Steve Jobs 1955-2011

So today was the day that Steve Jobs sadly passed away and world lost a great leader of innovation in technology.

Whilst I’m not an owner of any Apple products and to an extent I fail to understand the hype around them I cannot dispute that that Apple have some fine products in their portfolio.

Having been born in ’72 I’ve been lucky enough to witness the birth of home computing and to an extent I’ve been an early adopter in some cases thanks to my wonderful parents. In many instances Apple have been a leader in innovation and seem to be able to deliver what people either want or will want when they see it. I also remember the years when Apple struggled somewhat and its good see them recover.

Today the mainstream media has provided almost blanket coverage to the passing of Steve and its interesting to look back at the early products as well as see a reply of the Iphone and Ipad launches and who would have predicted a phenomenal success that followed those launches. 

But there is one thing there that both disturbs and annoys me immensely about the reaction to Steve’s death. On CNN tonight they are showing articles on the worldwide reaction which included people are leaving flowers outside Apple shops and people who have downloaded apps to show a candle. In addition people were interviewed who seem to have been brainwashed into buying everything Apple and made comments about how Apple has changed their lives etc etc.

My Facebook wall is inundated with messages commenting on the sad news but I can’t help feeling that it’s a massive over reaction.

Why?

Steve Jobs was a fantastic innovator and successful businessman but what else? Why is it that he has been elevated to some kind of super hero status?

As per press reports Steve has not donated anywhere near as much money to charitable causes as some other prominent businessmen and Apple has been criticized over its green tech polices as well as questionable ethical issues over the choice of factories and their labour polices in Asia. 

Yes the passing of Steve Job’s is a very sad event but get a grip because there are far bigger more important issues in the world that you should be concerned about.

Whilst I’m a fan of social networking I can’t help feel uncomfortable with the way that everybody seems share their grief on Facebook and Twitter without even thinking about what they are saying or doing.

Now I know I said Im not a big fan of Apple products but I’m thinking about getting a tab at some point , Ipad 2, Galaxy or wait for Ipad 3? At the moment I’m learning to the former when it comes out.
 
I’m guess I’m beginning to warm to the products a little but I'm more than happy with my Blackberry phone………