Another year, another groundbreaking application of technology by Apple. Today, the Magic Mouse made its debut, and the buzz is predominantly positive. The multitouch mouse allows users easier and more intuitive control of actions on their screens, and everybody wants one.   Of course, there emerged a smattering of rhetoric on the realtime web about the evilness of the maker of the expensive white things, but then again, that commentary is always there. This product is just not the best opportunity to underscore how sinister and exclusive Apple is, causing some tech-lovers to go into straight up double think.

Recalling the original Apple business model and the one that bolstered the brand’s resurgence some years ago, it becomes clear how little change truly has occurred. Initially, Apple emerged and then failed for a lack of compatibility with the other available products of the day. It now thrives on that very incompatibility. The difference is fashionability. As computers went from work tools to glorified television sets, their use went from professional to leisure, (and those purchasing for lesiure have more on their minds than functionality.)  It’s the same reason you can spend ten times as much on a pair of basketball shoes that do the same thing as a pair of Starbury’s.

You may already be on that coveted path, undiscerningly accumulating Apple’s sleek product line, constantly reminded that your set up is the envy of every person above age 2 regardless of technological inclination. The Magic Mouse is a sweet piece of gear, but it’s only good if you’ve already chosen your brand. It’s either a blessing or simply another product dooming you to buy all your technology from a single company.

For more buzz on techy toy news from sites like Gizmodo, GDGT, and GeekSugar, check out PulseOnGadgets.