why people like part 3

Delightful article from the SF Chronicle, by Mark Morford, entitled
Lick Me, I'm A Macintosh - What the hell is wrong with that they still give a damn about design and packaging and "feel"?. Wherein he describes the shopping experience. They really do care about your initial experience. Opening a PowerBook box or an iPod is an almost magical experience. I'll admit that I still have several bits of packaging around my flat, on the off chance that I might need them again. Really I think it a pity to part with them.
Both Lucy and I have computers, an iBook and PowerBook. We carry them about and use them in cafes, on trains and generally in public. About one time in five or six, I'll get someone asking me what kind of machine I have, usually commenting on how elegant they are and well designed.
Other people think so and like the mixture of decent applications and unix underpinnings too. I've been a daily mac user for over 13 years and now have owned 4 personally and am a very happy PowerBook owner, even if my old 9 month old 15 inch PB does creak a bit. I think that for the money there is little other choice.
are pushing forward what is possible within the computing industry and I've even renewed my .Mac subs to see how they progress their internet offering.
have an extremely powerful brand and are positioned to take advantage of the renewed interest in their products from the geek sector. This will give them access to new technologies early and ensure that they have an influence from the sidelines, like they did in the 80s and early 90s. Products like the iPod will help to broaden out their appeal to others and provide them with a decent revenue stream too. All they have to do is manage not to upset their developer community and not ship a clanger.
It is a powerful experience being part of the club, though I suppose that many minority interests have this in common, but there is a sense that you belong and have made a decision to be different. People recommend to others, just like they do for Linux. People end up using Windows as it is what everyone else uses, or because there is a particular game available. Choosing does I think make most common things easier and better looking. If you want a computer for digital photography, video work or general internet use and some office work, then I'd suggest a Mac, probably an iBook or a PowerBook.
If you want to join in, then head to the store.
Thanks to blech from 2lmc for the SF Chronicle article, which it has taken me days to write up about.