I've never had to assemble my own shovel from various parts from various stores, so I don't really identify with that analogy.
But here is something I do identify with:
I am trying to put together a nicely converged home automation system. Speakers in every room with centralized source distribution and control, security system, remote controllable door locks, window blinds, and lights, cameras all around the house that can be viewed from any device in the house or in my pocket, a climate control system that can also be controlled any way I choose, and voice control, wall keypads, and wall mounted touch screens to control it all.
The tech is there, but making it all work together is tricky. If you have the money or simply don't have the capability or desire to tinker until it works, you can go to any number of dealers and get a complete system to make it all work. You are buying a single polished product that just works, but everything you add to it will cost 3-4 times more than the generic stuff that does the exact same thing. There is also a certain amount of prestige associated with the brands, even in the entry level.
Or you can do the research, find products that are DIY friendly and can work together, and then start building your system with the help of other DIY'ers. Some of the parts are high end, some are as cheap as it gets because you don't NEED high end to get the desired result. But it is YOUR choice, 100% from start to finish. Will it all work the way you want? Depends on your skill and how much you are willing to research ahead of time. And not only do you get to choose from a wider variety of products, you also save money. Upwards of 75%.
That, to me, is Apple computer products. Limited choices, out of the box functionality, and premium prices to match VS. something you can put together yourself and meet or exceed the performance for a fraction of the price. It's all a matter of what you are after and how hard you are willing to work for it.