This gen has been settled (at least for me anyways)

[omgwtfbbq]

I'd just like to add that Apple is in no way a threat to MS's survival. Apple are not interested in going past their niche PC market, because it's too profitable. MS likes having them there because it means that they can point at them and say "look, we have competition!" but they will always remain a niche player.

The biggest threat to the MS empire is Linux because it's aiming for Microsoft's market, the mass market. It's not very successful so far but it's gaining ground and it could grow like wildfire (like Firefox has) and seriously threaten the MS monopoly.