Where does your loyalty come from?

[sabal]

People that come on Macrumors are known to be on the edge of the latest technology. And to be honest, I don't think its fair that when the company the folks here have all come to love cheats them out of this technology. How? Simply put the rumours on the next generation iPhone are very underwhelming and leave a lot to be desired. You've heard the arguments before. An incongruous two tone back, an extra row of icons (yay <s), and a slightly better processor, and camera. Nothing special.

Look I know the word "cheat" here could be misunderstood. Apple continues to earn billions and they will in the future. They don't have any sort of obligation satisfying the demands of tech people like us. But they have one onus: to innovate and try to take technology further. And lately, they haven't been doing that at least in the mobile field compared to their competitors.

Over the past few weeks, as someone who likes technology in general and doesn't support just any one side (I own iOS products, android products, and windows products), I've seen many inane "fanboy" comments made by folks that know they're defending a product (the upcoming iPhone 5) that so far seems far behind the competition (the lumia 920 and the galaxy s3 come to mind). You point out how dull the home screen has become and you get a response the likes of "It doesn't need any improvement." Or maybe "we don't need widgets." This seems a bit fallacious to be. I am willing to bet that if Apple introduces this the very same people would be falling over their chairs saying how great Apple is. You can lie in general but at least don't lie to yourself. There's always room for improvement and the minute things that iOS 6 has introduced doesn't cut it.

Sure, I know the iPhone 5 will just "work" (whatever that's supposed to mean) but I'm curious as to know where this loyalty comes from? What's the source of this fanboyism when, lately ( and I say this word with care because the original iPhone and iPads were indeed innovative and denying that would be foolish) Apple hasn't been innovating relative to it's competitors. Why do you guys continue defending a phone which has fallen below the competition (and if you guys don't think so, I'm more than willing to listen to why)?

This post was created with the spirit of technology in mind. Please no flames or vitriolic comments unless you think it contributes actively to the discussion.

Looking forward to your replies.

 

[1member1]

I love technology but in the last year there was not one innovation that would make me switch my iPhone.
most of the companies except apple selling half baked products or selling a product and in 4 months release another one to compete it.

I saw WP7 and the UI looks good but they fail on the content. the applications looks bad, even messages where you can barely read it good.
all this font makes you want to drop your phone and kick it back to the store.
Just look at the calender in the Windows phone and you'll see it's much worse than the calender on the iPhone.

About Android - It's nice to have widgest (as long as they don't lag your phone). the Dial Keypad in the android is much better where you can search for people from the Keypad itself or search by number.
Besides that like i said most of the manufactures selling you half baked product with tons of junk on it (unless you but Gnex).
like 90% of the people i know with android switched to another ROM just to avoid it and they switch to another every 2 weeks/month.

In the tablets it's even worse. there is no competetion yet (maybe with windows 8).

I won't reconmment anyone to get android today mostly not older people who needs simple UI.
I'm sure you can get it with android but I don't want to work an hour on my phone because samsung sold me something that is not ready for the market.

 

[NightHawkPW]

I will NEVER go back to Android. I love the iPhone because its simple yet powerful at the same time. When I open my phone I see that its professional and organized. Every time I've used an Android it just seems like its built and designed by a 5th grader. Nothing looks as professional and organized as the iPhone does. A new iPhone comes out once a year and that's fair. If you buy an Android phone though, a few months later a bigger and better one comes out and its annoying. Anyone can go out and get a Galaxy S3 right now but come January, the S4 or whatever will come out. I hate the constant updates that show up on your taskbar and I really can't stand the design, look and feel of the Market or Google Play or whatever they're calling it now.

This is my opinion so I don't want anybody coming back saying that i'm an idiot blah blah blah. This is just what I think.

 

[AFDoc]

This post was created with the spirit of technology in mind. Please no flames or vitriolic comments unless you think it contributes actively to the discussion.

This thread is not made with technology in mind. You have an agenda and came here to put forth that agenda. IF it was made with technology in mind you would not of put forth your obvious dislike for iPhone in your post.

So you came here, clearly not liking iPhone and make such a thread. What did you expect other than most people here to come in and flame you? What have you added to any possible conversation with this thread? Your topic has been brought up over and over again in many different threads, what made you think signing up and making this your first post would add to the conversation? You say what I quoted above yet I believe that's all you're looking to get.

