The 10 Best Apple Products and What They Mean to You

Over the past few decades, Apple Computers has become an almost mythic brand in the information technology industry. For better or worse, many of their products have completely revolutionized or redefined the computing industry as a whole. While not all Apple products are "home runs," there are several that have become iconic in their respective sectors.

Some of Apple's 10 best products are hardware, and some of them are software. All of them have set a standard, broke a mold, or redefined technology for all of their competitors in each of the various product categories. All of these products have an undeniable impact on the way people "do computing", and collectively, they are responsible for making me a self-proclaimed Apple Fanboy.

The Top 10 Apple Computing Products:

#10 - iLife

What is it? Apple iLife is the software suite that has become synonymous with everything that the Mac means. iLife is the creative core of bundled programs that allows you to create music, websites, movies, and photos. Not only is the software freely bundled on all new Apple Computers, but is the easiest software suite to use and master. The iLife software suite features iWeb, iMovie, iPhoto, and Garageband. Each program is exceptionally intuitive, user friendly, and remarkably competent in what they are asked to do.

Why does it matter? I use iLife exclusively for photo editing and collecting as well as movie making. Yes, there are better and far more expensive pieces of software for both Microsoft and Apple computers that can do this, but iLife is free. The software suite has set the bar for what "bundled" software can be, and that bar is high. Also, iLife has managed to establish Apple computers as being designed for creativity. Realistically, there is no difference between a piece of quality Apple hardware and quality HP hardware; it is the software that makes the difference.

#9 - iTunes and the iTunes Music Store

What is it? iTunes and the Apple iTunes store are the front end for the entire Apple Digital Media kingdom. Through the iTunes store, Apple sells music, television, eBooks, and applications. Through the iTunes store, Apple has sold billions of applications and songs for their various iPod models. The iTunes software is required to sync music and apps to an iPod, and it also can serve as a one-stop media player for any media that you might have on a computer. Also, iTunes is available for both Microsoft Windows and the Apple operating systems.

Why does it matter? The iTunes store has proven that digital distrobution of media is a very profitable reality, and the iTunes software has helped to make the iPod the icon that it is today. You simply cannot use an iPod or iPhone without iTunes, and it is hard to use iTunes without being tempted to buy something. Today, nearly every music player and cell phone manufacturer has an ecosytem for delivering content and syncing devices. The Zune Marketplace is very nice, but iTunes was there first. In reality, iTunes created its own market in 2001, and has served its users well ever since.

#8 - The iPod (original)

What is it? The original iPod debuted in 2001, and although it was not the first portable media player, it soon became one of the best. The original iPod set the bar for a portable device that was sturdy, intuitive, and portable. The original iPod came in 5 and 10 GB varieties, connected via FireWire and used the iTunes software to sync and purchase music. It featured a mechanical scroll wheel that is still represented on modern iPods.

Why does it matter? Personal media players are everywhere, and they are a staple for most technology enthusiasts. Personally, I am fond of the Zune HD, but I know that I have to give credit to the original iPod for starting it all. In fact, many people use the word iPod to mean any music player. It has become the defining model for an entire industry; it is the Kleenex of digital media players. Despite the iPod touch and current iPod shuffle having vastly different designs, the concept of the original iPod is alive and well in all of today's models.

#7 - The Apple iMac (original)

What is it? The original iMac debuted in 1998, and truly defined what Apple would become. The original iMac was a 15 inch, all-in-one computer that presented both form and function. Effectively, the iMac was pretty and useful. The original computer featured a CD drive and no floppy drive, a keyboard, and single button mouse. The CPU, monitor, and drives were all connected, and a user simply had to plug the keyboard and mouse in, and then connect he computer to power. It was simplistic in design and implementation.

Why does it matter? The "i" in its name meant two things: the Internet and the individual. The "i" branding, since the original iMac, has become central to nearly every other product that Apple has defined since. Those two core elements are obvious in every Apple design since. The original iMac was the first computer to try and look nice, and the concept was a hit. Many, if not all, Apple products since have been both praised and criticized for putting form before function.

#6 - OS X

What is it? OS X is the current desktop operating system for Apple Computers. It is built on a modified Unix core with a graphical user interface that allows users to interact with their Apple computers and their data. It comes pre-installed on all Apple Computers, and it is only legally licensed on Apple Hardware. Also, it is the first Apple operating system that I have enjoyed using. The current version is known as OS X Snow Leopard, and like its modern competitor (Windows 7), it is a lighter, faster, and safer version of its previous operating version. It is available in both 32 and 64 bit editions, and it provides the central core operating experience for a Mac user.

