iPad

[Mark J Dulcey]

On 4/7/2010 11:57 AM, Derek Martin wrote:
>
> Well said, and I mostly agree, but consider this:  If Linux suddenly
> found itself as the dominant desktop OS, it could be then argued that
> Linux destroyed the business model of selling software, period.  Then
> what? =8^)  [Remember, Linux vendors' business model is mainly one of
> selling support...]

The important difference; if that were to happen Linux would have done 
it without the use of unfair buainess tactics, unlike Microsoft which 
used its dominance in one market sector to change the outcome in a 
different market sector.

Similarly, Apple is using its dominance in music hardware to extend its 
dominance in music content, and vice versa, and that's what I'm 
objecting to. If the iPod and the iTunes Media Service can continue to 
dominate the market WITHOUT lock-in, then more power to Apple for 
providing products and services that the market wants. And yes, I object 
to exclusive iTunes media deals for the same reason.

I don't actually have a problem with monopolies. I have a problem with 
the use of monopoly power to extend monopolies -- bundling, predatory 
pricing, strongarming suppliers, and so forth. As I said earlier, that 
means that monopolies may need to be prohibited from doing things that 
their smaller competitors do routinely.