Your statments are simply your opinion and judging from the stance you're taking, that opinion is biased. The phone has not been released yet you call it "underwhelming" and "a lot to be desired". What is your reason for thinking this? Is it because it won't have a huge 4.6" screen? I don't want a screen that big. Is it because it may not have as fast a proecessor? Apple has shown that speed of the processor isn't the deciding factor in how the phone performs. How have other phones "innovated" their design as of late?

So what is your resaon for thinking this? You are talking out of what we in the military call your fourth point of contact. Google it if you don't know what that is.

 

[Big.Mac.Daddy]

Why do you guys continue defending a phone which has fallen below the competition?

That's like saying "well why do you stick with Toyota if the competition (Ford, Chevy, Kia, etc) have better specs?"

Because I know that particular brand and I trust it. Period.

 

[GoCubsGo]

It fits in my life better.

 

[decafjava]

Ecosystem. That's all. Plus I don't believe in upgrading as often as the tech companies would like us too.

 

[bandofbrothers]

My history was with mainly Nokia handsets for over 15 years but after being severely disappointed at purchasing handsets with operating platforms that were dropped by Nokia, with little support thereafter i knew it was time for a change.

It was then that i started to move from just looking at other manufacturers and o.s, to actually doing full on homework to jump ship.

Apple to me shone out from the others for all the reasons discussed on here in previous posts. The main ones from me was apples consumer guarantee, quality of hardware and iOS support.

I own the ipod touch 1st generation, iphone 4 and iphone 4s, so am quite late coming into the idevice market, which also lead me to drop windows and purchase a MBA, and have not looked back since.

I dont buy apple because of the 'fanboy' and 'isheep' category, i buy because apples products just shine quality and ease of use.

If the new iPhone ticks my wants and needs boxes by both aesthetically and whats under its hood, then i will consider buying it. If not i'll stay with my iphone 4s.

Some on here will flame you but rest assured i'm not that kind of user, and as this is a discussion forum, I see no issue with your post or indeed previous ones that are similar to yours.

In the end a consumer will vote with their wallet.

 

[sabal]

This thread is not made with technology in mind. You have an agenda and came here to put forth that agenda. IF it was made with technology in mind you would not of put forth your obvious dislike for iPhone in your post.

So you came here, clearly not liking iPhone and make such a thread. What did you expect other than most people here to come in and flame you? What have you added to any possible conversation with this thread? Your topic has been brought up over and over again in many different threads, what made you think signing up and making this your first post would add to the conversation? You say what I quoted above yet I believe that's all you're looking to get.

Your statments are simply your opinion and judging from the stance you're taking, that opinion is biased. The phone has not been released yet you call it "underwhelming" and "a lot to be desired". What is your reason for thinking this? Is it because it won't have a huge 4.6" screen? I don't want a screen that big. Is it because it may not have as fast a proecessor? Apple has shown that speed of the processor isn't the deciding factor in how the phone performs. How have other phones "innovated" their design as of late?

So what is your resaon for thinking this? You are talking out of what we in the military call your fourth point of contact. Google it if you don't know what that is.

This type of attitude is exactly what I'm talking about. Look I have no agenda. Why would I? Do I get the profits that android or windows phone generate. I don't. This isn't some type of propaganda that I'm trying to spread mate. I was simply curious and if it strikes a nerve of yours so be it.

My statements are opinion? Of course they're opinion as your post is and as almost every forum post on macrumors is. That's the point of a forum. To post your opinion and to gain help and to see what others think. It's a collective process. Something I'm sure someone from the military understands.

I'm not saying the iPhone is bad. It's a great phone. I have one as well. But to say that the iPhone is good but the others have not innovated is completely wrong. What about the new lumia 920. Most tech critiques consider it's industrial design to be among the best. This is a mac forum so I'm not going to list all it's features but the stuff like the new floating image technology is innovation sir.

My point of convention was and is that innovation is bringing something new to the table.I mean that's why Apple has such a following. Because the original iPhone innovated and people expected that to continue. Yet, what will the iPhone 5 bring to the table that we haven't seen anywhere else on any other device on any other OS? Yes, we can wait for the event. It makes sense to. But based on the rumours, there seems to be nothing new.

And I as a customer would feel cheated. I don't have the gall to say that I'm right. I want Apple to prove me wrong.

 

[Italianblend]

I too want a bit more customization on the iPhone. We have no control over even simply the colors that our texts show up in. Surely stuff like that can't hurt performance.

