The iPod (and other MP3 Players) revolutionized an industry in a short period of time. For instance, I am almost exclusively buy or “acquire” MP3s now. I haven’t purchased a real CD in probably a year or more. So the MP3 player (mainly the iPod) certainly has driven the music sales market in a new direction.

I also agree that Apple combines aesthetics and utility with a certain level of perfection. All of their products are user-friendly, attractive and solid quality. Speaking of build quality — I still own my first Apple Powerbook Titanium that I bought new in 1998. The LCD screen, keyboard and harddrive all still function flawlessly. It’s even been dropped, sat on and part of case has been badly cracked. If that’s not a testament to Apple quality, I don’t know what is.

Anyway, back to the original point —
It may be too soon, but I think Steve Jobs is likely executing phase one of a long-term plan. He probably hopes to not only influence the periodicals end book market, but to eventually dominate the inevitable digital revolution of that market far ahead in the future.