I love my apple products, but I agree, pretty much, with what you're saying. The million dollar question is why nobody with a better outlook seems capable of coming up with competitive products - is it something to do with Apple's approach, or not?*

* No, the assertion that people only buy apple for looks or status is not acceptable. I am fundamentally uncool, have long since lost the desire to become so, and yet I love a lot of apple's products for their usability and attention to detail.