I’m a free market person through and through and I do not like monopolies of any kind. I am happy, for example, that Microsoft’s share of the browser and operating system market appears to be eroding, if only a tiny bit. At the same time, it’s fair to say Apple has a monopoly of its […]

Turn back the clock to the fall of 2004. Now consider the events that most of you would have regarded as impossible then or ever. I have to say that the things I took for granted about this tiny corner of the universe were also turned topsy-turvy, which is why I never claim to have […]

Last I heard, there were over 1,000 accessories available for the iPod. Many carry the “Made for iPod” label, which means they have been certified by Apple to be compatible, and the manufacturers have to pay a royalty for the privilege. These accessories cover the gamut from simple car adapters, to loudspeakers, FM transmitters, remote […]

When you have a product that dominates a market big time, competitors are constantly nipping at your heels. The skeptics who never believed you’d ever succeed are hoping and praying for the day you’ll fail. Even when the things you do are smashing successes, potential downsides are eagerly sought. On the one hand, we celebrate […]