When Rebels Become King
Jack Tramiel – boss of Commodore – said to Steve Jobs on first seeing the Macintosh computer in the 80′s, "Very nice, Steve. I guess you'll sell it in boutiques." Hence began the birth of a sentiment Apple has carried with it since – that an Apple product belongs in a jewelry box as much as it belongs on my desk.
For a couple decades this notion of boutique followed the Apple product line. An Apple sticker on your car meant something special.
Today, everyone I know owns something Apple. Everyone knows who Steve Jobs is. As well they should. Apple is valued at $331 billion – the second most valuable company in the world. Larger than Microsoft ($220 billion) or Google ($196 billion). The rebels of silicon valley are rebels no more. Jeans are part of the new business professional attire and design is a part of every major CEO's strategy. What was revolutionary is becoming regular.
I love Apple. But my love is turning into suspicion. Am I being convinced that every new thing that comes off their shelf is worth the buy, just because its Apple? If Apple created something ho-hum, would anyone care?
People are buying the brand more than the products themselves: Boutique, Cache, Design, Innovative – things I want to be associated with. A branding job well-done.
But I'd like to see if another revolutionary can step up to the plate and give Apple a run for its crown. Afterall, competition is good for us consumers.
4 Comments
"I'm often under the same suspicion of when will they release that ho-hum product, but the brilliance seems to be that in the last decade, there hasn't been any big bust. Each product lives up to the hype. If they ever do release a product that doesn't amaze or at the least, improve, it will be interesting to see if it's a one-time thing or a trend. Either way, how they respond will be crucial.
I also love how their domination has been by designing products for the user only. No big partnerships or advertising tie-ins with other brands. Keep the customer happy and you continue to thrive. I'm certainly thankful."
- Craig Johnson
"Such a great post Dustin. First, I had no idea Apple's worth was ranked that high. Talk about a come back.
Second, I think all us Apple users have love/hate relationships with them. But, they HAVE had a few missteps that they're pretty good at sweeping under the rug.
Lastly, no one can afford to rest on their laurels. For every Yahoo there's a Google. For every Blockbuster there's a Netflix. And now the Google's and Netflixes of the world are being challenged as well.
Another great post guys."
- Ron Dawson
"I enjoyed the post as well Dustin. Personally the iPhone is showing to be a misstep somewhat...in quality. I still love mine, but the dropped calls drive me nuts. Now that we have Verizon we will finally see if it is the iPhone or AT&T's service. The iPhone did change the face of the cell phone industry.
I do agree with Craig about their customer service. Honestly, I would rather have a product that is not the best on the market, but has the best customer service. Fortunately, for me, Apple does have the best computers and customer service!"
- Ray Jarrell
"Agreed. I grew up on a mac since age 5 (back in 1988), and have followed them with interest and glad they didn't fold in the late nineties. However, their growth and domination seems to bring weirdness and control issues out. Bill Gates was always an "enemy" to me, but now he's out there giving a huge load of money away while Steve Jobs still seems totally consumed with Apple's world domination..."
- Nate Henderson