I don't believe I have done; however, the fact you feel I have is significant. Many Apple customers feel affronted by criticism of Apple, which is testament to the strength of their marketing.
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I agree that the validity of some of the patents is questionable. However I do not feel the issue simply involves Apple fearing that competitors will get rich from their hard work. I believe the situation is more complex.
Apple lost the fight against Microsoft in the 1980s / 90s largely because MS produced a product (MS Windows) that was sold as a compliment to commodity hardware (the IBM compatible PC). Apple wasn't able to gain as much exponential growth in market-share as the IBM-compatible/MS combo.
Cut to today - Apple risks losing the fight against Google, largely because Google have produced a product (Android) that's sold (in kind) as a compliment to commodity hardware (made by a host of hardware manufacturers).
Often when one sees criticism of $COMPANY, it usually follows with derogatory comment and vilification of $COMPANY's users. I made an assumption and it made an ass of me and for that I apologies.
I don't believe I have done; however, the fact you feel I have is significant. Many Apple customers feel affronted by criticism of Apple, which is testament to the strength of their marketing.
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I agree that the validity of some of the patents is questionable. However I do not feel the issue simply involves Apple fearing that competitors will get rich from their hard work. I believe the situation is more complex.
Apple lost the fight against Microsoft in the 1980s / 90s largely because MS produced a product (MS Windows) that was sold as a compliment to commodity hardware (the IBM compatible PC). Apple wasn't able to gain as much exponential growth in market-share as the IBM-compatible/MS combo.
Cut to today - Apple risks losing the fight against Google, largely because Google have produced a product (Android) that's sold (in kind) as a compliment to commodity hardware (made by a host of hardware manufacturers).
Apple is repeating history.