“Much of what will happen in 2005 will be a continuation of trends in 2004. But new trends will develop as well, sometimes as bizarre, misshapen progeny of the old,” Jon D. Markman writes for RealMoney.com.

Among Markman’s “surprises of 2005″ is this gem:
Apple Computer releases two new handheld devices in an attempt to follow up its iPod mega-hit, but they fail to gain traction. iPods begin stacking up at electronics stores when it is discovered that, after a Christmas buying frenzy, there are now 2.7 iPods for every American over the age of 6. Apple turns to Philips Electronics for a bailout and is sold to the Netherlands-based consumer electronics giant for $80 a share.

Full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: Now that really would be quite a surprise, wouldn’t it? Markman must be auditioning for the role of “Shemp,” as the Dvorak, Thurrott, and Enderle comedy trio looks to make it a quartet.