Tikkabik

In defense or analysis of the Macintosh, a lot of people draw analogies between computers and cars. Mercedes-Benz and BMWs have a small share of the auto market but huge respect of reviewers and industry insiders plus profitable businesses (for the most part), so it's totally understandable. But I don't think of the business in those terms.

I consider the Mac more like a Bang and Olufsen stereo. It's a lifestyle device.

Bang and Olufsen is this company based out of Denmark that makes home entertainment systems. Ask any audiophile about Bang and Olufsen and chances are you'll elicit the same contemptful sneer that you do from a PC gamer who's asked about the Mac: "Sure, the boxes LOOK pretty, but what's inside isn't that great."

And it's true. You can get better quality audio hardware at considerably lower cost if you don't mind ugly boxes. And you can get stuff that sounds close to as good for a fraction of price, if you're not measuring distortion rates with an oscilloscope.

But what separates Bang and Olufsen from the crowd is their attention to design. Their stuff kicks all sorts of ass. From tapered-candle looking tower speakers to wall-mounted speakers that look like floating flat planes of fabric and components that are all primary shapes, Bang and Olufsen has a totally unique design sensibility that's really untouched in the home entertainment business. Their designs make a bold architectural statement, and create a compelling focal point that really causes you to think hard about how you're going to display the gear.

That sort of statement isn't for everyone -- some people won't be willing to pay the price that premium lifestyle equipment demands, and some people won't be willing to put up with the limitations. For those that "get it," though, life is good.