"That said, the closest we've had yet in recent years with this idea of 'computers for the masses not the classes' has been Apple. The current iPad is successful because it is actually following a Tramiel-style tactic with vertical integration of the manufacturing process. Apple can do this because it has its own plants. Having your own chip-fab plant goes a long way to maintaining costs in the long run, and Steve Jobs was well shrewd when he acquired PA Semi.
"
Vertical integration? Do you mean sourcing? Apple rebadges components, they don't have their own plants. The A5 is made by Samsung. PA Semi was a competitive acquision IMO. The engineers now work for Apple on chip R&D.
