5 Macs are designed to replicate human experiences. Humans turn pages with their fingers; Apple lets you do the same when reading eBooks. Humans like to put pictures of their children on their desks; Apple was the first to let you have your own choice of image as 'wallpaper' or computer background.
6 They rarely break down. This is because they've always had the best inbuilt firewall - the technology which protects against viruses. I've never had a virus on my Mac.
7 You can carry your whole life around on one device. Music, pictures, notes, books, magazines, newspapers - it's all there.
8 Their technical support is absolutely brilliant. You may have to wait a little while, but they always know how to fix the problem.
9 People who use Macs are like smokers at parties: naughty, but fun. They tend to work in the creative industries. This is because the technology is particularly user-friendly if editing music, film or photos.
10 You can use the iPhone camera function as a mirror to apply lipstick while on the bus.
Alex Brummer: Hate view on Apple
1 The users of Apple devices behave like brainwashed members of a cult. The logo is paraded as if it were high fashion. Criticism of the products is not tolerated and followers insist on queuing up to buy the newest device overnight as a show of loyalty to the mighty brand.
2 Apple is a serial tax avoider. An offshoot, Apple Operations International, had income of US$30 billion ($41.3 billion) in 2009-2013. But it legitimately declined to declare any tax residence and filed no corporate tax return to any national government.
3 Foxconn, which assembles Apple products in China, has faced allegations about exploiting its workforce and had to erect nets on the sides of its building to prevent people jumping off in suicide attempts.
4 Profit margins on Apple products range from 38 per cent to 47 per cent, which is very high.
5 Apple hoards at least US$178 billion of cash in offshore accounts which are tax exempt. This money is, therefore, also unavailable for investment in other technologies.
6 The company makes devices designed to wear out. In its iPhones, Apple uses integral batteries that cannot be taken out and replaced when they wear down. The entire phone then has to be replaced.
7 Accessories are unnecessarily expensive.
8 The company provides no instruction manuals and suggests you go online to find assistance. But you can't log on to to get online unless you already know how to operate the technology.
9 When you sign up for services such as film, video, music or newspaper downloads via iTunes, Apple earns a commission. Any new iPad comes with iTunes as its default setting.
10 Apple markets itself as having a caring corporate image. But ex-employees claim it is a thoroughly unpleasant place to work.
- Daily Mail
