Apple CEO Steve Jobs is the second-most influential person in the realm of mobile technology, claims Laptop. The magazine has published a ranking of some 25 people in the field, but places Jobs near the top primarily for the iPhone. On this topic the publication quotes David Carnevale, VP of multimedia content and distribution at iSuppli. "When you look over the last twelve months or so at Apple," he says, "what impresses me is their ability to continue to evolve their existing product lines as they introduce significant new things like the iPhone."

Jobs in particular is said to be responsible for a culture of risk and innovation at Apple, and hence affecting how people treat mobile technology. The iPhone, notes Carnevale, is different not so much for the traditional addition of features, as for its simplicity. "Apple focuses on making things easy. If it’s easy, people will do it more," he comments.

The MacBook Air also receives praise, due to its uniquely slim profile and its bright and large display. "I can’t think of another company that would have taken a chance on a product like the MacBook Air," says Carnevale.