Apple products are some of the most popular in the world. People from the United States to China to Europe are chomping at the bit to get their hands on the latest iPhones, iPads and Macs. And Apple, loving how much cash it generates each quarter, is happy to oblige them with some of the top products on the market. There was a time when Apple wasn’t this popular. Back when Steve Jobs took over the company for the second time in the 1990s, there was some concern that the end was near for Apple. The company’s financials were in the gutter, shareholders were fleeing at an alarming rate, and it seemed a sale would be the only way to salvage the prominent brand. But with some smart product launches and even smarter business decisions, Steve Jobs resurrected Apple. And now, just months after the visionary’s death, his company is the most valuable in the world, its products most desired and its opportunities for growth are greater than all others. That growth opportunity is due mainly to Apple fans. If they’re anything, Apple fans are loyal, and they wouldn’t even think of buying a product from any other company. For new fans, however, there is a period of needing to learn the ropes and determining what products to buy. Luckily for those folks, we have you covered. Here’s a cheat sheet to let you know which Apple products every big fan should use.
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Apple iPhone 4S
It’s no secret Apple’s iPhone 4S is the most sought-after consumer electronics device in the world. This is for a good reason. The smartphone features Apple’s Retina Display, the Siri virtual personal assistant and a starting price of $199 with a two-year agreement that should make just about any Apple fan happy.
Apple iPad
Having the iPhone available during the day to check email and quickly surf the Web is great, but having the iPad for nighttime is even better. The device mimics the functionality of a notebook, but at $499 and up, comes in at a price that’s far more affordable than a Mac notebook. Apple’s iPad is a fine companion for any fan.
Apple iPod
Apple started its mobile push with the iPod. Now, the company is selling a host of iPods, including the Shuffle, the Nano and the Touch. Apple fans wouldn’t be Apple fans if they didn’t have at least one iPod with them while at the gym or outside for a run.
Apple MacBook Air
Since the iPad and iPhone can’t solve every issue, getting an Apple notebook is probably a good idea for today’s fan. The best place to start is with the MacBook Air, which boasts a nice, thin design and a full-sized keyboard, despite its 11- or 13-inch (you decide) screen. The MacBook Air is a great option for those who don’t want to spend $2,000 or more on a MacBook Pro.
Apple iCloud
If you haven’t started using Apple’s online cloud-based platform, iCloud, it’s about time you join the party. According to Apple, more than 100 million people are using the Web-based syncing service. It keeps calendars up to date, syncs music and photos, and doubles as an iPhone locator. Not bad for a free service.
Apple Mac Pro
Sometimes, notebooks just won’t get the job done. In those cases, getting a high-end desktop, like Apple’s Mac Pro, is a good idea. The computer is expensive—it’ll set customers back more than $2,500, for sure—but it comes with all the power you’ll need. And as long as you treat it well and don’t engage in unsafe behavior, it should last for several years.
Apple App Store
Although jailbreaking the iPhone and iPad to get access to third-party application stores might be a fun idea, doing so carries a host of security issues that most folks won’t want to deal with. So, rather than take a risk, why not just access apps from Apple’s App Store? Most of the good stuff is in there, anyway.
Apple Mac OS X Lion
All this talk of Macs leaves out one important element that Apple fans can’t miss: running Mac OS X Lion is an absolute necessity. Apple’s latest operating system, which launched just months ago, is secure, well-built and responsive. It’s arguably the best Mac OS X version released to-date.
Apple iWork
In most cases, Apple fans want no part of anything Microsoft develops. So, they often look for productivity solutions they can use to replace Office. In Apple’s case, that means using iWork. The software platform isn’t perfect and it lacks much of Office’s power, but for those who don’t want to play nice with Microsoft, it’s one of the best Mac OS X options.
Apple TV
Although Apple calls it a hobby, the Apple TV is an ideal option for consumers who want to be entertained in the living room. It includes Netflix streaming, allows for access to iTunes music, and lets users stream rentals. Best of all, it only costs $99. Having apps included would be nice, but at that price, it’s worth picking up.
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Apple products are some of the most popular in the world. People from the United States to China to Europe are chomping at the bit to get their hands on the latest iPhones, iPads and Macs. And Apple, loving how much cash it generates each quarter, is happy to oblige them with some of the top products on the market. There was a time when Apple wasn’t this popular. Back when Steve Jobs took over the company for the second time in the 1990s, there was some concern that the end was near for Apple. The company’s financials were in the gutter, shareholders were fleeing at an alarming rate, and it seemed a sale would be the only way to salvage the prominent brand. But with some smart product launches and even smarter business decisions, Steve Jobs resurrected Apple. And now, just months after the visionary’s death, his company is the most valuable in the world, its products most desired and its opportunities for growth are greater than all others. That growth opportunity is due mainly to Apple fans. If they’re anything, Apple fans are loyal, and they wouldn’t even think of buying a product from any other company. For new fans, however, there is a period of needing to learn the ropes and determining what products to buy. Luckily for those folks, we have you covered. Here’s a cheat sheet to let you know which Apple products every big fan should use.