In 1981, Bud Tribble, VP of software technology at Apple used the term 'reality distortion field' to describe Steve Jobs' Jedi-esque ability to cloud minds and enforce his will.
If Steve handed out a project that should take a year but wanted it ready within two months, he used the RDF to convince developers that it was entirely possible. If somebody he wanted to keep at Apple decided to quit, he would employ the RDF and soon enough they would change their mind.
Tribble said: "In his presence, reality is malleable. He can convince anyone of practically anything. It wears off when he's not around, but it makes it hard to have realistic schedules. And there's a couple of other things you should know about working with Steve."
Soon enough, the RDF began to be referred to in regards to Steve (and Apple's) ability to make the public think every new product was incredible and their ability to gloss over major flaws in Apple products, e.g. "You're holding it wrong".
But what's the truth surrounding the public's perception of Apple. Has the RDF run out? This infographic from aytm.com has some fascinating stats...