topic Re: Why I prefer Apple devices in Electronics

Why I prefer Apple devices

Cha1k — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 17:42:05 GMT

Many times on the Q Electronics board people ask for recommendations on which smartphone or tablet to purchase. No device is perfect, but in my experience working with numerous students who have various devices, I've found there are fewer problems with Apple products.

The two major players in mobile operating systems are Apple iOS and Android (which runs on the majority of mobile devices worldwide). Many times Android devices are cheaper, therefore folks buy them because money is the deciding factor in their choice.

I encourage you to consider other factors besides the upfront cost. One of the deciding factors, in my opinion, should be the security of your device and the ease with which it can be updated to fight off attacks by malware.

Apple makes the hardware and the operating system software for all their devices. They control the App Store and curate the apps that are posted there to insure they will run as expected on your device without worrying about the developer of that app stealing your personal information from your tablet or phone. This is not true when using an Android device, because the hardware is made by one company, the operating system software by another, and apps can be downloaded from numerous app stores operated by yet other companies. Sometimes these apps contain malware that can drastically affect your device and possibly collect personal information from it.

Issuing updates for Android devices has become a serious problem. The following article explains why:

http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2015/07/27/426613020/major-flaw-in-android-phones-would-let-hackers-in-with-just-a-text

Pay special attention to the section toward the end of the article, Android Partnerships are Complicated.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

HonnyBrown — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 17:59:06 GMT

Nice work Cha1k!

Personally, I prefer BlackBerry. I use my iPhone as my car's iPod.

Apple does everything the BlackBerry does, but with less security and more popularity.

When I plug my encrypted BlackBerry Z10 into my laptop, I have to put my phone's password in. Apple doesn't do that, creating a severe security lapse.

If I wish, I can go into Dev mode and easily download Android apps on my PlayBook (tablet), or Amazon App Store for my Z. While Apple has more apps than any teenage girl can wish for, BlackBerry doesn't.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

hckynutjohn — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 18:46:48 GMT

Give me Andoid. Safe is as safe was! I don't care what kind of protection is on any device that uses the internet/cell towers/wi-fi or cables.

None of them are safe, as has been shown by BIG Major companies in Silicon Valley being hacked. I would mention the many millions of fed workers records being hacked, but?

Based on what was paid for a certain website, and how well it did not work, much less being protected? That hacking sure didn't surprise me.

Price points are important to those like myself that live on a fixed income, but so is not having enough internal memory for many that use them. Spend $100 for more memory when I can buy a 32 or 62g micro-sd card for less than $15, and add as many as I want.

I'll stick with value and the #1 operating system, but as I say on this BB often: "to each be their own", and "Cha1k", I am happy you are happy. :-)

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

brandiwine — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 18:53:06 GMT

I love Android devices. Have family & friends that jumped on the Apple bandwagon and are now using Android phones. So much easier and safer.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

Jordan2 — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 19:05:48 GMT

@Cha1k wrote:
Many times on the Q Electronics board people ask for recommendations on which smartphone or tablet to purchase. No device is perfect, but in my experience working with numerous students who have various devices, I've found there are fewer problems with Apple products.

The two major players in mobile operating systems are Apple iOS and Android (which runs on the majority of mobile devices worldwide). Many times Android devices are cheaper, therefore folks buy them because money is the deciding factor in their choice.

I encourage you to consider other factors besides the upfront cost. One of the deciding factors, in my opinion, should be the security of your device and the ease with which it can be updated to fight off attacks by malware.

Apple makes the hardware and the operating system software for all their devices. They control the App Store and curate the apps that are posted there to insure they will run as expected on your device without worrying about the developer of that app stealing your personal information from your tablet or phone. This is not true when using an Android device, because the hardware is made by one company, the operating system software by another, and apps can be downloaded from numerous app stores operated by yet other companies. Sometimes these apps contain malware that can drastically affect your device and possibly collect personal information from it.

Issuing updates for Android devices has become a serious problem. The following article explains why:

http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2015/07/27/426613020/major-flaw-in-android-phones-would-let-hackers-in-with-just-a-text

Pay special attention to the section toward the end of the article, Android Partnerships are Complicated.

I am saving up to buy a new laptop. I am considering an Apple. I'm not tech savvy and am worried I won't know how to use it. I have an iPad Air and iPod Touch and have no trouble with them. My nephew has a Apple MacBook (not sure which one) and says it's very different than the PC I'm use to. Also I'm confuses with the different choices there are with the Macs.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

sidsmom — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 19:18:32 GMT

I'm like the next guy...I like to get a good deal. I'm not hung up on brand names & find suitable alternatives to a pricer options.

