Something got me thinking about computers today. Apple has been in the computer business for over 30 years now. If you asked 100 people about Apple's prices, 95 would use the word 'expensive' in reply. People who like and purchase Apple products have always seen value in their products.

Over the years, Apple's computer prices have gradually pushed downwards. You've been able to purchase an entry level MacBook laptop for $999 for a number of years. In the PC market, computer prices have been much lower for a long time. Prices beginning in the $300-$400 dollar range have been common.

People have called on Apple to enter the lower priced market for years. The last major push came when PC companies starting making netbooks. Apple resisted, saying the user experience was terrible.

Then, it happened. Apple created the iPad. While the form factor is different, there's no doubt that for many people the iPad is the best computer ever made. It's opened up the computing experience to people who were never comfortable before. Overnight, the price of an Apple computer dropped from a thousand dollars to $499.

When Apple introduced the 3rd generation iPad in March, they dropped the price of the iPad 2 to $399 and lowered the barrier of entry again.

Today, the iPad mini launches. Beginning at $329, the Apple computer market is available to more people than ever.

It's a remarkable time in technology, and if you don't take a step back every now and then, it's easy to miss it.