However I think the app store is a big reason people stuck with the iPhone. I have gotten literally hundreds of free apps or app that are free on a developer sale. I think I've paid maybe $15 for apps in 3 years. I'm not willing to give that up. I like the windows phone interface but I'm not prepared to give up the apple app store.

I think apple is stubborn about stuff like customizing and simple things like a forward delete button (in 2012!). It's annoying at times but not enough to persuade me to switch.

 

[AFDoc]

This type of attitude is exactly what I'm talking about. Look I have no agenda. Why would I? Do I get the profits that android or windows phone generate. I don't. This isn't some type of propaganda that I'm trying to spread mate. I was simply curious and if it strikes a nerve of yours so be it.

My statements are opinion? Of course they're opinion as your post is and as almost every forum post on macrumors is. That's the point of a forum. To post your opinion and to gain help and to see what others think. It's a collective process. Something I'm sure someone from the military understands.

I'm not saying the iPhone is bad. It's a great phone. I have one as well. But to say that the iPhone is good but the others have not innovated is completely wrong. What about the new lumia 920. Most tech critiques consider it's industrial design to be among the best. This is a mac forum so I'm not going to list all it's features but the stuff like the new floating image technology is innovation sir.

My point of convention was and is that innovation is bringing something new to the table.I mean that's why Apple has such a following. Because the original iPhone innovated and people expected that to continue. Yet, what will the iPhone 5 bring to the table that we haven't seen anywhere else on any other device on any other OS? Yes, we can wait for the event. It makes sense to. But based on the rumours, there seems to be nothing new.

And I as a customer would feel cheated. I don't have the gall to say that I'm right. I want Apple to prove me wrong.

What are you talking about you have no agenda. In your first paragraph you're passing judgment on a phone that isn't released and calling it inferior! If that's not an agenda I don't know what is. Also, are you accusing me of saying "But to say that the iPhone is good but the others have not innovated is completely wrong"? If so I need you to show me where I wrote that because I can't find it.

IF you didn't have an agenda you would not of brought all the "negative" comments about the unreleased i5 into the conversation. You may think you made that post without an agenda but the post itself clearly shows one. Don't piss on me and tell me it's raining and don't make statements clearly showing an agenda and say you don't have one.

What's with all these android wankers needing to feel better about them selves by coming here. Were they not loved as children or something?

LoL

I stopped reading here.

Why because it showed he clearly had an agenda?

 

[racer1441]

What's with all these android wankers needing to feel better about them selves by coming here. Were they not loved as children or something?

 

[MonkeySee....]

People that come on Macrumors are known to be on the edge of the latest technology. And to be honest, I don't think its fair that when the company the folks here have all come to love cheats them out of this technology. How? Simply put the rumours on the next generation iPhone are very underwhelming and leave a lot to be desired. You've heard the arguments before. An incongruous two tone back, an extra row of icons (yay <s), and a slightly better processor, and camera. Nothing special.

Look I know the word "cheat" here could be misunderstood. Apple continues to earn billions and they will in the future. They don't have any sort of obligation satisfying the demands of tech people like us. But they have one onus: to innovate and try to take technology further. And lately, they haven't been doing that at least in the mobile field compared to their competitors.

Over the past few weeks, as someone who likes technology in general and doesn't support just any one side (I own iOS products, android products, and windows products), I've seen many inane "fanboy" comments made by folks that know they're defending a product (the upcoming iPhone 5) that so far seems far behind the competition (the lumia 920 and the galaxy s3 come to mind). You point out how dull the home screen has become and you get a response the likes of "It doesn't need any improvement." Or maybe "we don't need widgets." This seems a bit fallacious to be. I am willing to bet that if Apple introduces this the very same people would be falling over their chairs saying how great Apple is. You can lie in general but at least don't lie to yourself. There's always room for improvement and the minute things that iOS 6 has introduced doesn't cut it.

Sure, I know the iPhone 5 will just "work" (whatever that's supposed to mean) but I'm curious as to know where this loyalty comes from? What's the source of this fanboyism when, lately ( and I say this word with care because the original iPhone and iPads were indeed innovative and denying that would be foolish) Apple hasn't been innovating relative to it's competitors. Why do you guys continue defending a phone which has fallen below the competition (and if you guys don't think so, I'm more than willing to listen to why)?

This post was created with the spirit of technology in mind. Please no flames or vitriolic comments unless you think it contributes actively to the discussion.

Looking forward to your replies.

I stopped reading here.

