Mayor Quimby

Apple: An Antidote to iPhone Complacency

The author has missed a couple of *very* key issues. First, we're talking about a platform not a device. The iPhone comes linked with iTunes which means music, movies, podcasts, apps etc. all from one convenient place. Apple has ZERO competition in this regard and will leverage its huge market share accordingly. The tight integration between hardware and content gives the iPhone a HUGE advantage over any potential competitors. If MSFT came out with a phone, what would people put on it? Are they going to start buying their content from a dozen different sources and deal with all of the bugs and issues that will ensue? Who will make apps for it and where will they sell them? Can the CDMS network handle the huge data stream?

Second, when speaking of devices, the iPhone has patented technology that will NOT be easy to duplicate or overtake. It's very simple to say RIMM, MSFT et al can just make an iPhone of their own but to actually do so will be enormously difficult.

Third, while everyone else scrambles to catch up to Apple regarding the iPhone device, Apple will be moving forward into touchscreen computers, better Apple TV, home media integration etc. Apple in the early 80's was a complacent company compared to the new Apple. I do not expect history to repeat itself this time.

At the end of the day, Apple has very little chance of losing its own, growing user base for the forseeable future whereas the Windows world is under constant threat. The future looks bright for Apple.