"There simply isn't a business out there that would be a cultural fit with them. They're not like other companies."

I disagree.

And a billion dollar purchase of IP with no Debt or Overheads to Service, is an Asset Acquired for Apple Exclusive Executive Use ..... with AIBUS* .... Quantum TelePort ConneXXXXion ...... for Virtual Virgin Travellers Trips.

Seventh Heavenly ProgramMING to The Masses. The Power is in the Perceived Value and Real Worth of the Relative Unknown Magpie or Golden Eagle, for when both are Identical is IT a Match made in Heaven.

Which is IntelAIgently Designed to Energise All MetaDataBase Chunnels in Sublime NETWorks

*Advanced IntelAIgent Binary Use of Stores

I might not buy another Apple product again.

The article mentions £26 billion STERLING which, unless the dollar has suddenly increased in value overnight works out at $40 billion, not $26 billion.

Buy Google, maybe? ;)

Keep the powder dry...?

To strengthen its domination in consumer market.

Apple have only (only!) $26BN in cash and short term investments, not the mythical $40BN that keeps doing the rounds. This is similar to the cash holdings of Microsoft and Google for example.

See for yourself at http://www.google.com/finance?q=NASDAQ:AAPL&fstype=ii