 

[mariocapo]

I dig the OP starting up a spirited discussion, but don't you think we should wait till we actually know everything about the device before having this discussion?? It's not just all about hardware specs.

 

[MonkeySee....]

Why because it showed he clearly had an agenda?

Correct. It was going to be "one of those" posts.

 

[Irish Rose]

For me it's about the Ecosystem as well as the great customer service that I've received from Apple VS other brands that I've used. After trying out various Androids over the past 2 years I always end up returning to my iPhone, so I'd say Apple products are a better fit for my needs at this time.

 

[profets]

This type of attitude is exactly what I'm talking about. Look I have no agenda. Why would I? Do I get the profits that android or windows phone generate. I don't. This isn't some type of propaganda that I'm trying to spread mate. I was simply curious and if it strikes a nerve of yours so be it.

My statements are opinion? Of course they're opinion as your post is and as almost every forum post on macrumors is. That's the point of a forum. To post your opinion and to gain help and to see what others think. It's a collective process. Something I'm sure someone from the military understands.

I'm not saying the iPhone is bad. It's a great phone. I have one as well. But to say that the iPhone is good but the others have not innovated is completely wrong. What about the new lumia 920. Most tech critiques consider it's industrial design to be among the best. This is a mac forum so I'm not going to list all it's features but the stuff like the new floating image technology is innovation sir.

My point of convention was and is that innovation is bringing something new to the table.I mean that's why Apple has such a following. Because the original iPhone innovated and people expected that to continue. Yet, what will the iPhone 5 bring to the table that we haven't seen anywhere else on any other device on any other OS? Yes, we can wait for the event. It makes sense to. But based on the rumours, there seems to be nothing new.

And I as a customer would feel cheated. I don't have the gall to say that I'm right. I want Apple to prove me wrong.

The Lumia phones I agree with - some very interesting and fresh designs. Most android phones are still mostly plastic and just putting larger screens for the sake of larger screens.

What exactly is underwhelming from Apple? The software? The hardware?

The 2+ year old iPhone 4 design still looks incredible compared to most phones around. The hardware within the nearly year old 4S is still excellent. The cpu may not be clocked at the same as other phones but it still runs beautifully.

Is it the OS that's underwhelming? I use iOS and pure Android day to day, and really don't feel like iOS underwhelms me. A few things I like better on Android, but several things I like better on iOS. Everyone seems to say "iOS is falling behind". Falling behind what? Not having widgets?

Here's an example of a big pro I see with iOS: AirPlay. I use this all the time (and many non-techies I know do as well. Heck my 4 year old knows how to use Airplay inside and out). We've had this for what, 18 months? And in 2012 we see HTC and Samsung basically attempt to do the same. HTC selling a device to connect to your TV (that i'm sure is terrible compared to an apple tv). Have you read the reviews on it? They sound terrible. A hardware company trying to copy a software feature Apple had the year before and they blew it. Big surprise. One of those things that with an iPhone "just work" (or whatever that means ).

Or how about Samsung with S Voice and S Music and everything else they're attempting to do ecosystem-wise. They have an excellent platform with Android and Google Play and they seem to want to break into their own ecosystem. They build some awesome phones (not that I care for them to continually go all plastic and cheap feeling despite apple, htc and nokia trying to do something different/unique).

I generally like technology as well (one of the reasons I use a Galaxy Nexus along with my iPhone). But I hear stupid arguments both ways all the time. I could say the same underwhelming stuff about the Galaxy S3. Major hype leading up to their event this past spring, delayed past MWC and everything else. And what did they do? Showed us Nature UX and a phone built for humans and inspired by nature. People on stage showing features and not even understanding themselves some of the sounds or features on the phone. I got excited thinking maybe Samsung was going to do some killer design and something less plasticky with the S3. And then we ended up with glossy white plastic with a fake chrome surround. Awesome. Good specs, dual core, LTE, good ram and people went crazy for it. 720p screen - Nice, 2 years later they matched the DPI of the iPhone (though it's not even a full RGB sub pixel layout). And everyone excited over some samsung only software features - now that I find interesting, a company just terrible at software but people seem not to care.

 

[moosquared]

I've never had an Android phone and I don't think I will.
I'm drawn to apple is mostly because of their designs. Everything that I need from a phone, I got it from the iPhone. I've played around with my friends' Androids and didn't like it. Perhaps if I actually own one and learn how to maximise its use, then I'll like it... who knows? For right now, I'm gonna stick with Apple.

