Initially I thought writing an article about Apple would be a great idea. So I happily tapped away at my keyboard on Tuesday pre-empting the release of the iPhone 5. Working into the night I thought I’ll approach the media tomorrow and get some beauty sleep. When news broke the following afternoon that there was no iPhone 5 it kind of pissed on my chips. No matter, I thought, I’ll just update it with the lingo about the 4S instead. Done. I then walked in the office today to the sad news Steve ‘the God’ Jobs had passed away. So here we are, enjoy……

This article won’t offer a unique perspective on Steve Jobs as we never met him, in fact I personally have never owned an Apple product (I did find an iPhone 4 on the floor in a club but I managed to return it to an ungrateful owner).

The reason I’m writing this is that although I never wanted to be part of the Apple family, I have taken an interest through my proverbial twitching net curtain My reservations stem from being sucked into a brand that I’m just not ready for. I don’t think I’ve thought this much before dating someone but the vast reach of the brand, the endless possibility of the technology and the incredible fan base, well it is something that I’m not entirely ready to jump into bed with just yet.

My hesitant nature is difficult to put a finger on but I think it is partially due to the fact that I fear getting hooked. I will be one of the people that queue for a new iPhone, becomes obsessed about buying all Apple products to ensure cross-compatibility and forsaking other products and brands due to my commitment. Perhaps it is the fear that I will lose the free will to pick a new phone, surely that is reason enough to boycott??

It may be worth noting that there are Apple products in use in the office (we are a design consultancy after all) and I can use them interchangeably with the other tech in the office, I don’t have any issues with the products from a usability or cost issue. I’ve just never felt the need to join the Apple family.

After saying that I can’t help but be influenced by Apple; I followed the live blogs on Tuesday’s iPhone 4S launch, I read product reviews and write articles on Apple’s products, business and people. I felt genuine satisfaction with Tim Cook’s performance and felt genuine sadness to hear of Steve Jobs passing.

In a world of vast media exposure Steve Jobs did what many could not do and kept his private life exactly that, private. So for all those celebrities that maintain that it is not possible to be private and make ridiculous statements (I’m looking at you Johnny Depp) it appears they are wrong.

I think that this shows that regardless of my own indifference to the product there is no ignoring a person that has had such a huge impact on the way in which we live our lives.

Steve Jobs can’t be replaced and it will take time to recover from his absence, no doubt plans are in place and if anything, interest will grow in the short term. If the products continue to match the vision then his legacy will be preserved. Anything less and questions will be asked.

Steve Jobs will be missed by so many due to his vision of an ‘Apple’ future that was matched by his ability. Time to take some inspiration and get some designing done!