People also have short memories. Apple for years besides being in a dispute with Apple records, was also hamstrung by an agreement with McIntosh, the high end audio equipment manufacturer. For almost 2 decades Apple had crippled audio features to avoid breaching that agreement. Apple eventually renegotiated that agreement and released sound editing tools, audio enabled computers with better specs, and of course the iPod.One doesn't have to invent the aluminum, glass, and screws used to hold a product together in order to produce an original, innovative product. The tools were around forever. It took Apple to show everyone HOW to make a world-changing phone. Then competitors stole it. Now Apple is told to "shut up and innovate or die", so that their work can be stolen again.
That deference to McIntosh really crippled the development arc of Apple Computer to a significant degree even though they were really in different markets for all purposes other than Trademarks. McIntosh said they were concerned about the "audio reproduction business". Apple chose to not just change the name, just like with the squabbles over the iPad name internationally. Maybe they should release a "no name product".
Rocketman
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Pages/Home.aspx
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Brand/Pages/Heritage.aspx?MasterId=4
http://www.roger-russell.com/mcintosh2.htm
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