"Besides that the scenarios being described would not make much sense to an "Apple" (whoever)"

Because it gives them leverage over their competitors and Jobs is about as competitive as they get. Do you know their current cash reserves could buy out DELL for cash and still leave them with $1 billion to spare?

Also patent plays have value without any immediate cash return in sight.

EDIG sits in an unusual place right now.

$10 on a buyout would be excessive in this current market, imo, since they are assuming risk and most companies are under pressure, creating a buyers market (lots of other buys out there), but the concept makes sense...just a matter of agreeing on the numbers.

They offer $2, we counter at $12 and settle somewhere between$4-$6.