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From a Small Tech Firm to a Global Player
Apple’s story began in April 1976, when Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne got together in a garage in Los Altos, California and founded Apple Inc. At first, their plan was to sell kits to make personal computers but the firm soon branched out into mass-produced systems like the Apple II, which appeared in 1977.
During the 1980s, the company battled against IBM for the high-end home computer market, launching its famous Macintosh range in 1984 and updating it throughout the decade. They then moved on to focus on portable computers, pioneering the modern laptop with the PowerBook in 1991.
However, the company laid low until the late 1990s, when it began its ascent. The iMac debuted in 1998, with its futuristic look and high-end specifications. Featuring attractive looks and quality internal components, the iMac marked the first in a series of revolutionary Apple products from the late 90s onwards.
The iPod appeared in 2001, capitalising on the sudden growth in MP3 usage. The first iPhone then appeared in 2007, kick starting the era of smartphones, before being joined by the elegant iPad in 2010. All the while, Apple’s laptop range continued to develop, leading to the MacBook collection which ran from 2006 to 2012, then the reintroduced MacBook which returned in 2015 and continues to see regular updates.
Recent years have seen new iPhones, iPads and MacBooks, like ultra-light MacBook Airs. Apple have also moved into wearables with their Apple Watches, which first appeared in 2015, as well as innovative accessories like the Apple Pencil. In fact, the pace of change is so rapid that it can be hard to keep track of the options available, which is where this buyer’s guide will come in handy.
What Can You Use Your Apple Devices For?
As the history of Apple suggests, the company’s devices have a huge range of applications.
MacBooks are a staple among architects, web designers, students and artists thanks to their reliability, excellent GUI and range of applications. iPads are a common sight in businesses, conferences and even as point of sale devices, as well as in living rooms across the country. As for iPhones, their level of functionality stretches from simple calls and texts to social networking, gaming, video capture and navigation. iPod and Apple Watches are an essential accessory for gym fans, people who travellers and joggers alike.
iPhones: Models and Specifications
Firstly, let’s take a brief look at the iPhone. Introduced in 2007, the iPhone has seen numerous new versions in its lifespan. For this buyer’s guide, it makes sense to focus on the most recent versions: the iPhone X, the iPhone Xs (and iPhone Xs Max) and the iPhone Xr.
The iPhone X arrived in mid-2017 and comes with the following specifications:
Dimensions: 14.3 x 7.1 x 0.77 cm
Weight: 174g
Operating System: iOS 11.1.1, upgradable to iOS 12.1
Processor: Hexa-core 2.39 GHz (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) Apple A11 Bionic
Graphics processor: Three core Apple GPU
Memory: 3GB RAM
Disk space options: 64 or 256GB
Battery life: 21 hours (talk), 60 hours (music)
Screen size: 5.8-inches
Camera: 12MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide) or 12MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto) main camera, and 7MP, f/2.2, 32mm (standard) selfie camera
Audio connection: Apple Lightning, no 3.5mm jack included
This was followed in 2018 by the iPhone XS and XR. First, let's look at the XS:
Dimensions: 14.3 x 7.1 x 0.77 cm
Weight: 177g
Operating System: iOS 12, upgradable to iOS 12.1
Processor: Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest) Apple A12 Bionic
Graphics processor: Quad core Apple GPU
Memory: 4GB
Disk space options: 64, 256, 512GB
Battery life: 20 hours (talk), 60 hours (music)
Screen size: 5.8-inches
Camera: 12MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide) or 12MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto) main camera, and 7MP, f/2.2, 32mm (standard) selfie camera
Audio connection: Apple Lightning connector, no 3.5mm jack.
