Apple

Description

Apple aims for nothing short of a revolution, whether in personal computing or digital media distribution. The company's desktop and laptop computers -- all of which feature its OS X operating system -- include its Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook for the consumer and education markets, and more powerful Mac Pro and MacBook Pro for high-end consumers and professionals involved in design and publishing. Apple scored a runaway hit with its digital music players (iPod) and online music store (iTunes). Other products include mobile phones (iPhone), servers (Xserve), wireless networking equipment (Airport), and publishing and multimedia software. Its FileMaker subsidiary provides database software.

Sony

Description

All eyes and hands are on Sony -- or, more likely, on its high-profit consumer electronics products and gaming systems. While PlayStation ousted Nintendo from the top spot in the home game system market in the mid-1990s, the disappointing debut of PlayStation 3 in late 2006 has the two companies dueling. Sony also makes a host of other products, including digital and video cameras, Walkman stereos, and semiconductors. Sony's entertainment assets include music (Sony Music Entertainment and Epic), motion pictures (Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Digital Production), DVDs (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment), and TV programming (Sony Pictures Television).