I never said people buy on spec alone, only the uninformed rely on spec sheets. The BENEFITS I've listed are numerous, people buy BENEFITS.

Return customers are due to Apple's proprietary systems, people HAVE to return just to change a bloody battery or buy a connector cable or anything else if they want to be cool like all the other kids in the office.

Here's the bottom line: FACT: iPods don't do anything that other units did LONG before iPods ever came out.

If you like the features in iPods, who in their right mind would not want those features with much better sound, even MORE capability, ditch the proprietary product and spend even less?
I said who in their RIGHT MIND..

You are trying to say people buy cars with 3 wheels and half an engine because they want to. Compared to a 4 wheel car with a complete engine for less money. Try and make some sense anyway.

I know what you are desperately trying to say "People will buy what they personally prefer, just because YOU don't prefer it doesn't mean it's better."

In this case you are wrong.

Other players HAD better sound, it is FACT and measurable.
Other players HAD more capabilities, it is FACT and measurable.
Other players HAD greater convenience, it is FACT and measurable.
Other players HAD more expandability and offered more freedom for the user, it is FACT and is measurable.

The value their customer's FEEL is absolute horsecrap. Value is MEASURABLE, it's not just a feeling. Apple products are poorly made from cheap components. FACT and measurable. From a pure VALUE for MONEY perspective, Apple does not stand anywhere near the top of the market. As for perceived user value, that is the FEELING you are getting at, and the only reason anyone would feel value in a substandard product that is overpriced, proprietary, poor sounding and limited in capability is because of trend marketing. They THINK they have value, though by every measurable factor, they have NOT got good value.

So fam boys will always BELIEVE they have a superior product simply because they don't know better, why don't they know better? Marketing.

I think you'll learn what marketing is about one day but it has clearly avoided your comprehension for now.