Yes - I remember the exact moment I first saw google maps and their clever ajaxy magical behavior. The only time I recall being so astonished by technology was the first time I used an iPhone.

Google Maps was the iPhone of Mapping, and continues to be so. And, much the same way others are pretty good (Bing Maps isn't bad) - they are all still compared to Google Maps.

Apple Maps is the Zune? No, that's not a good comparison, the Zune was a competent technical product. The Kin? Maybe not that bad. Apple maps is the Kindle Fire (original) of Mapping. Starts off kind of crappy, but might turn into something better with a lot of work. People will still want an iPad though.

This is basically true. Before Google maps, mapquest was the best thing out there and it wasn't even remotely as interactive or easy to use.

I'm pretty sure I switched the day it debuted.

I think I would have remembered that.