In Cork Steve Jobs found the perfect match for Apple

Apple in Cork since 1981

The death of Steve Jobs reminds me of a thought I had not that long ago, that is it's so appropriate that Apple is based in Cork and Microsoft is in Dublin. Jobs chose well when he chose Cork.

Apple first set up shop in Cork back in 1981. I don't know what the locals thought at the time, but I've more than once detected a hint of pride in Cork people that Apple's European base is in Cork. As well as being one of the largest employers in the area, the people of Cork seem to feel that Apple's stylish image reflects well on them. They're 'Apple people.'

I'm not. I have never bought an Apple product. In fact, I've only had minimal contact with Apple products since I left the Apple IIe behind in high school. I guess you could say that I don't really get the whole Apple thing.

I never owned or even held an iPhone. I hate iTunes. My daughters' iPods? I prefer my MP3 player. My wife's iPad? It's nice and all, but I prefer my netbook. Those MacBooks? Well, I've never owned one or even really tried one. Always too costly. Microsoft Windows and Dell are more my speed. Clunky, probably more unreliable, but I can always get them going again when something goes wrong.

Of course 'Apple people' don't agree with me. 'Apple people' love their MacBooks, their iPods, their iPhones and the whole Apple thing, which of course, included Steve Jobs.
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'Apple people' are devoted to Apple. They've got something of a chip on their shoulder. They also like to think they're a bit different. They're rebellious. Just like Cork people.

Cork, the Rebel County, inspires a similar loyalty and devotion. They also share that mindset of being a breed apart.

And just as Apple had Microsoft to aim at, to direct their ire at, so Cork has Dublin. It's all too fitting that Microsoft chose Dublin for its European headquarters. Perfect symmetry.

Far less loyalty and devotion among Dubliners for their home city/county. For many it's simply the most practical choice of home. Nothing to get excited about.

Similarly with 'Microsoft people.' They don't profess any loyalty or love for Microsoft, but it's functional and it's cheap so they stick with it.

That's me. Perhaps if I'd opted for Cork rather than Dublin when I first came to Ireland I'd be one of the 'Apple people' - an iPhone-iPad-MacBook-owning man, firmly committed to good design and stylish looks. I'd probably dress better too.

{Photo from map.google.ie}