Why do some Apple fans think it is stupid for Microsoft to make MP3 players but Apple can make a cel

On the internet message boards, many Apple fans are bashing MS' efforts to cash in on the MP3 Player craze that Apple popularized (but wasn't the first device), saying that MS doesn't need to enter this market because of the over-bearing success of Apple and its present success with Windows and Office. MS is thus viewed as greedy. But if we apply this to everything, Wal-Mart would not be selling groceries (you know, because of all of the groceries stores it has put out of business), Fox News Channel wouldn't exist (it just couldn't possibly beat CNN), there wouldn't be all of these American Idol spin-off shows on TV this summer, Facebook and MySpace wouldn't exist because of Classmates.com, the reality TV craze wouldn't exist (why go after MTV's "The Real World" success?), Disney World would be the only theme park in Orlando, etc., AND APPLE WOULDN'T BE SUPPOSEDLY MAKING A CELL PHONE! Come on, competition is good, right?

Why do some Apple fans think it is stupid for Microsoft to make MP3 players but Apple can make a cell phone?

Apple/Mac users are renegades (or so they think). iPod is Apple's one current claim to fame. When Microsoft releases it's MP3 player that blows iPod away and when they start their music service that blows iTunes away, they will no longer have their trophy. I personally can't wait for the competition to drive prices down and drive quality up. MS has such capitol that it will be able to sell it's product at a significant loss to gain market share. This could get exciting! (I'm not a fan of the iPod)

Why do some Apple fans think it is stupid for Microsoft to make MP3 players but Apple can make a cell phone?

1. Apple hasnt made a cell phone yet. And Microsoft hasnt made a cell phone either.

2. This isnt about competition. Microsoft traditionally does not make hardware. They sell their SOFTware to companies that make hardware for use on their machines. While Apple traditionally creates both the hardware and software. So its not illogical for a company that makes hardware to branch into a different form of hardware.

3. Convergence Technology is OFTEN not successful. Many experts say that convergence is NOT the way of the future. Look at the Video Phone - We HAVE the technology to do it, but barely anyone uses it. Combination TV/Refridgerator, Combination TV/VCR.

In my opinion, an Apple iPod Phone would not be a success. I HAVE a cell phone that can play Mp3s and I dont use that feature. I use my iPod. I don't see the need to converge these two technologies...But then again....

Look at the Camera/Phone...