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TuffLuffJimmy

macrumors G3
Apr 6, 2007
9,032
160
Portland, OR
Because it's neat. It used to stand for 'internet' ie original iMac. Although the 'i' grew to stand for so much more, mostly I as in self, as in the iProduct you're using is an extension of yourself. Now it's mostly for branding.
 

iToaster

macrumors 68000
May 3, 2007
1,742
0
In front of my MacBook Pro
The "i" originally stood for internet, however, it was soon turned into a consumer product designation (iMac, iBook, iPod, etc), but Apple has now turned to throwing it where it sounds cool instead of for indication of consumer products (like the MacBook).
 

IJ Reilly

macrumors P6
Jul 16, 2002
17,909
1,496
Palookaville
Before Steve begat the iMac, there was eWorld (1994) and the eMate (1997). I believe these were Apple's first two lowercase products.
 
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