This list speaks volumes about the tragic current condition of Apple and its misdirection. Yes, presently very profitable, on top of the world—BUT many would be surprised at how quickly all that could change. If core competencies are not maintained, if the strategic vision is flawed, if one is relying upon past glories—then prosperity can be but an illusion and fleeting.
These six oldest (read, neglected) products of Apple are some of their most important. Following, in the order they were listed, and why each still matters:
• AirPort Extreme
— Because this world and Apple are increasingly going wireless. Because electronic security is all the more important; one needs a secure router they can count on. Because many Apple customers prefer to remain Apple-centric, and should be able to do so.
• Mac Pro
— Because Apple should be more than a consumer consumption company of services. Without professional computer tools it will not only lose related markets like video and audio production, but also quite likely those tangential like education. More importantly it will be a services company at the mercy of outside vendors dictating how and what is created for it.
• Mac Mini
— Because not everyone needs another screen, or prefers a choice in such things. Because many do not need the power of a Mac Pro but still desire an Apple desktop computer other than an iMac. Because, inexplicably, a Mac Mini remains the best option as a video server. Etc.
• MacBook Air
— Because, sadly, in useful ports, decent keyboard, useful battery life, overall form (if not its screen) the MacBook Air is in many respects the best notebook computer Apple presently sells. As well, its lowest cost offering in this category, if that no reason for it to be outdated, exactly the opposite.
• iPod Touch
—Because Apple has been excising headphone jacks left and right. Because not everyone of their customers wishing to listen to mobile music wirelessly (in part due no other choice) may want or can use an iPhone for such a task. Because they haven't just abandoned one in this key category and left them on the rocks.
• iPad Mini
— Because not everyone needs or wants some huge iPad. Because an iPad Mini remains the best sized iPad to read a book on; or that Apple is happy enough to sell you a book but otherwise doesn't care if you can enjoy reading it or not (see: quite possibly left to rot with other vendors).
In short and summation, if not actually hostile to its customers, Apple has increasingly become a corporation that doesn't particularly care about them.
Obviously Apple has to make a profit; it is after all a business before all else. As all changes there will be products and services which will as well, not to everyone's satisfaction.
However, that in no way excuses leaving the professional market dangling in the wind, putting crap keyboards on over expensive notebooks, gluing everything together, offering products many years out of date which in many respects better than that on offer new. Etc., etc., etc.
