and the Zume the other is always trying to make a better product at the best price. Cars are always changing for there are so many car companies with such a large market to sale to.
ReplyDeleteApple seems to be a leader in the schools. We only use Macs in our district. The computer has come along way. The new Macs have a device on it that will read information to you. Students who are doing research for school can click on a couple of buttons and the computers will read the article for you. This is great for students who are at a lower reading level and for those who have problems with thier eyesight. Competition will continue and IBM and Apple will continue to make money with every new invention/upgrade in technology.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you Joe. In the beginning, they had the same ideas and goals and work together. I'm glad to see sibling rivalry. It cuts out the monopolizing aspect.
ReplyDeleteI had to watch the movie Pirates of Silicone Valley in highschool which really pitted Steve Jobs & Apple vs. Bill Gates & PCs. It was very interesting the role that the two played in marketing and creating these things. I always liked Steve Jobs better. He seemed like a much more genuine person in making his product the best for users and cared about his employees. Gates seemed more out for himself than anything. I always owned a PC though because thats what I grew up with and have always used.
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ReplyDeleteWhen talking about a PC vs. a Mac, Bill gates or Microsoft really shouldn't be brought up. After all, Microsoft is a Software company first and foremost, whereas Apple is a hardware company. Sure, there are a few cross-over examples people can name, but primarily they specialize in two different fields. If one was so inclined, it is possible to run Microsoft Windows on a Macintosh.
ReplyDeleteThe Apple vs. IBM debate is one that breeds a lot of fire. It's the Chevy vs. Ford of the computer world. Preferences is really all it comes down to, eventhough blind loyalty seems to get into the way people think sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI feel as if they were at both different side s of the spectrum during the early stages of competition while computers were reaching maturity. Now that computers have been established and technologies to only advance their capabilities even further, such as memory, operating systems, pocessor capabilies, like 4 dual processors, now that technologies such as these are whats increasing the competitive market, they have belnded towards the same goals in many ways. Macintosh is onyl a different operating software and both computers are user friendly now. What are the differences anymore except that they both want to make money?
ReplyDeleteCompetitions is good & healthy, it drives the desire to improve. This post reminds me of the movie "Blank Check' where the kid gets a check & cashes it under the name macintosh
ReplyDeleteApple does appeal more to the younger generations. This is a competitive market. I'm surprised IBM and Apple have stayed in competition for 30 years. I think this will change over the next 30 years
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