Kind of like floppy drives were to the computer experience?

The original iMac was the first computer to do away with the floppy drive - and this was at a time when floppies were still VERY popular and Apple was a lot smaller and less influential. They were highly ridiculed in the computer world - even among some Apple fans. But you and I both know what happened to the floppy - it was GONE very soon after that. Apple is currently in this process with optical drives. And flash.  ;)

NOTHING in the tech industry lasts forever. Bookmark or save this post - and you can come back to haunt me later if I am wrong - but I predict that there will be no flash two years from now other than perhaps abandoned websites - and when that day comes Apple will once again be praised by most as a pioneer in promoting its demise. Remember, Apple skates to where the puck is going to be - not to where it is at - and that is the difference between a good hockey player and a great hockey player.  :)