Thanks for all of your replies, I enjoyed reading them...I agree with the shortened length on the patents, also I enjoy competition to keep apple up to snuff, but the whole "app" division was created by apple and has now been thoroughly copied. This upsets me just because any other tablet calls theirs better but used the exact same system, because everyone likes apples usability. But on another note what do y'all think about the rumors about iPad 3?
There are a bunch of existing threads on iPad 3 rumors.
As for copying, don't sweat it on Apple's behalf. They are aggressive about defending their patents and have the money to do it.
The patent system was created to foster innovation*, and some have been abusing the system, unfortunately. We're lucky the wheel wasn't invented under the patent system, lol.
Link to U.S. patent office leader's blog, which refers to its mission:
Director's Forum: David Kappos' Public Blog
* The mission of the USPTO is clearly stated in our Strategic Plan: fostering innovation, competitiveness and economic growth, domestically and abroad, by delivering high quality and timely examination of patent and trademark applications, guiding domestic and international intellectual property policy, and delivering intellectual property information and education worldwide, with a highly skilled, diverse workforce.