And the XR:
Dimensions: 15.9 x 7.57 x 0.83 cm
Weight: 194g
Operating System: iOS 12, upgradable to iOS 12.1
Processor: Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest) Apple A12 Bionic
Graphics processor: Quad core Apple GPU
Memory: 3GB
Disk space options: 32, 128, 256GB
Battery life: 25 hours (talk), 65 hours (music)
Screen size: 6.1-inches
Camera: 12MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide) main camera, and 7MP, f/2.2, 32mm (standard) selfie camera
Audio connection: Apple Lightning connector, no 3.5mm headphone jack
You may also be able to purchase older models of Apple iPhone, and that's not necessarily a bad idea. Many models like the iPhone 6, 6S, 8, and 8 Plus remain functional, powerful and popular. But they do lack some features compared to the models above. Just to take a quick example to help you compare, here are the specs for the iPhone 7 (released in 2016):
Dimensions: 13.8 x 6.7 x 0.7 cm
Weight: 138g
Operating System: iOS 10.0.1, (upgradable to iOS 12.1)
Processor: Quad-core 2.34 GHz Apple A10 Fusion
Graphics processor: Six core PowerVR Series7XT Plus
Memory: 2GB RAM
Disk space options: 32, 128 or 256GB
Battery life: 14 hours (talk), 40 hours (music)
Screen size: 4.7-inches
Camera: 12MP, f/1.8, 28mm main camera and 7MP, f/2.2, 32mm selfie camera
Audio connection: Uses Apple's Lightning connector. No 3.5mm jack
Popular Alternatives to Apple's iPhone
Before buying an Apple iPhone, it’s important to know whether you really need to pay extra for an Apple product or whether a smartphone from a different manufacturer will do just as well.
There’s no shortage of competition in the smartphone sector. For example, the iPhone has had to compete with models like the Sony Xperia range, which tend to feature slightly better screen resolution and water resistance than Apple models. Sony's phones have also retained the 3.5mm jack connector, which may suit audio fans, as well as MicroSD cards – often a handy tool for photographers.
Then there’s the Samsung Galaxy range. Samsung's answer to the iPhone has focused on eye-catching glass screens and chassis designs, delivering larger screen sizes and a little bit more processing power. But while they are slightly more powerful than the iPhone 7, Galaxies tend to be more fragile too.
When considering alternatives like the Xperia or Galaxy ranges, it’s also worth thinking about compatibility. Remember, one of the best aspects of iPhones is their ability to link with iPads, iPods and other Apple devices, which can vastly expand their range of capabilities. Android competitors can link up with other devices, often with more flexibility, but configuring them is a bit more complex in many cases.
The Apple iPad Specs
The iPad was unveiled in January 2010 as Apple’s marquee tablet, and since then it has been constantly refined. For instance, the iPad Pro arrived in 2016, while the compact iPad Mini has gone through four iterations.
When you purchase iPads, you'll have a basic choice between three varieties: the iPad, the iPad Mini, and the iPad Pro. To give a flavour for how they differ, let's compare the specs of the 2018 versions.
First, the iPad (2018):
Dimensions: 24 x 16.9 x 0.75 cm
Weight: 469g
Processor: Quad-core 2.34 GHz Apple A10 Fusion
Graphics processor: PowerVR Series7XT Plus (six-core graphics)
Display size: 9.7-inches LED backlit screen offering 16M colours
Screen resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixels
Operating system: iOS 11.3
Memory: 2GB RAM
Storage space: 32 or 128GB
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot
3.5mm headphone jack not included
Battery life: 10 hours
And the iPad Pro (2nd edition):
Dimensions: 24.7 x 17.8 x 0.59 cm (11-inch version), 28 x 21 x 0.59 cm (12.9-inch version)
Weight: 468g or 631g
Processor: A12X Bionic chip with embedded M12 coprocessor
Display size: 11-inches or 12.9-inches
Screen resolution: 2388 x 1668 pixels or 2732 x 2048 pixels
Operating system: iOS 12
Memory: 4GB RAM
Storage options: 64, 256, 512GB, or 1TB (both models)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot
Ports: USB-C connector, no 3.5mm headphone jack.
Battery life: 10 hours (web)
And finally, the iPad Mini 4:
Dimensions: 20 x 13.4 x 0.72 cm
Weight: 308g
Processor: Apple Dual-core A5 processor
Display size: 7.9-inch LED backlit multitouch display
Screen resolution: 1024 x 768 pixels
Operating system: iOS 12
Memory: 2GB RAM
Storage: 16, 32 or 64GB
3.5mm headphone jack included
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi (802.11n 2.4GHz and 5GHz)
Battery life: 10 hours (web)
All of these models are top of the range tablets that combine the functionality of iPhones with many of the abilities of MacBook models. You can use them to capture video footage, take photos, stream music, browse the web, play games and choose from over 2 million apps on the iTunes Store.
