>But in a way apple isn't about hardware or software. Its about branding. The model they are using has been extremely successful I can and proving they can keep coming up with new products why should they. My daughter could sell her G4 ibook online today for what she paid second hand for it 4 years ago. My similar age Acer laptop would make a nice doorstop. To me that shows the value of the brand.

Ah - yes and therein lies the fallacy of all things Apple. A 4 year old machine, whether apple or not should make a nice doorstop :-)

Perceived value != Real value