Apple was a PC company, but by exploring mobility it became a provider of MP3 consumer electronics, downloadable music, a mobile device and app supplier and the early winner in cloud accessing tablets.
But since then nearly every consumer electronics manufacturer from Bangkok to Berlin has released an MP3 player, and many of them use their own removable storage technology.
What's more, Franklin Electronics is soon to launch a handheld gadget that combines Microsoft Reader with the ability to play audio books and MP3 music.