As far as I can tell, the real problem with the American phone market (maybe even in general?) is corporations assraping the consumer, gouging for money on features (tethering, ring tones, incoming calls/msgs etc. etc.) that are free and open to use with any sane provider (or sane country, where the gouging is regulated). So no argument there.
But really, against apple, a cheap shot it was not. Your bookstore analogy does not hold water, because bookstores in general do not set themselves up to be guardians of people's morals. I use a Mac both at work and at home and was a fanboy when most people were predicting the death of Apple, but jesus fucken christ is it ever hypocritical to allow apps with recorded speeches of a fascist, and at the same time ban:
- satire (http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/04/apple-bans-satire/)
- flash
- nudity
- the word "Android" (http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/188760/apples_bans_go_way_too_far.html)
- wifi hotspot tools (http://www.iphonehacks.com/2010/03/apple-bans-wifi-stumbler-iphone-apps-blames-use-of-private-apis.html)
- facebook (http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/04/07/apple-bans-unofficial-facebook-app-for-ipad/)
- any apps competing with them
- jailbreakers (http://apple.slashdot.org/story/10/02/16/160241/Apple-Bans-Jailbreakers-From-the-App-Store?from=rss)
- Dalai Lama in China (http://techie-buzz.com/tech-news/apple-bans-dalai-lama-apps-in-china.html)
They set themselves up for criticism because seemingly they apply a ban policy that is both very stringent and basically a "if we don't like it, we don't accept it". So without ever owing an iPhone or ever using the app store, going by the news coverage alone, Apple seems to like:
- fascist speeches
- farting sounds
- making money
Ok, so they probably do not attempt to advance a fascist ideology, but it is totally perverted nonetheless. I'd get rid of my Macs if only they weren't so damn good products. Ironically, it is Adobe products on a hassle free Unixy platform that keep me locked to Macs. Luckily, with cell phones, there's ample choice.