Besides, I've invested quite a bit in the iTunes store. Apps, music, vidoes, etc. Not going to switch to Android anytime soon.

 

[Muse84]

For me the simple reason i will continue to buy apple phones and products is that I love how simple they make everything... everything seems to be made in the mantra of "it just works"

It might be missing the most cutting edge, shiny new bit of nerdy tech, but what i trust Apple to do is take that tech and when its ready package it for me in a userfreindly way so it requires minimul imput from myself to work.

I belive this is where Apple is miles ahead of other companies, they just make things that work and work well with each other. My missus has a Samsung GS2 and while i apreciate the larger screen, thinness and some other nice features. It just dosent offer the ease of use of an iPhone, i mean i have no clue how to upgrade to the next operating system.. i tried it once and got so confused.

Some people will enjoy being able to mess about with settings and all that jazz and fair play to them android pphones offer some great options and i dont blame them for chosing them. For me my life is complicated enough without having to think abouit my phone so ill be sticking with Apple

Peace

 

[chambone]

I learned early in life not to be loyal to any company, but my preference for Apple's stuff, in one sentence, stems from their attention to detail, both in software and hardware.

 

[B777Forevar]

I tend not to be loyal to any tech company.

I'll use whatever fits my preference for the week. (Be it iOS or Android or BB)

 

[Nebulance]

I will NEVER go back to Android. I love the iPhone because its simple yet powerful at the same time. When I open my phone I see that its professional and organized. Every time I've used an Android it just seems like its built and designed by a 5th grader. Nothing looks as professional and organized as the iPhone does. A new iPhone comes out once a year and that's fair. If you buy an Android phone though, a few months later a bigger and better one comes out and its annoying. Anyone can go out and get a Galaxy S3 right now but come January, the S4 or whatever will come out. I hate the constant updates that show up on your taskbar and I really can't stand the design, look and feel of the Market or Google Play or whatever they're calling it now.

This is my opinion so I don't want anybody coming back saying that i'm an idiot blah blah blah. This is just what I think.

This. Also, from comments of friends and family, there's always the 'third party' issue... with Apple, it all syncs up nicely -- between Mac OS X and iOS. From what I've seen and heard, you don't get this experience on Android. I haven't dealt with Windows in at least 5 years so I can't comment on them. But being someone who works with Linux boxes all day, it's a major pain to constantly be searching for the right plug-in, libraries, etc. to get certain programs to run. I love that this rarely ever happens with my iPhone, iPad and MacBook Pro.

 

[Michael CM1]

I got hooked on the gum stick-looking iPod shuffle. It was cheap, and the iTunes store was the best way to buy digital music back then. So it took about six months to desire an iPod. I got one of those and loved it for a couple of years. I only got rid of it when the original iPhone dropped to $250 for a refurb model. It was 10 tons of awesome.

I bought a Mac mini after growing tired of my Dell notebook giving me numerous troubles barely a year after I bought it. I then upgraded to a MacBook Pro when I needed a portable to use and sold the mini. I'm now on an iMac only because the MBP had some issue with the video adapter/GPU that killed it. Spend $300 to fix that 4-year-old computer or $1200 on a new iMac. Yep.

I'm now on an iPhone 4S and third-gen iPad. Each product gives me a different tool to do different things, and I really like how well they work with each other. The iCloud mail is almost worth it so I don't have to re-check the same email on three devices. The available apps make almost any task possible, and I'm reading a lot more now that I have an iPad with the retina display.

Still not satisfied with the home theater options. I like the Apple TV, but it needs an app store, more AirPlay-enabled apps on iOS devices, and don't get me started on the ridiculousness of having to choose between the convenience of iTunes videos and the better quality (and usually price) of Blu-ray Disc. I know this isn't Apple's fault, but people who want to copy DVD and BD are going to do so. The ability to rip music hasn't killed the music industry. Figure out some way for iTunes to easily rip DVD and BD videos and somehow mesh that with iTunes for use with iCloud. Hell, why don't these discs each have a unique ID? If I buy a disc, I can add that unique ID to my iTunes library and then use it as I see fit. If I sell it, I can un-add it.

 

[snow blind]

It fits in my life better.

This... 100%. I'm invested in the entire Apple ecosystem and I love how everything just plays nice together.

 

[rockyroad55]

I'm loyal by default because ALL of my music and videos are from iTunes, along with apps. As a result, I'm heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and it hasn't disappointed me yet. It's really easy to save a note on your iPhone and have it ready on my Mac when I get home.