Recessionary Perk: Apple is Finally Listening to its Customers

Photos

WWDC

see larger image

uploaded by peder.sande

The World Wide Development Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco launched this week with recessionary tones of affordability and durability. The addition of an affordable 13” MacBook – rebranded “MacBook Pro”  is among the most significant changes to Apple’s line-up (overshadowing the lacklustre iPhone update). Duration arrives in the form of a 7-hour battery life (previously approximately 4 hours) with a lifespan of 5 years.

Possibly more telling of market fears were the decisions made on non-essential design choices:

·        Illuminated keyboard: previously part of a $350 upgrade and luxury we could do without, now standard. Superfluous, but we all wanted it.

·        SD Card slot: Aesthetics be damned, functionality is in.

·        FireWire: Apple has capitulated to harsh criticism here (not seen since the axing of the floppy drive in the original iMac) demanding the reinstatement of what many view as an essential feature.

In better times Apple has been notorious for knowing what is best for its customers. In leaner times they seem to know what is best for them: pleasing their customers. Finally, Apple delivers the perfect marriage of design, usability, and affordability: exactly what customers cannot say no to in a recession.