Apple's legacy

Editor's note: Elk Grove Patch is thrilled to welcome our latest blogger, Kelly Martinez. Kelly is a 14-year-old freshman at Franklin High School who's already a published novelist. .

As I browsed the internet Wednesday afternoon, I learned of unfortunate news—Steve Jobs had passed away. I'm a huge fan of Apple, constantly glued to my iTouch and iPod. In fact, it seems the entire population is hooked on Apple products. Every day, we notice people texting on their iPhones, listening to music on their iPods and reading bestsellers on their iPads. So just what is it about Apple that captivates people so easily? And what has Steve Jobs left behind?

Apple technology is entertaining, obviously. There's a countless number of apps, which grows every day. There's music to be downloaded, games to play, podcasts to listen to and videos to watch.

But Apple has many educational features as well. You can flip through flashcards, practice math facts, learn a new language, read books—there's no limit. Just today, I discovered an app that allows you to explore the entire solar system in the palm of your hand. So clearly, Apple has managed to teach the world a lot.

Apple is particularly appealing to teenagers. According to a recent survey, well over 50 percent of teens own iPods and nearly 20 percent own iPhones. It's interesting that Apple technology grips teenagers, considering Steve Jobs himself was passionate about technology as a high-schooler. He showed interest in the latest electronics as a child and received his big break at a young age, when he was hired to work for HP over the summer. It seems this generation is following in his footsteps when it comes to being interested in the latest technology.

As Steve Jobs himself said, "Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want a chance to change the world?"

Rest in peace, Steve Jobs.