Editorial: How Apple can weather mounting iPod threats

If you've ever worked hard on something and watched someone else brazenly copy it, you probably have some idea how Apple Computer must be feeling right now. Thoughout 2004, at least five different major companies tried to knock off the iPod's interface, business model, and/or marketing strategies, but none had the gusto or product that could derail Apple's bullet train.

In recent days, however, legitimate threats to the iPod's momentum have appeared: knock-offs and clones on the...