@RTWright I realize that Apple did not invent the wheel, but they did revolutionize it.

I had Palm products for years before they sank. They had a stylus-based touch screen, plus free and paid apps. I had to convert music and video to watch content on my SD card, used AvantGo for news, had tons of apps, could take photos and video, and basically used it like a 4th gen iPod Touch. The avg. non-geek was amazed at what I did with it but couldn't comprehend it.

I also use Archos and Creative media players for video and music storage, and used them as external hard drives. I'm NEVER tied down to one brand.

If you think about it, it seems like 'everyone and their grandmother' has a smartphone, tablet or ebook reader, because Apple's iPhone and App store made the technology comprehendible. They also added a multi-gesture touch screen and a UI that appeals to the avg. consumer.

When I mentioned copycat, I'm simply referring to patents. Though it's widely known throughout many industries (especially cars) that many east Asian manufacturers borrow the tech and/or designs of others, and make it their own. I'm not against piggybacking on someone's concept and improving on it as long as it doesn't infringe on patents. The key is IMPROVEMENT and innovation, not regurgitation.

Samsung has some nice products, but I wonder how much of the tech is their own. I'm not hating on them. I'm actually considering a flat screen from them. I do however wonder about the commitment to the products of manufacturers who produce too many items, i.e. TVs, cellphones, washers, fridges, etc. I think when you dip your finger into too many pots, there has to be a bit of sacrifice.

Anyway, the more competition, the better, for consumers, right? 😉