So, let’s be clear. Apple offers high quality, but expensive hardware. I own multiple Apple devices and if pushed into a corner of having to limit my hardware purchases I would have to go with Apple.
What troubles me about the Apple approach is the narrow perspective the company takes on software and services. I think Apple books have real potential. iTunes U is a great resource for education. I just can’t get into these software products because I have the feeling that the primary motivation is to sell more quality, but expensive hardware. The benefit to learners seems a convenient secondary consequence. I would probably develop our textbook as an iBook if the decision would not ignore all of those learners who prefer a different hardware platform.
I don’t kid myself – it is always about the money. Google wants to encourage ad displays and can benefit even when content is viewed on platforms other than android. Whether purposeful or not, the Google business model is “less evil” when it comes to providing experiences to all learners.