Gary
On January 22, 1984, watercoolers across the country were buzzing about the Raiders embarrassing defeat of the Redskins at Super Bowl XVIII the night before. But what really had people talking was an amazing :60 ad that ran during the third quarter – they didn’t know it then, but a sledgehammer-wielding blonde had launched the personal computer revolution. As the ad stated: 1984 would not be like 1984.
The Cult of Mac had begun.
The early messaging was simple: Apple is new; IBM is old. Apple represented the future; IBM was stuck in the past. Apple was leading a technological revolution; IBM was woefully status quo. Apple was for the people, IBM for business.
From the groundbreaking premiere of that first Mac computer in January 1984, to the frenzied debut of the iPhone in June 2007, Mac has known the power of the hyped-up ads to launch its hip, cutting-edge products to the masses.
Today, tech writers and bloggers can’t type fast enough about the latest Apple product to hit the market. After its CES debut, the iPhone had the net in a frenzy, its revolutionary features prompting users to stand on line for days to purchase the first ones. Even the recent relatively low-key MacBook Air launch was a media draw Steve Jobs slipped the laptop from an inter-office envelope to showcase the world’s thinnest notebook.
But do the products live up to the hype? While hype can make an initial purchase, only quality makes repeat customers – and Apple has seen steady growth for nearly three decades. The Cult of Mac loudly champions its quality and ease of use. The first Mac computer featured a mouse — the first user-friendly computer tool. From then on, Apple has become king of the sleek interface. And regarding quality, Microsoft’s operating system is run through third-party hardware, making it rife for viruses and bugs. Apple manufactures its own hardware and software, which allows for better and more streamlined translation between the two and easy repair kinks are usually fixed with one call and a quick software update.
But, the biggest factor that distinguishes Apple is the fun factor. Award-winning product design makes Apple products instantly recognizable – their own walking advertising. From the brightly colored clamshell laptops of the ‘90s, to crisp, bright white iBooks, to the palm-sized iPod – with each new product, there’s an even greater “wow” factor.
And the revolution is just beginning – with the iPod and iTunes, Apple upended the entertainment industry’s traditional distribution channels. Downloading of songs, podcasts, television shows, and movies has made entertainment on demand and portable. And the iPhone makes the average mobile seem yesteryear– it’s like having a personal computer inside a phone. And other hot new technologies capitalize on Apple products – iPhones are outfitted with a direct link to sites like YouTube so users can stream video straight to their phones.
Apple keeps launching new technologies that leave the global Cult of Mac fans wanting more. For millions of users it’s not just a product. It’s a lifestyle.
March 2, 2008
That article is fantastic. Having been around long enough and being old enough to really see these things happen back in the 80’s and now it is so awesome to see how things have changed. Which direction they took and how they came out and made a name for themselves.
March 3, 2008
I was barely 9 years old when the “Commercial” first aired, but it did have a lasting impression on me. I was astounded that a commercial could have an impact on people even now. That’s what basically roped me in to getting an Apple.
Good thing they offered a great product as well. Yes, definitely a great article that captured how Apple basically took over the world!
March 4, 2008
I remember that “Orwell” commercial quite well, and I also recall that the first computers I ever used - either for fun, school, or writing - were Apples. Fine products…hopefully someday I’ll own a Mac. Not an iPhone, but a Mac.
March 15, 2008
Those little “things” are certainly cute. The idea of being able to talk with a single push of a button certainly makes my mind easier for all those single minded drivers who are obviously only focusing on talking on their phones, at least when it comes to their dialing. The other features begin to get a little hairy for me - more gadgets making it easier to distract one from the waking world. With that in mind, is such advancement truly that far from Orwell’s predictions? More sedation of the masses.
March 17, 2008
The Cult of Mac will only continue to grow, I’m a bit of a mac addict myself, I recently migrated from Windows and Linux and tbh, I don’t think I’ll be going back (unless, of course, there are major changes).
I like the article, it’s an astute look back at the humble beginnings of our beloved company.
March 18, 2008
Fantastic article. I agree with each point. I am a mad fan of Apple products as they are so unique, take the iPod, iPhone, Macbook Air, they are such wonders. And i reallly wish luck to Apple as i want it to grow, to become even bigger and render its services to all.
April 8, 2008
I’m not a Mac addict so I guess that I will be one to say that it will not grow. To be honest, I’m also thinking of getting a Mac for a change. Not that I’m saying that I’m one of those Mac addicts. I just want to get one to prove that they are indeed the best platforms for business. Currently I’m doing an online business.
April 8, 2008
I think every word of this article is true. I feel like if there is going to be a new AWESOME product hitting the market anytime soon, it will be a Mac/Apple product simply because all the GREAT products are from them! I want an iphone so bad but we can’t get cingular service in our area!
April 10, 2008
Its what makes Apple, I was never a big fan of the risc/PowerPC processor and was actually pleased when they went Intel, what for me always cut Apple ablove Windows is the style and look of their machines compared ot the Windows platform stuff - the only break was when they allowed clones for a year or so OW!