The thing is though, the tech sector (whether it be computers, engineering, etc) is booming now more than it ever did back then. Sure, we don't have a centralized government to put together the stuff on the shelf, but that doesn't mean technology still isn't leapfrogging itself year after year. Hell, just look at the stuff that was brand new just 5 years ago. The original iphone made everyone blow their load in 2007, and now everything about it just seems totally dated. Apple's value is about to soon outpace entire retail sectors of the US, and this huge growth isn't just limited to Apple.
http://www-bgr-com.vimg.net/wp-conte...et-cap-bgr.jpg