BUT, when it comes to technology, I want to be as "Sheeple" as possible.

I know Apple products are secure. I also know if I have an issue with any of my products, there's a zillion other people around the world with the same issue....and it will be fixed immediately. AND I can go to the Apple Store & website to get help. Is there an Android Store?

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

Reba055 — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 20:04:06 GMT

Android is definitely NOT safer than Apple. Don't know where you got that from.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

dooBdoo — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 21:39:45 GMT

@HonnyBrown wrote:
Nice work Cha1k!

Personally, I prefer BlackBerry. I use my iPhone as my car's iPod.

Apple does everything the BlackBerry does, but with less security and more popularity.

When I plug my encrypted BlackBerry Z10 into my laptop, I have to put my phone's password in. Apple doesn't do that, creating a severe security lapse.

If I wish, I can go into Dev mode and easily download Android apps on my PlayBook (tablet), or Amazon App Store for my Z. While Apple has more apps than any teenage girl can wish for, BlackBerry doesn't.

In all fairness, Apple does not have "less security." As @Cha1k said, nothing is perfect but they are safer and more secure. Your example about connecting the device to the computer is misleading -- there are customized settings and device owners generally have choices about whether or not passwords, key codes, etc., are required. I type in a password every time for my Apple devices.

Android devices are not safer or more secure than Apple devices.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

dooBdoo — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 21:37:16 GMT

Cha1k wrote:
Many times on the Q Electronics board people ask for recommendations on which smartphone or tablet to purchase. No device is perfect, but in my experience working with numerous students who have various devices, I've found there are fewer problems with Apple products.

The two major players in mobile operating systems are Apple iOS and Android (which runs on the majority of mobile devices worldwide). Many times Android devices are cheaper, therefore folks buy them because money is the deciding factor in their choice.

I encourage you to consider other factors besides the upfront cost. One of the deciding factors, in my opinion, should be the security of your device and the ease with which it can be updated to fight off attacks by malware.

Apple makes the hardware and the operating system software for all their devices. They control the App Store and curate the apps that are posted there to insure they will run as expected on your device without worrying about the developer of that app stealing your personal information from your tablet or phone. This is not true when using an Android device, because the hardware is made by one company, the operating system software by another, and apps can be downloaded from numerous app stores operated by yet other companies. Sometimes these apps contain malware that can drastically affect your device and possibly collect personal information from it.

Issuing updates for Android devices has become a serious problem. The following article explains why:

http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2015/07/27/426613020/major-flaw-in-android-phones-would-let-hackers-in-with-just-a-text

Pay special attention to the section toward the end of the article, Android Partnerships are Complicated.

Excellent informaton, @Cha1k! Thanks for taking time to share this.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

LTT1 — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 21:45:48 GMT

PC for laptop w/Norton360 here. Mine is a refurbished Windows 7 HP. Have had good luck.

iPhone and iPad... Infuriating to update and have Apple wipeout apps, but love the all-in-one safety and functionality.

Could not use a MAC laptop-- just couldn't adapt.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

dooBdoo — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 21:47:35 GMT

Jordan2 wrote:
Cha1k wrote:
Many times on the Q Electronics board people ask for recommendations on which smartphone or tablet to purchase. No device is perfect, but in my experience working with numerous students who have various devices, I've found there are fewer problems with Apple products.

The two major players in mobile operating systems are Apple iOS and Android (which runs on the majority of mobile devices worldwide). Many times Android devices are cheaper, therefore folks buy them because money is the deciding factor in their choice.

I encourage you to consider other factors besides the upfront cost. One of the deciding factors, in my opinion, should be the security of your device and the ease with which it can be updated to fight off attacks by malware.

Apple makes the hardware and the operating system software for all their devices. They control the App Store and curate the apps that are posted there to insure they will run as expected on your device without worrying about the developer of that app stealing your personal information from your tablet or phone. This is not true when using an Android device, because the hardware is made by one company, the operating system software by another, and apps can be downloaded from numerous app stores operated by yet other companies. Sometimes these apps contain malware that can drastically affect your device and possibly collect personal information from it.

Issuing updates for Android devices has become a serious problem. The following article explains why:

http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2015/07/27/426613020/major-flaw-in-android-phones-would-let-hackers-in-with-just-a-text

Pay special attention to the section toward the end of the article, Android Partnerships are Complicated.
I am saving up to buy a new laptop. I am considering an Apple. I'm not tech savvy and am worried I won't know how to use it. I have an iPad Air and iPod Touch and have no trouble with them. My nephew has a Apple MacBook (not sure which one) and says it's very different than the PC I'm use to. Also I'm confuses with the different choices there are with the Macs.