Why does it matter? OS X is sleek, fast, and responsive. I have yet to meet a user who couldn't figure out the software fairly quickly. OS X, unlike Microsoft Windows, is only available on one piece of hardware, and therefore it fits very well. The very kernel of the software is designed to run on the hardware, and therefore it appears very stable. Also, because of the very nature of being Unix based, it is more virus resistant than its chief competitor. This, combined with its stability has allowed OS X to increase market share dramatically in the personal computer market.

#5 - Final Cut Pro

What is it? Final Cut Pro is the professional video editing software suite available for Apple computers. Unlike iMovie, Final Cut Pro allows a film maker complete creative freedom in the film making process. Final Cut Pro provides non-linear editing of any Quicktime compatible media, and can expand in complexity to meet the needs of any user. Even though Final Cut Pro has a substantial price tag, it is still cheaper than a professional editing suite, and it is as complete and effective.

Why does it matter? Final Cut Pro is Emmy award winning software, and has been used on several award winning movies including Napolean Dynamite and Supersize Me (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_cut_pro). It proved that professional quality video could be created with off-the-shelf software and hardware. With Final Cut Pro, anyone can be a film maker.

#4 - Boot Camp

What is it? Boot Camp is an Apple utility and set of drivers that allows any Intel based Apple computer to boot into both Apple OS X and Microsoft Windows. By using the Boot Camp utility, a user can feel comfortable transitioning into an Apple environment because they don't have to give up any Windows specific software that they desire. Boot Camp is a hardware solution, not a virtual software solution to dual-booting operating systems. Therefore, you can only operating one OS at a time.

Why does it matter? Boot Camp is why I am a Mac user. When it was first announced as part of the OS X operating system, I was instantly interested. Boot Camp meant that I could own and explore an Apple computer, but I could also keep using my Microsoft Windows grade book and lesson planning software. Also, I could maintain system compatibility with my friends that all used Microsoft Office. Yes, Boot Camp was the gateway drug that got me hooked on Macs. Now, I have replaced all of my Windows specific software with Apple counterparts, but the Boot Camp utility was what got me started.

#3 - The AirPort Base Station and AirPort Extreme

What is it? The Apple AirPort system is the Wireless WiFi internet ecosystem that easily connects any WiFi enabled device to the internet. AirPorts create local area networks in a house or business. The AirPort Base Station provides a connection to the Internet, while the AirPort Extreme stations provide an infrastructure for iTunes library sharing, printer sharing, and music sharing. All of the devices are basically plug-and-play and require very little customization or network knowledge.

Why does it matter? My wife set-up a AirPort Base Station. I don't mean to sound sexist or derogatory, but my wife would be the first to admit that she is not technologically gifted. She honestly struggles with the DVR remote, and yet she installed a wireless network into my house while I was away on a business trip. The Apple strategy has always been to make things "just work." The AirPort system, makes networking work.

#2 - Aluminum Unibody MacBook

What is it? The Alluminim Unibody MacBook is Apple's version of the laptop. They currently feature Intel processors, a range of screen sizes from 13-17 inches, DVD drives, Back lit keyboards and LED back lit screen. They are sturdy because of their unibody construction, and they are powerful because of their internals. Aluminum MacBooks tend to be more expensive than their comparably equipped (but less attractive) competitors, but the inclusion of iLife, Mac OS X, and a custom hardware / software fit makes them a great deal.

Why does it matter? MacBooks have always held a unique niche in the portable computing market, but there are very few computer users that aren't interested in the aesthetics that an Apple Unibody MacBook offers. Also, the MacBook has set a new standard in the area of power vs. price and battery life. In academic environments, Apple MacBooks have always been popular, but the new Unibody MacBooks have become popular in homes and businesses. Other computer manufacturers are starting to style their computers to compete with the MacBook. Computers such as the Dell Adamo and the HP Envy are trying hard to do what the MacBook has done.

#1 - The iPhone

What is it? The Apple iPhone, available in its 3G and 3GS models, is a fantastically popular smartphone availailbe on the AT&T telephone network. It features the same form factor and operating system as the popular iPod Touch, but it combines a multi-touch screen and sleek user interface with a powerful 3G cell phone. Like the iPod Touch, the iPhone is tied to the iTunes software and store for the purchase of music and applications. Originally introduced in 2007, the Apple iPhone has become ubiquitous with the term smartphone.

Why does it mater? According to Wikipedia, as of the first quarter of 2010, the iPhone has sold over 42 million handsets. The iPhone has redefined the concept of smartphone, and many other phone manufacturers have done what they can to imitate the iPhone. It brings together a decade of concept and design - it features the "real internet" and it is designed to support the individual. It just works, and it is so simple that my wife can use it. Some would argue that the iPhone is the pinnacle of what Apple computing has been trying to do for the past decade. It has redefined an entire market while putting form over function.