The Apple ecosystem is the opposite of choice. The only reason you can use Google services is because Google develops for that platform
But to play devils advocate...Google develops for the platform because they’d make a fraction of their profit and income if they didn’t.
The two ecosystems are very different. One is based primarily on hardware while the other is almost entirely services based.
From a purely services/software perspective, I don’t think anyone can argue against Google leading in this area (with a few exceptions). But they better. Conversely, I think when comparing hardware, Apple’s is easily better than Google’s. But again, it better be.
But
@pika2000 isn't wrong. You may not have the level of flexibility or customization across all of Apple’s hardware that you have on the Google/Android ecosystem, but you do have more choice. And yes, I’m aware that this is is large part due to Apple withholding access to much of their services outside of Apple’s hardware but that’s a luxury (for them) created by their business model. Google doesn’t support multiple platforms out of kindness and generosity—they have to do so, else their business model fails. They could limit their services to their own hardware if they wanted to. But we all know they actually can’t do that.
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You certainly have a unique perspective on choice.
If you are using Apple software and services, then you are locked (with a few exceptions) into Apple hardware. You have no alternatives but to buy Apple hardware. You are at the mercy of a single hardware manufacturer.
If you are using Google software and services then Apple hardware is not the best financially prudent choice. You're paying a premium for the hardware (that is benefited by exclusive software and services) but not using them (Apple services).
There is little to no interchange between Apple's and Google's software and services so if one is using both, they're having parallel paths which is not good for those looking to have a more integrated environment)
I don’t think Apple hardware is EVER a financially prudent choice.
And if you’re using Google services exclusively, I’d absolutely agree.
But I have to disagree with your last statement. I use both Apple and Google services and consequently I have a much more robust experience when using Apple hardware. I pick and choose the software/services I prefer (i.e. Apple Messages, Safari, Apple Notes and Reminders, Apple Pay, Apple HomeKit and Health, iCloud Keychain, with Google for email, contacts, calendars, Google Play Music, Google Drive, Google Maps/Waze). I get some benefits of Apple’s continuity, while also having access to the better services that Google offers. My setup offers a better overall user experience than if I went exclusively with either.
[doublepost=1548611487][/doublepost]To answer the OPs question, I took it literally as using one ecosystem’s software AND hardware. And as much as I give the overall edge to Google in services/software, there are too many places where their hardware falls short for me. There is no equivalent to the Apple Watch and iPad for me. I could use an Android phone, Android TV/Chromecast, use a Pixelbook for much of what I do on an iPad Pro. But there is no adequate desktop replacement, the Pixelbook isn’t a full replacement for an iPad and there is nothing close to the Apple Watch. And while there are less smart home hardware choices, Apples HomeKit is a much better integrated user experience.
I’d rather deal with the shortcoming of some of Apple’s software and service while using their hardware ecosystem vs. Google’s services on their hardware. Just my preference.
