LongAAPL

Garmin's Future Is Just Too Cloudy

Garmin makes great products and has tried very hard to provide the best databases to go with it. However, their map updates are the weak point in a market where consumers expect current accurate information. How many times will a consumer follow Garmin instructions to a closed business, different business or empty lot before they no longer rely on them. The answer is once or maybe twice but not three times. As a long time Garmin user, I no longer rely on it to find where I want to go, but still use it for navigation. I don't know of any way to tell Garmin when I find an error in their database.

Garmin would be better off working with Apple and Google to:

1. Bring Garmin to the iPhone.
2. Bring Google to the Garmin products.
3. Form a new paradigm in GPS positioning products that provides accurate and current information via live search and updates with ratings from other users.

Consumers have gotten over the amazing idea of navigating by GPS and now expect more from mobil devices. Can Garmin deliver?

More Thumbs Up for RIM and Smart Phones

Rimm = One Great Product!

But definitely a one trick pony in a very competitive market. Can they keep there device competitive with a legacy operating system? When is the last time that a new software update to the phone made headlines? How about leaving the ARM processor behind and designing a new chip? No, I don't see Rimm as the mobile platform of the future.