How much you wanna bet that they fee is an Apple thing. A tribute to Apple for the privilege of being on their platform. They developer probably gets nothing or very little.
That is they way Apple have always been.
Also, there is a cost premium with Apple products. Sometimes plus 50%. Always has been, always will be. It is because the are very monopolistic with their platform. Their platform is closed. Always have been, always will be. Simply amazing. The sheer depths of ignorance and assumptions that your opinion is true when the facts are so easily learned that would pop your bubble.
- 1: Your point about iOS 4 support compared to Windows XP and EOL for both. iOS 4 is not analogous to Windows XP. It's analogous to a service pack to XP that adds functionality. Eventually another version of iOS comes out that supports better hardware.
- 2: Your contention that Developers probably get nothing or very little. Laughable!!! As of today, Apple has paid developers approximately $18,000,000,000 for their efforts. Nothing or very little. . . Oh my. . . That's 18 BILLION DOLLARS, dhs12345. . . With a "B!" I think you LOSE your bet.
- 3: Of course Apple is about making and maximizing profits. Aren't you a believer in the Capitalist system? I am. I want Apple to thrive, continue making great products that please me.
- 4: Cost premium. Funny one. That has been shot down so many times it's hilarious you bring it up. Apple doesn't play in the bargain basement. However, when you compare similar specced computers with similar features, you'll find the Apple products are competitive to if not less expensive than the Windows equivalent. Attempts to even duplicate the new MacPro in the Windows world at a competitive price have failed miserably. Just to match the lowest version Off-the-shelf Apple costs a minimum $1700 MORE, and is still missing features and ability. Go up in capacity to the fully loaded MacPro? The price differential hits over $7000 more for the Windows workstation. Where's your Apple premium there?
How about here? Bold are better specs:
The Apple MacBook Pro 13" - I5 intel 2.4GHz, 8GB w/256GB SSD 2560x1600 PPI - OSX.9 Mavericks, 3.45lbs., ten hour battery usage.—retails brand new for $1499.
The Acer Aspire S7 13" - I5 Intel 1.6GHz, 8GB w/128GB SSD 2560x1440 PPI - Windows 8.1, 3lbs., six hour battery usage.—retails brand new for $1399.
Of course, YOU can always find a junk Windows Laptop far cheaper, but you would not be comparing equivalent build quality. But note. . . The Acer Aspire, although $100 less expensive than the MacBook Pro, has a far slower I5 processor at 1.6GHz than the Apple's 2.4GHz, it has half the Apple's solid state storage capacity, and only 60% of its battery capacity, lower screen resolution, it also has older, slower RAM, and slower connectivity, a lesser brightness screen by about 25%, considerably slower graphics . . . Oh, and the MacBookPro comes with an entire suite of productivity software. Did I mention the MacBook Pro could run ALL Windows software, too, if you want? Which is the better deal?
Oh! and where is your so-called "Apple 50% premium" in this comparison of similar offerings in premium laptops???? Frankly, only bottom feeders claim it's there. Shall I compare phones? How about tablets?
Hey, I have been in the business for 30 years and I know all about the Apple strategy. Apple products ARE more expensive and they always be because their platform is closed and that results in little to no competition. In the end, this means more profit for Apple.
That is why, Apple only had minimal market share only up until very recently. What is their current PC market share? Still ONLY around 10%? And Android is still kicks arse in the handheld market.
1. My point is that Apple abandoned ALL OS upgrades for THEIR older hardware. And only after 4 years. That means in a couple of more years, I’ll have an expensive door stop. Apple is a BAD investment if you are a smart and frugal consumer.
2.So you are saying that developers don’t pay a “tribute” to Apple for the privilege of selling into their systems? I disagree. And guess who pays for the tribute that the developers pay to Apple? Lemme help you here — THE CUSTOMER. And that is why in part that Apple products are so much more expensive.
That is total BS that Apple is price competitive and you know it. What people pay for when using an Apple platform is ease of use. That has always been their strategy and some people, the less computer literate, are willing to pay for that premium.
As for quality:
My definition of quality is all inclusive and INCLUDES both the hardware AND the software. Because, if either doesn’t function that I end up with a useless brick.
We can talk about the Ipod battery issue of a few years ago, too. And yes, consumers are angry. Just read the blogs.
My final point is that paying for a new computer every 3 to 4 years at $1500 a pop is expensive. I want that investment to last as long as possible. And it is very clear that Apples business strategy is planned obsolescence at the expense of their customers.