It was sad, but not surprising to learn of Steve Jobs’ death today. He had been ill for a long time and his physical appearance on stage didn’t hide this.
But his life should be celebrated as a great example of vision. innovation and love for life.
No ‘Apple fanboy’
I’m certainly not an Apple fanboy but have much admiration for all that Steve Jobs has achieved for the world of technology. Personally, I’ve always been a ‘PC person’, relishing the cost benefits and the ability to upgrade parts of my computer when required. Plus, in the past, using a PC invariably opened the doors to a much bigger range of software.
But it should be pointed out that until Windows 2000 was born, I had never seen a reliable operating system from Microsoft and the cursed blue screen of death was almost a daily expectation. Meanwhile, the Apple operating system bathed in reliability but at a premium price.
The iPhone – my favourite piece of computer technology to date
For me, the iPhone is the single device which has impressed me more than any other. Until a couple of years ago my love of mobile handsets was limited to the first month of ownership. A succession of mobiles from Motorola, Ericsson, Samsung and Nokia had all failed to woe me. And my experience of Windows Mobile 6.1 had left me quite distraught. Then my iPhone arrived…
For some, the Blackberry is their tool of choice, but I’m not keen on the small plastic buttons in terms of both easthetics and functionality. No, the iPhone is everything I need in a mobile phone.
And the iPad is amazing too…
Since recently owning an iPad 2, I’ve discovered that this product takes some beating too and is another revolutionary device. It won’t be long before pads become commonplace in our homes and the iPad has led the way.
But the iPhone still pips it to the post as my favourite piece of computer technology to date.
Some wise words from Steve
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
Steve Jobs, founder of Apple (1955-2011), Commencement Speech at Stanford University, 12 June 2005