But what about the drawbacks? Well, all iPad models come with hefty price tags, but you’d expect that from Apple devices. All of them can be suitable for business and home applications but they aren't flawless.
For example, the iPad's smart keyboard doesn’t include all of the buttons you’d expect, the web browser shows mobile optimised sites instead of ordinary sites and its storage capacity can’t be expanded. iPads are also relatively fragile. They may be high-end products, but that won’t matter much if they shatter when dropped.
Then there's iOS. Apple's operating system is more “closed” than the OS used by Android or Windows phones, making it tougher to move and organise files between devices. Cloud-based solutions are available, but many businesses avoid these services for security reasons. So if you like to be in total control of how you organise your files, an iPad probably isn't ideal.
Are iPads the Right Tablet for You?
Apple’s iPads are some of the best tablets around, but they are far from the only option. If you are thinking about making a tablet purchase, have a look at the competition. That includes Microsoft’s Surface Pro range. It won’t appeal to loyal Apple devotees, but the Surface Pro offers great screen resolution, generous storage, and very high resolution video, all high spec stuff.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab is another alternative. It pushes the iPad Pro close on every measure and may be slightly cheaper. The same applies to the Google Pixel C, which may have the edge when it comes to running Android apps.
Have a look around and double check that the iPad is for you. The iPad Classic, Mini and the iPad Pro are at the top of the tree for general computing, audio and visual capture and web browsing, but they aren’t alone.
The MacBook: Popular Models and Specs
Apple’s MacBook is their flagship laptop. First launched back in 2006, the original MacBook ran for six years before being discontinued in 2012. However, the MacBook Pro, a higher-end model, continued to be produced, as did the lightweight MacBook Air. Then, in 2015 Apple brought back the basic MacBook, completing a trio of notebooks that remains in place.
These are all powerful notebooks and millions of Apple fans have upgraded to the latest MacBook models to take advantage of their technical specifications. However, as usual, they come with a price premium for the Apple brand and will satisfy most everyday laptop users.
Moreover, they aren’t perfect for everyone. For instance, they don’t include SD card readers, a small problem for most people but not for regular digital camera users who need to seamlessly transfer data onto their Mac. The undersized USB ports could also be an issue for some users who need to connect external devices (gamers in particular).
How Do MacBooks Shape Up Against the Competition?
MacBooks have always had a loyal fan base due to their reliability, speed, graphical abilities and the support provided by Apple when things go wrong. However, you’ll find a wealth of other options, so don’t be hasty. You may find that models from Sony, HP, Samsung, Lenovo or other manufacturers do the job just as well, for much less.
If you need a really impressive high-end laptop, you can’t do much better than the MacBook Pro, but the Dell XPS range is a great alternative. It scores highly with multiple USB ports, which will suit some users better, as does the Microsoft Surface Book, which doubles up with a crystal clear display.
In the lightweight corner, there are some excellent budget options like the Lenovo Ideapad, which might best the MacBook Air in terms of battery life. There are also stripped down, basic options like Acer’s Chromebooks which are ultra-cheap and simple to use (even if they are let down by the lack of functionality).
Are there any Competitors to the iPod to think About?
Apple’s iPod Touch is a great device to use with other Apple computers or tablets, as they sync up to iTunes and Apple Music seamlessly. However, for some people, the necessity to sign onto iTunes could be an issue. If you just want a solid MP3 player that can be loaded with CDs or files from the web, have a look at some of the competition.
The Sony Premium Walkman is a good alternative, offering more disk space and features like digital noise cancellation, delivering better audio performance than the iPod Touch. The Pioneer XDP range is similarly powerful and probably edges Apple's player in terms of sound quality. Both have similar touch screens to the iPod Touch and both are ideal for casual MP3 listeners.
You might also think about getting hold of legacy iPods like the Nano or the Mini. They aren't in production any longer, but still offer a handy way to store MP3s. With their smaller size, they can actually be more useful than the Touch for joggers and cyclists, or for workers on the daily commute.
