I still don't know what kind of company to call Apple.
Successful would be one thing.

( stock price Nov 2003 = $9.85 Nov 2010 = $ 317.00 )
Sony invented the Walkman it was a success but not like the iPod is a success. And despite many attempts to copy the iPod nobody has done it
Apple didn't invent the cell phone but they made the iPhone, priced it higher than a kite and made it a success. Now everybody is making an " iPhone" with touch screens and apps. I mentioned the Tablet PC before, but only Apple has make it a success ( iPad )everyone else has failed.
Innovation is not only in the creation of a new and exciting product but the making the public think they need it. Apple seems to excel at the latter.