Apple Description

Computers are still an important part of its mix, but these days music-related products are at the top of Apple's playlist. The company scored a runaway hit with its digital music players (iPod) and online music store (iTunes). Apple'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. Other products include mobile phones (iPhone), servers (Xserve), wireless networking equipment (Airport), and publishing and multimedia software. Its FileMaker subsidiary provides database software.

Only co-founder, CEO, and Apple crusader Steve Jobs may have expected the level of success the company's music-related products have enjoyed. Since debuting the iPod in 2001, Apple has provided regular feature updates to the line, including touch-screen displays and wireless capabilities. In 2003 Apple announced the launch of an online music service called the iTunes Music Store that lets computer users purchase and download songs for 99 cents each. Apple has since expanded the offerings to include music videos, audiobooks, television shows, and other content. The store's catalog, which has helped spur sales of Apple's popular iPod digital music and video players, includes songs from the five largest record labels, as well as television and movie content from a number of networks. The company has also launched international versions of its iTunes Music Store. In 2006 the company launched an online movie service, and previewed a device called iTV for watching downloaded content on televisions. Apple announced availability of its television device, redubbed Apple TV, early the following year.

Best Buy Description

The biggest consumer electronics outlet in the US is also the best -- Best Buy, that is. The company operates a chain of more than 1,170 stores in the US, Canada, and now China offering a wide variety of electronic gadgets, movies, music, computers, and appliances. In addition to selling products, the stores offer installation and maintenance services, technical support, and subscriptions for cell phone and Internet services. Covering an average of about 40,500 sq. ft., the big box stores are located in 49 states and all Canadian provinces. In addition to the Best Buy brand, the company operates under the names Magnolia Audio Video (20 stores in the US) and Future Shop (about 120 locations in Canada).

Consumer electronics products, such as televisions, DVD players, and audio systems, account for nearly 45% of sales at Best Buy's US stores. The company gets another 30% of its revenue from the home office segment, which includes computers, computer peripherals, and supplies such as paper and printer cartridges. The company's international operations in Canada accounted for about 14% of total sales. Best Buy has expanded its relationship with Apple Inc. and began selling Apple computers in some stores, as well as on its Web site, in late 2007.