If we're going to talk about tech, I've been using computers and tech since the mid 80s, when I first discovered modems and BBSes.
You're a prime example of someone who doesn't know what he's talking about and certainly doesn't get that first to market with an idea has nothing to do with the first to market with that idea executed well. IOW, you totally miss the point and can't see the forest for the trees. You're that guy who who Bruce Lee smacks on the head for staring at the finger and not the moon.
Notebooks/laptops - I'm talking about the Powerbook first released in 1991. Who's talking about Thinkpads? The modern Thinkpad form factor came after the Powerbook 100 series. That was the first true modern laptop form factor.
PMP - Everyone talks about how XYZ had a media player out. Remember Commander Taco/Rob Malda's infamous review? “No wireless. Less space than a Nomad. Lame.” What didn't he get then and what you get now about why the iPod made sense?
Mouse - Apple's insistence on the one button mouse doesn't make sense, but they did put GUIs and mouses on the map.
Tablets - You're so clueless here, it's hard to believe that we're even speaking the same language.
As for for price, no, they're not that much more expensive once you take into consideration the actual parts. Once you go spec for spec and factor in things like higher quality displays and trackpad materials, you're talking about a very small price premium.
Now, I understand that there's a certain portion of the population, such as yourself, who like to think they're "power users" or "tinkerers" when in reality, they've got just enough information to be dangerously embarrassing to themselves. While Apple systems have their flaws, there's a reason that they're held in high regard by scientists, academics and engineers (as in people with engineering degrees)
