There’s been speculation that Microsoft Corp. might buy either RIM or Nokia to boost its profile in the smartphone game. In that light, it’s arguable that Apple should consider preemptively purchasing one or the other or both. Buying RIM would enhance Apple’s iPhone profile in the lucrative enterprise and institutional sectors, and secure the proprietary and popular BlackBerry messenger service (BBM) which offers a free alternative to texting (SMS), as well as preempting Microsoft (or KOrea’s Samsung) from acquiring the company.

In various models, the iPhone has been on the market for about three years now. However, in that time they’ve managed to go from the initial announcement and launch of their first phone to a must-have device for any tech geek and Apple fanboy. They’ve even managed to completely embarrass RIM, Nokia, HTC, Sony Ericsson, and others. According to data from Goldman Sachs, Apple, in the light blue, has clearly surpassed all the other companies combined in terms of handset profit.

Nokia recently announced their next big thing, the Nokia N97. This phone and internet device with a 3.5″ touch display and full QWERTY keyboard is another company’s attempt to oust the iPhone in the mobile touch screen device market. And, like the Blackberry Storm, this one isn’t going to be a successful iPhone killer. Simply put, Apple has not only created the touch screen market for mobile phones, they now dominate it. Although companies like RIM and Nokia can try to beat out Apple, I don’t see it happening anytime soon, that’s for sure. Read on to find out why.