The cult of the Mac....

Interesting story from BBC about how Apple's product-line (epecially iPod) has almost spawned a new religion.

While, I am not about to perform an aarti on my iPod, I have to admit that it is a very good product and it came in a goovily packed black cube-shaped box (it looks so good that I haven't been able to throw it away - even when I moved). However, this is yet to happen to me:

During his regular evening walk, software executive Steve Crandall often nods a polite greeting to other iPod users he passes: He easily spots the distinctive white earbuds threaded from pocket to ears.

But while quietly enjoying some chamber music one evening in August, Crandall's polite nodding protocol was rudely shattered.

Crandall was boldly approached by another iPod user, a 30ish woman bopping enthusiastically to some high-energy tune.

"She walked right up to me and got within my comfort field," Crandall stammered. "I was taken aback. She pulled out the earbuds on her iPod and indicated the jack with her eyes."

Warily unplugging his own earbuds, Crandall gingerly plugged them into the woman's iPod, and was greeted by a rush of techno.

"We listened for about 30 seconds," Crandall said. "No words were exchanged. We nodded and walked off."

This blog refers to it and late last year there was a story on NY-Post how an Apple store in Manhattan are replacing bars as dating and pick-up joints:

"People in here glance at each other just like they do in a bar," Frederick Pina, a writer and Apple Store regular, told the New York Post. "It's not a problem to open a conversation because you know everyone has similar interests." Actress Nina Rutsch agreed. "When you're checking your e-mail online, you're really near your neighbor, so its an easy place to strike up conversation," she said. "And if you talk to a guy in the Apple Store, you already know he's going to be modern and up-to-date and sober. It's healthier than picking up someone in a bar."