The PC paradigm, on the other hand, was more of an "open architecture" approach, which led to a large number of companies all developing hardware that would run under the Microsoft operating systems, which were not so tightly held.
One begins to suspect that the same dynamic is at work here. Let's just grant that Apple's iPad represents a new paradigm (which I actually doubt, but let's grant it).
These other companies are already beginning to capitalize on the iPad's perceived weaknesses, and taking advantage of more open hardware and software architectures.
Unless Apple changes their approach, I suspect that before too long, Bill Gates or somebody like him will be bailing out Steve Jobs once again.
Apple's approach is to make money. Those open system manufacturers lose money on the low end, that's why the work so hard to get you to upgrade and upgrade and upgrade before you leave their website.
Apple only sells the high end high-quality product, and makes more money than the HP and Dell combined.