@Jordan2, I've found it's easier to teach a PC user to operate a Mac than the opposite, so even though it will be different it won't be as complicated as you might anticipate. Do you have an Apple Store nearby? In general, start by thinking about how you want to use the computer. You can talk with staff at an Apple Store or on their website and get some really great help (they're not working on commission, so there's no "hard sell"). There are also some excellent classes for new Mac users. And you can ask questions here, too! I hope you'll be happy with your choice, whatever it is.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

151949 — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 21:54:45 GMT

IMO - the prices of Apple devices is just not in my budget and I do not need a device to do all the things that I pads or I phones can do, so it is not economically reasonable for me to pay for all that. I do not use my tablet to shop or pay bills - I use my Dell windows computer for those tasks. i also don't think it is right for a school to ON:LY teach students on Apple products - they should be learning android devices and windows devices as well.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

gardenman — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 00:41:01 GMT

@151949 wrote:
IMO - the prices of Apple devices is just not in my budget and I do not need a device to do all the things that I pads or I phones can do, so it is not economically reasonable for me to pay for all that. I do not use my tablet to shop or pay bills - I use my Dell windows computer for those tasks. i also don't think it is right for a school to ON:LY teach students on Apple products - they should be learning android devices and windows devices as well.

Actually, many schools are now switching to Chromebooks for educational purposes. They're cheaper (by a lot,) faster, virus proof, and very durable. As a school computer goes, a Chromebook is pretty hard to beat.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

HonnyBrown — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 01:56:15 GMT

@dooBdoo wrote:

In all fairness, Apple does not have "less security." As @Cha1k said, nothing is perfect but they are safer and more secure. Your example about connecting the device to the computer is misleading -- there are customized settings and device owners generally have choices about whether or not passwords, key codes, etc., are required. I type in a password every time for my Apple devices.

Android devices are not safer or more secure than Apple devices.

dooB, great points! I'm going by my experience.

I used both Apple and BlackBerry phones for work and home. For work, I had to encrypt my phones if they were not issued. When I brought them hom to use, BlackBerry required a password when I connected it to my computer; Apple didn't.

It's cute that Apple had a customized option. BlackBerry doesn't.

I don't know anything about Androids.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

violann — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 12:30:59 GMT

Dell worked VERY VERY HARD to čonvince me to become an Apple user, and after MANY of their " Why NOT to buy Dell PCs lessons" I threw in the sponge and gave up.

I've been a very satisfied Apple owner ever since.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

Cha1k — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 16:47:54 GMT

@hckynutjohn - what do you store on the SD memory cards that you use in your smartphone or tablet? Documents, photos, etc?

Can you store apps on the card and then run them on your device?

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

Cha1k — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 16:49:39 GMT

@brandiwine - in your experience, what makes the Android OS safer?

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

Cha1k — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 17:12:12 GMT

@Jordan2 - Anytime you buy a new computer/tablet/smartphone, the operating system will be different than the one you are used to whether you stick with Microsoft, Apple, or Android. Changes are constantly being made to the software that runs the device. So don't assume that you'll automatically know how to use a new Windows computer.

I teach iPad classes at my local library to students who are usually over the age of 50 with many being over 75. Learning technology does not come easily for many of them.

I encourage them to embrace learning new tech. Just because they don't like change, are older like me, or are intimidated by technology doesn't mean they can no longer learn new things.

One of my students who is 73 and somewhat reluctant to embrace the new way of doing things, flew to Chicago this past weekend. She has a brand new iPhone 6 (moved to it from a Tracfone) and figured out on her own how to load her boarding pass on the United app. We are only 3 weeks into a 6 week class and she had never downloaded an app before my class.

She was soooooo proud of herself and gets to do a "show and tell" in class tomorrow. I am so very proud of her because she has jumped off that diving board head first -- has embraced technology and her grandkids that she's a 'way cool' nana.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

Cha1k — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 17:44:25 GMT

@sidsmom - I'm not aware of a store that specifically carries Android products and offers help or training like the Apple Store does. Perhaps someone else can post if they have seen stores that do. In my area the only help you can get is from cell carriers who sell Android phones.

Re: Why I prefer Apple devices

Chrystaltree2 — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 17:47:39 GMT

....sounds like an Apple employee to me...lol