Man, if I had a dollar everytime I found myself thinking; “Why didn’t I think of that?” Seriously, I mean Netflix, PalmSource, Research In Motion, TiVO and Vonage, these are just a few of the examples of what can be done if you have the time, resources and imagination.

This is an interesting ZDNet article which examines Netflix, PalmSource, Research In Motion, TiVO and Vonage from both a historical and business future point of view. I have bought products and/or services from three of them and still use (regularly) two of them. How about you?

In 2004, there are five innovators that appear to be at similar turning points: Netflix, PalmSource, Research In Motion (RIM), TiVo and Vonage. Each sells a product or service considered brilliant. Each has drawn raves from consumers. “The test of an elegant and innovative idea is when you hear it and it makes you want to dope-slap yourself on the side of the head and say, ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’” said Paul Saffo, a director of the Institute for the Future.