HP + Apple == Sign of times to come?

Could this be the start of more partnerships between Apple and Computer Makers/Consumer Electronics companies or is this a one-off - HP jumps on the iPod bandwagon - The iPod name has become synonymous with mp3 players, such is the power of the marketing behind the product. Xerox == photocopy, Band-aid == bandage, iPod == mp3 player - it does have a nice ring to it doesn't it?

The key in my opinion is for Apple to capitalize on it's established brand - this is definitely a step in that direction. By licensing it's intellectual property to other companies, Apple is ensuring that these companies don't produce knock-offs that ride on the wave created by it's flagship product (730,000 iPods were sold during the holiday season last year) thereby ensuring that Apple continues to get a piece of the mp3 player pie (read profits) even though the product that sells isn't a 100% Apple.

Question is, will they ever let other companies start cloning Macs or license out their OS? Hmm, that will be day when "Hell freezes over" (the Eagles re-united so there is hope here!)