The Apple Watch Specs
Recent years has seen an explosion in the fitness wearables and smart tech market. Predictably, Apple has been at the forefront, launching the Apple Watch in 2015. Designed to complement the iPhone, the Apple Watch allows users to download apps from their phone that work with the watch, including messaging tools, notifications, fitness tracking tools, maps, music streaming and many more functions.
It’s a neat piece of kit that adds something extra to your smartphone and 2018's Fourth Generation model came with the following basic specs:
Size: 4.4 x 3.8 x 1.07 cm
Weight: 48g
Display: 448 x 368 pixels multitouch display offering 16M colours
Processor: Dual-core Apple S4
Bluetooth: 5.0, A2DP, LE
Power: Non-removable Li-Ion battery with a battery life of up to 18 hours
Memory: 16GB
Since its launch, the Apple Watch has attracted some fanatical followers, as well as its fair share of criticism. On the plus side, it looks attractive and genuinely adds handy features to your iPhone. With the Apple Watch, you’ll be able to walk or jog and receive notifications (and find your way via the maps app if you get lost). And the heart monitor tool is a genuinely impressive medical accessory that could promote the health of wearers.
On the other hand, some people have pointed out inaccuracies in the fitness tracking apps (which are always being refined), switching between apps can be clunky and you’ll need an iPhone to use most of its features. So, if you are an Android user and you want to give it a try, the only option is to buy an iPhone as well, hardly a practical option!
If you don’t like the sound of the Apple Watch, specialist fitness trackers like FitBit are more accurate and have a wider range of features. There are also some stylish multi-purpose smartwatches around. As with all Apple products, the Apple Watch is an elegant, well-designed item but there are other options.
Apple Accessories
So, you’ve decided to buy an iPhone, a MacBook Air or an iPod Touch. But what kind of accessories are on offer to make your device even more functional? It turns out, quite a lot. Here are some of the most popular:
The Apple Pencil – Designed for use solely with the iPad Pro, the Apple Pencil is the company’s digital stylus. Looking just like an ordinary pencil, it is able to detect pressure and angle, translating this perfectly into on screen content.
Apple AirPods – Apple’s earphones (or ‘AirPods’) automatically connect to iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads and MacBooks. They are set up to start playing when they are placed in your ear and shut down immediately when you take them out, a remarkable piece of engineering.
Fitness Accessories – Apple also offers a range of specialist fitness accessories, including skipping ropes, golf swing analysers and sleep trackers.
The range of accessories for iPods, iPhones, iPads and Macs is dizzyingly large. Take a look at the Apple website at www.apple.com to see if any accessories make sense for you, then check to see whether they are bundled with Apple products. That way, you may well save money on the purchase.
Where and When to Buy Apple Products
Apple manufactures some of the slickest, most accessible and beautiful digital devices around. But where is the best place to actually buy them? iPhones and iPads are rarely cheap, so selecting the best retailer can be a very cost effective decision.
One place to look for deals is the Apple homepage. The manufacturer often runs discounts on its own products, particularly when product overhauls are imminent, and you’ll find bundle deals with accessories and phones or netbooks as well. Head to the Apple hotukdeals listings to see their current discounts.
If Apple don’t have any deals at the moment, don’t worry. Retailers like GiffGaff, John Lewis, Argos, Currys, Amazon, and Very; all sell Apple products, often far more cheaply than Apple themselves. So shop around. You’ll be surprised at the bargains available.
Time your purchase wisely too. As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach in November, look out for Apple deals, and do the same in the January Sales. Check the listings in September as well. Apple regularly introduce new products then, so there may well be great deals on older products.
Finally, if you aren't too bothered about purchasing the latest Apple models, you can enjoy huge savings compared to the stock price by looking for refurbished iPhones, iPads, iPods, or MacBooks. If you go down this route, shopping at the Certified Refurbished section of the Apple site is the best way to do so.
Apple Offers at hotukdeals
Apple’s phones, tablets, MP3 players, watches and laptops are some of the most technically impressive, easy to use and attractive products around. However, their quality doesn’t always come cheap. Drive down the cost of buying Apple products by checking their hotukdeals listings, the best place to find discounts, deals and offers on iPads, iPhones and many more Apple products.
