[MacinTommy]

After reading most of the new iPad mini reviews, the verdict seems to be the same. Apple can over price and under spec (the screen for the most part) this device mostly because of the robust app ecosystem. So my question is: when Google/Amazon etc catches up to Apple's App Store -- and it could be a while-- what will Apple's crutch be then? Just wondering what everyone thought about this.

[Eug]

I bought an Nexus 7. I did not buy an iPad mini, or iPad 4, or iPad 3 for that matter. It looks like I may not be buying an iPhone 5 either. I will likely buy a Nexus 4 to replace my iPhone 4. An unlocked Nexus 4 costs half as much as an unlocked iPhone 5. Half!

Android and Google Play aren't quite as good as the iOS / iTunes ecosystem, but they no longer suck, which is why I'm willing to switch. I don't buy a lot of iTunes media content anyway, and there are already a plethora of Android apps out there.

[knifecarrier2]

Probably about when ebay's competitors catch up with Ebay's robust auction community. Or online classifieds catch up with the popularity/simplicity of craigslist.

[Salty]

The Nexus 7 isn't quite like an iPad. Also the iPad mini I'm sure will get a Retina display and hopefully current generation processor eventually. (I'll probably get one at that point.) Currently Apple sells based on industrial design and solid software. Currently there are PC laptops that look almost as nice as a lot of MacBooks and people are still buying them in droves.

I think what Apple should be focused on currently is industrial design, slick intuitive software, and great customer service. Currently I think they need to focus on rebuilding Apple Retail after Browett screwed it up.

[Waragainstsleep]

I still can't believe they hired that guy. Dixons sucked.