Re: Yeah, I noticed The Register is in Apple Hate Mode
I don't use Apple. I use Android and Windows, Sony and Dell*. However, I don't like unnecessary snark, since it muddies any sensible discussion of useful features and good design choices.
I agree. I use a lot of Apple gear. My use is based (as yours) on a set of requirements that are probably unique to me, that have fairly sensible reasoning behind them (OK, biased opinion :) ) and is based on the information I had available at the time of purchase.
Over time, all those variables (requirements, usage experience, information, motivation) can change, which is why I'm not interested in hype or club/group thinking and any statements of preference that flow from that. I am always willing to listen to reasonable arguments and experience, because, quite simply, I don't believe you can know it all. There may be an insight, motivation or use I haven't thought of that may work. There may be a risk I have overlooked. There may be a benefit that may fit in - even in the future. In other words, I'm OK with other people making other choices, that's their right and I'm always interested in their reasons for doing so without this weird need to stick a negative label on them because they don't happen to make the same choices as I do.
I have my reasons for avoiding anything associated with Google like the proverbial plague (amongst which are clearances, privacy and frankly ludicrous demands in their Terms & Conditions) but I am also quite aware that not everyone has those deep needs and by listening to other facts I may be able to learn something that could help someone else make a DIFFERENT choice. The frantic screeching of the Android lot as soon as you dare mention that iPhone works better for you is a strong argument to avoid the platform like the proverbial plague because you wouldn't want to be associated with foaming-at-the-mouth fanatics (I had a brief Stallman flashback there).
At one of my relatives they have practically all types. There are two Android phones there, an iPhone and a Windows phone, and the running joke is that we ought to replace one of the Androids with a Blackberry, just to make it a complete mess. It works for them, and that is fine.
It's their choice of beer that I object to.