From Apple Matters - a blogsite that specialzes in hysterical, attention-getting articles - also runs a great series called “This day in Apple history.” October 6, 1997 was a particularly special date, whence Michael Dell made one of his less prescient, stupid comments:

Michael Dell offers Guidance for Apple ExecutivesGil Amelio had recently been ousted and Apple was in the midst a search for the next CEO of the Cupertino based computer manufacturer.

While the search was continuing Apple asked Steve Jobs to step up his involvement. Not all industry insiders thought having Steve around was a good idea, they rightly feared that Mr. Jobs’ presence would scare away many potential candidates.

Michael Dell was in the “Steve won’t help camp” and, when asked what he thought Apple should do replied, “What would I do? I’d shut it down and give the money back to the shareholders.”

Now, ten years later, Apple is climbing past 10% share while Mr. Dell fights flaming laptops and negative margins.