by Jules Older, Vermont Business Magazine Apple is being sued by the United States Justice Department along with 16 American states, including Vermont, and the District of Columbia.
They charge that Apple has violated American antitrust laws by illegally keeping customers reliant on their iPhones and are thus, less likely to switch to a competing phone. The suit argues that Apple’s practices hurt both consumers and the smaller companies that compete with it.
These are serious charges brought by serious entities. I take them seriously.
But.
But I buy Apple products for reasons other than those which led to the suit. These products currently include a MacBook Pro computer, an iPad and an iPhone 14. Though I’m tighter than bark to a pine tree, I lay out more cash for them than if I'd bought competing computers, tablets or phones. (Yes, I've paid for them all; I have no connection, financial or otherwise, with Apple Corp.) I'm just an Apple fanboy.
Here's why:
They're great products. With the exception of one miserable 1990’s computer during the brief reign of Gil Amelio as Apple’s CEO, they do their job exceptionally well. I've not seen the same with competing products.
They're built to last. I bought my MacBook Pro in 2017. Though it could use a new battery, it works as well today as it did then. Can the same be said of their competitors? If so, I haven't heard of it.
And here's the kicker. When I have a question, an issue, something I need help with, I call Apple Help. A smart, kind, well-trained person answers the phone, listens to my problem, usually connects directly to my computer and quickly guides me through what needs to be done. Once my problem is solved, that smart, kind, well-trained person then asks, “Is there anything else I can help you with?”
The price of this service? Zero. It’s free, no matter how ancient your Apple product. Try getting this with any of Apple’s competitors.
So. I hope Apple hasn't done the things they're charged with. I hope if they have done wrong, they're made to pay for their transgressions. I hope they go and sin no more.
But, as long as they make great products, products that last, and they maintain their free and wonderful helpline service, I'm stickin’ with Apple.
Jules Older is a long-time VermontBiz contributor who has lived in the Northeast Kingdom, San Francisco and now New Zealand.
