I'm an unashamed Apple-o-phobe but my reasons are complex.
I've always said Apple sell great gadgets. And i firmly believe they used to sell bomb proof pretty damn well solid products. I think of late they may have slipped a little with QC but I'd say the Apple focus has always been on solid design.
Most other companies in tech sell many, many products and when you diversify your empire too much, you always lose the quality. Apple stick to (in relative terms) a few core items and they spend their focus trying to make them perfect for 'their' consumers.
Why do I say 'their' consumers, well because Apple sell a product image more than a product itself. Ask the lay person about a quality smartphone and they'll say Apple first. Ironically the recent Samsung v Apple press has probably made Samsung more globally known. I'd happily argue that Apple definitely do not make the best smartphone. They do make the best tablet overall mind you (not that I'd buy one - I have no need for such a toy, from any brand).
But what the OP has expressed is what the Apple business model is all about. Their product (no matter what we think of it as techies) is irrelevant. It is the synergy Apple marketing create between someones desire and the product they sell. In other words Apple start by saying you want a really great product don't you? Well, we happen to make such a thing, would you like to try it?
Other companies sell their product first and then say, do you want one? Apple work on the marketing aspect so completely that they have created their loyal user base. It has been Apple's (on the whole) consumer (arguably manipulated) focus that has garnered them the incredible support (sometimes blind*) and image they now have.
You don't get to be the worlds most profitable business without selling a good product and without having a brilliant consumer focus. Oh, not forgetting a fucking ruthless business approach that lurks behind the pretty facade.
Let me explain sometimes blind* - I know people that wait for the next iphone and dont even look to other competitors. To me that's insane. I always shop around for the best gadgets and then check out a myriad of reviews. Brand loyalty is great but if we all followed the same brand 24/7, we may as well all live in pre capitalist China. Informed choice is a gift. Use it.
Yeah, lay of Kant for expressing his appreciation of Apple. That's why Apple is so popular - extremely focused customer service even when a product is average.
And Kant, many people don't want to use Apple products and that is their choice - doesn't make someone a 'hater'. It's their informed choice.
