All true. I speak not a single word against Apple. I merely suggest that fossil fuels may have more lasting value than consumer electronics, which can fall before any new discovery.
They used to say, several decades ago, that it was a dull week when nobody announced something which was going to make the transistor obsolete. Somebody may yet do it, in a light or even a quantum technology.But even so, Apple is a systems design house, much more so than a hardware manufacturer. Their business is figuring out what the customer wants, but doesn't know himself what that is. Just like you, when you shop for a Christmas present for an adult who has as much or more money than you do.
You walk into an Apple store, and the displays communicate, "You didn't think you wanted a tablet computer - but check this out!"
Which is why Steve Jobs is so adamant about secrecy in development - a gift is supposed to be a surprise.
IOW, when the Next Big Thing comes along, Apple will be more likely to be leading the charge than they are to be trampled in the stampede led by others.IMHO. Your mileage may vary.
Extracting minerals from the ground is thought of as being primitive, down the economic scale along with agriculture. Wheat, oil, pork bellies, natural gas. Those are all commodities and thought of as common. Easily brought to market compared to advanced electronics
But we are seeing the comodification of electronics. iPads will have tons of better completion that will swamp them as long as there is money to be made. At the same time your traditional "lowly commodities" will become exotic and much sought after as their supply dries up.
Wheat futures more valuable than iPads and laptops? It all depends on supply and demand