Maybe Apple needs to take more of a look around at the rest of the industry, then, because there certainly are computers in the $500 and less category that aren't pieces of junk. And Apple could do better than the competition, I'm sure.

I admit that general-purpose computers in the sub-$500 category leave one wanting for more features and horsepower. Generally, you get what you pay for if you're looking for a desktop machine that costs less than $500. And a replacement for the , or an LC-style desktop machine, is not what I'm suggesting.

Netbooks--a burgeoning segment of mini-laptops designed for limited use, such as e-mail, Web surfing and light productivity work--are increasingly occupying that category. And Apple is sadly absent from the market.

When pressed by an analyst during the Q&A portion of Tuesday's conference call, Jobs suggested that for many of Apple's users, as it provides e-mail, Web surfing and third-party software support quite effectively.

But the iPhone's pocket-sized form factor can be a liability. The iPhone is fine for occasional Web access and e-mail, but the on-screen keyboard makes typing up anything but terse replies to e-mails difficult. And the limited screen size can make navigating Web pages confusing. The lack of cut-and-paste ability--something that many of us are sure Apple will eventually remedy (and that others of us are hitting our heads against our desks waiting for Apple to fix)--is also a serious deficiency when it comes to clear communication.