I never met someone using Apple laptops professionally who thought it was a status symbol. I only keep hearing this from non-Apple users.

The only status it brings is "smart enough to not use Windows 11" or "cares enough to get the work done rather than fighting with Linux on laptops".

(I use Linux on desktop as a first choice, but it's always been an uphill struggle with laptop wifi/power manglement/audio for me. I blame the esoteric chipsets used in the machines I've bought in the UK)

This brand's perception varies wildly between different income groups, but is still one or the other flavor of positive in the end.

I have blue collar friends in California that consider apple products a sign of leftism and I hate to say it, but even sexuality (but that moreso in a joking way.)

Think of those who buy modern motorcycles which have the same performance as a super car for a tiny price and an out of this world user experience.

I did buy my car for reasons other than status. That’s just a bonus.

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