I think they’re probably getting pretty used to the BILLION DOLLAR sales over at the iPhone app store. Not that this thing will be as big a hit, but still, they can take a cut of every application they sell if its closed. Which they can’t if its open.

If they’re locking down the headphones on the freaking iPod flea to get their cut, I don’t see how you can think otherwise.

That said, it depends on the form factor. If its a big iPod Touch, then it will be closed. If its a netbook, with a keyboard (even if its a convertible), then its more likely to be open. If its a MID with a big touchscreen and some kind of mini-keyboard on its face… well, it won’t be that…

While the Macs are actual computers with serious capabilities, the Apple consumer devices have been made as friendly as possible for non-technical users by eliminating anything that might require any real configuration or installation. The upshot is a very closed box, which is an anathema to someone like me but very useful for someone who doesn’t want to deal with the faff of a “real” computer on a secondary device.