Yes - I remember the exact moment I first saw google maps and their clever ajaxy magical behavior. The only time I recall being so astonished by technology was

Yes - I remember the exact moment I first saw google maps and their clever ajaxy magical behavior. The only time I recall being so astonished by technology was the first time I used an iPhone. Google Maps was the iPhone of Mapping, and continues to be so. And, much the same way others are pretty good (Bing Maps isn't bad) - they are all still compared to Google Maps. Apple Maps is the Zune? No, that's not a good comparison, the Zune was a competent technical product. The Kin? Maybe not that bad. Apple maps is the Kindle Fire (original) of Mapping. Starts off kind of crappy, but might turn into something better with a lot of work. People will still want an iPad though.