Recently Apple posted fourth quarter results, and the mood was positive to say the last.  Despite a rough economy Apple still continues to increase sales across the board.  John Gruber posted one of his “Claim Chowders” today about many people’s call for an Apple netbook to compete.

It seems that many believe, given the rough economy, Apple wouldn’t be able to compete with its high priced computers.  If they were going to avoid a significant drop in sales, they would need to release a low price netbook.

As we’ve seen that hasn’t been the case at all.  Honestly, I find it really amazing that Apple has continued to have such strong sales increases despite the economic climate.  I think there are a couple of reasons this might be happening.

The top reason for Apple’s continued success is most definitely the iPhone.  It has experienced continued growth and there’s no doubt that this has helped Mac sales.  Not only does it get people in Apple stores, but it builds draws more customers to the brand.  Apple users used to have a negative stigma of being somewhat douchey, but I think the iPhone has really worn away at that and made more people feel comfortable purchasing from Apple.

Apple has a reputation for producing quality products.  Not only do they give you top notch hardware and software, but their customer service is simply better than anyone else’s.  In tough times, that combination makes consumers feel more comfortable making an investment in a Mac.  When you buy a PC, you’re often buying an HP computer from Best Buy with Microsoft software.  It makes it unnerving for a consumer to figure out who is accountable for their problems.  With a Mac, there’s only one place to look.  Speaking of Microsoft…

There’s no arguing that people have thought negatively of Vista since its launch.  In my opinion, it really isn’t that bad of a piece of software.  The launch was a disaster, and now people have given up on it.  This opened a window (I couldn’t resist…) for Apple and they capitalized with Leopard.  I bought my Mac right before Leopard, but the difference when I upgraded was phenomenal.  I absolutely love it and so does everyone else.  Apple may be a hardware company, but they’re making a lot of money right now based on how superior their software is to Microsoft’s.

Business at Apple is very good these days.  And the fact that it continued despite Jobso’s absence has only given people more confidence in the company.  Things only look better for the future.  Before long the iPhone will come to more carriers and expand the Apple user base.  Who knows…maybe Apple has another multitouch trick up it’s sleeve…