” B I S H O P “

During my Christmas festivities, I went with a few friends to the Apple Store. This being my first time inside one of these stores, I was confused with the entire checkout process. See… Apple likes to be different, hence the slogan: Think Different. Instead of having a normal checkout counter, every associate on the floor is equipped with a mobile handheld that has a mag-stripe reader for credit or debit cards. Since we are a nation attached to plastic, it makes total sense to do business this way.

The checkout process in quite simple:

• Pick out the items you want and find an available associate
• Associate scans items with handheld and you hand them your credit card
• Associate verifies email address and off you go with some crazy, overpriced piece of metal or plastic

I was intrigued by this process, but most of my attention was drawn to the handheld device. After discussing this with a close friend who has ties to an Apple Store, my biggest question was finally answered. The Apple Store handhelds are running Windows Mobile.In fact, I was even told that the device’s identification labels are specifically placed over the Windows Mobile logo at the top of each device. Apple is always taking hits at Microsoft, but I find it quite amazing that Apple cannot even develop software for a mobile device for their retail chains.

I have always respected Microsoft’s decision to not take hits on Apple. Many of Microsoft’s ads about “I’m a PC” are only meant as self-defense in which Apple was the instigator. As I sit here typing, I am constantly checking the Microsoft website for updates on the Windows 7 Public Beta. These are exciting times for Microsoft in which their upcoming operating system finally focuses on the public’s input.

My main point of this article it to point out the fact that Apple has created an attituide in which their products are not only superior but make their users superior also. So far, I do not think Apple is superior and in the fact that they still rely on competiors for simple retail transactions. With this, I leave a simple message to all anti-Microsoft, die-hard Mac users:

“Every time you purchase an item from Apple, or become excited when a new Apple Store opens, remember that you are supporting Microsoft. With Apple’s dependence on Windows Mobile for Apple Store transactions, you are not only supporting Apple, but its biggest competitor. Without Microsoft and the Windows Mobile Operating System, those quick, speedy iPhone and iPod purchases (especially on release day) would become slow and unbearable. Just remember that Apple is NOT independent and never will be, so get a life and let people decide on what is best for them. You can now go back to your Finder and finish your new YouTube video in iMovie because that is all a Mac is good for.”

I will be posting soon…