"Why Are You Still Here?"

"Why are you still here?"

It's probably the most famous quote we have from Apple CEO Tim Cook. The context comes from an executive meeting about a problem in Asia. After the meeting topic shifted, Tim asked the question to an operations man who immediately stood and headed to the airport.

This quote came to mind while I was in my local Apple Store yesterday. I was talking to a salesman about photography and the stunning display on the new iPad for a couple minutes. I asked about the supply in the store and he told me they were low on a couple models, but that they were all available. I asked if there was a lot of demand. The answer was yes.

The genius of Tim Cook is now on full display. The new iPad launched in 12 countries last Friday. It will be available in 24 more this week. Apple sold 3 million iPads in 3 days. Anyone can walk in off the street and buy one. With no other company is this possible.

Last year, at the launch of the iPad 2, people lined up each morning at Apple Stores across the country hoping to get lucky. The iPad 2 was sold out and delivery dates were promised for a month later. The stores never knew if they were receiving new stock and if so, what models. People waited anyways.

With each successive product launch, the demand for Apple's products is increasing. It's crazy to think, but their ability to meet the demand is increasing as well. Apple has the pedal to the floor as they drive to replicate in the tablet market what they've achieved in the mp3 player market with the iPod. Tim Cook is pulling out all the stops to make sure there's no oxygen left in the room for other manufacturers to breath. If you want a tablet, Apple's going to make sure theirs is available to purchase.

I have no idea of the impact on the company from the loss of Steve Jobs. Nobody does. Maybe future products will lose a bit of the magic they currently contain. I believe however, that if they need it, Apple has some time to find their footing in a post Steve Jobs world. That time comes courtesy of Tim. He'll continue to relentlessly produce and supply the current product pipeline to any and all who want to buy. He's the right CEO at the right time.

The competition should be very scared.