While Apple fans may be happy about the ruling, which came from a nine-person Silicon Valley jury on Friday after only of deliberation, lots of other people are wondering how the verdict is good for consumers.  For example, business magnate , "[Thanks] Apple it's now mandatory for tech companies to sue each other. Prices go up, competition [and] innovation suffer."

Maybe, or maybe not. The iconic iPhone and iPad are undeniably innovative and difficult to improve upon, but if mobile device manufacturers are forced to try harder to keep away from Apple designs it might result in some interesting phone and tablets from other companies going forward.

And not every phone company is shaking in its boots.

Check Nokia, for example. If youve ever held one of its Windows Phones in your hand theres no question its nothing like an iPhone.

While Android and iOS interfaces both involve pages of small app icons that you swipe, Windows Phone features large and colorful "live" tiles that morph as your phone is synced with real-time information. And the Nokia form factor itself is uniquewhen I tested a several months ago I appreciated its sharp edges and quality materialsopposed  to my , with its iPhone-like rounded corners and cheap-feeling plastic build.