carleast's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.comuser/26790/comments http://seekingalpha.com/article/64761-is-microsofts-head-in-the-cloud?source=feed#comment-116476 116476
I've long been a back of Google winning this war but you have persuaded me that Microsoft's intentions aren't necessarily the act of a desperately wounded animal. They have a serious amount of cash and they should use as much as possible right now in order to prepare for the future.

Personally I see the future through web portals. And in that sense Microsoft have an advantage. I see us clicking on our web portal through which ever device we want (be it oven, remote control, phone/mp3 player, laptop or car) and everything that we own is available to us. You don't really need google for that. In fact you don't need microsoft either. You need a host that will hold links to all of the online software programs that you have.

I think the online future only has room for big players if they buy all of the smaller ones. And that can't keep happening. It's all very exciting.]]> Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:11:32 -0500
I've long been a back of Google winning this war but you have persuaded me that Microsoft's intentions aren't necessarily the act of a desperately wounded animal. They have a serious amount of cash and they should use as much as possible right now in order to prepare for the future.

Personally I see the future through web portals. And in that sense Microsoft have an advantage. I see us clicking on our web portal through which ever device we want (be it oven, remote control, phone/mp3 player, laptop or car) and everything that we own is available to us. You don't really need google for that. In fact you don't need microsoft either. You need a host that will hold links to all of the online software programs that you have.

I think the online future only has room for big players if they buy all of the smaller ones. And that can't keep happening. It's all very exciting.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/46469-iphone-price-drop-is-a-bad-sign?source=feed#comment-95297 95297
Thomas's prediction of the downfall of Nokia is so ridiculous it made me laugh. It's like saying Mercedes are going to topple Toyota's as the world biggest carmakers.]]> Thu, 06 Sep 2007 10:35:01 -0400
Thomas's prediction of the downfall of Nokia is so ridiculous it made me laugh. It's like saying Mercedes are going to topple Toyota's as the world biggest carmakers.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/43458-sony-s-problems-can-t-be-solved-without-new-blood?source=feed#comment-93050 93050 BT) have recently released a box that allows users watch tv on demand through it. Now this is BT's first foray in to the tv market and they are taking on industry giants BSKYB and the second biggest Telecoms and also TV company in the UK in Virgin Media. BT's product is a good one but it lacks a lot of features like HD and internet surfing capabilities. SKY has the disadvatage of still needing to broadcast via satellite dishes and Virgin lack the actual content. So there is potential to exploit there. If Sony and BT tied up a strategic alliance in the UK it could offer us a glimpse of the future. BT would be able to market increased capabilities to it's customers with the potential to watch HD shows on demand by buying a PS3. And Sony would benefit by being marketed by the UKs biggest Telecoms company.

Another partnership could be with Blockbuster. I understand Blockbuster announced a few months ago that they will only be stocking blu-ray discs and not HD DVD discs. Blockbuster were late in to the dvd online rental market and as a result they are only no. 2 in the UK market to Lovefilm. Blockbuster could agree to supply blu-ray disc subscriptions cheaper if Sony gave Blockbuster small discounts on the PS3 units.

I see loads of these opportunities that could be vital in jump starting the great PS3 obsession.]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2007 11:03:58 -0400 BT) have recently released a box that allows users watch tv on demand through it. Now this is BT's first foray in to the tv market and they are taking on industry giants BSKYB and the second biggest Telecoms and also TV company in the UK in Virgin Media. BT's product is a good one but it lacks a lot of features like HD and internet surfing capabilities. SKY has the disadvatage of still needing to broadcast via satellite dishes and Virgin lack the actual content. So there is potential to exploit there. If Sony and BT tied up a strategic alliance in the UK it could offer us a glimpse of the future. BT would be able to market increased capabilities to it's customers with the potential to watch HD shows on demand by buying a PS3. And Sony would benefit by being marketed by the UKs biggest Telecoms company.

Another partnership could be with Blockbuster. I understand Blockbuster announced a few months ago that they will only be stocking blu-ray discs and not HD DVD discs. Blockbuster were late in to the dvd online rental market and as a result they are only no. 2 in the UK market to Lovefilm. Blockbuster could agree to supply blu-ray disc subscriptions cheaper if Sony gave Blockbuster small discounts on the PS3 units.

I see loads of these opportunities that could be vital in jump starting the great PS3 obsession.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/43458-sony-s-problems-can-t-be-solved-without-new-blood?source=feed#comment-92933 92933
I still think long term that sony will win this battle. But short term they're just not thinking right. Why not market it along side the Bravia tv range. Bring the strategies in line and see people buy them in droves.]]> Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:24:00 -0400
I still think long term that sony will win this battle. But short term they're just not thinking right. Why not market it along side the Bravia tv range. Bring the strategies in line and see people buy them in droves.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/40209-apple-s-playing-the-eurooperators-for-fools?source=feed#comment-90520 90520 Fri, 06 Jul 2007 06:46:53 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/35655-motorola-unveils-razr-2-mobile-phone-collection-for-07?source=feed#comment-86282 86282 Wed, 16 May 2007 08:25:32 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/35734-motorola-wall-street-unexcited-by-new-phone-offerings?source=feed#comment-86281 86281
Although, the RIZR Z8 seems to be very interesting. I really like the new way of sliding it and if the demo simulated videos of what the screen is going to be like is anything like the real thing then this could be a winner. Although why provide that screen and then only a 2 mp camera? Some comments elsewhere on the net suggest that it doesn't feel well built though.]]> Wed, 16 May 2007 08:17:36 -0400
Although, the RIZR Z8 seems to be very interesting. I really like the new way of sliding it and if the demo simulated videos of what the screen is going to be like is anything like the real thing then this could be a winner. Although why provide that screen and then only a 2 mp camera? Some comments elsewhere on the net suggest that it doesn't feel well built though.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/35438-motorola-investors-want-cool-new-handsets?source=feed#comment-86167 86167
Motorola have got a long way to fall yet. Expect a big crash landing because another RAZR just won't be good enough now that we have Sony Ericssons W880i's and Nokia N95's to go along side Prada phones and a huge array of ultra mobiles from Samsung.

The only way is down!]]> Tue, 15 May 2007 09:28:35 -0400
Motorola have got a long way to fall yet. Expect a big crash landing because another RAZR just won't be good enough now that we have Sony Ericssons W880i's and Nokia N95's to go along side Prada phones and a huge array of ultra mobiles from Samsung.

The only way is down!]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/34972-long-in-the-tooth-sony-needs-a-protein-jolt?source=feed#comment-85788 85788
I for one think it's a great move. Sony basically have a medium term vision of the PS3 being a home entertainment hub. People just can't see it right now because the games on the PS3 are rubbish and the demand for HD movies and online content is relatively low right now. But knowing how well their Bravia range is now selling I think they are well aware that the demand will take off relatively soon. We need internet connections to continue to rise rapidly and then they are all set.

As for Stringer. Well Roger is probably right. Sony is doing most things right. But it seems that many of the areas of business that Sony could have working in some sort of harmony through good top level management aren't working properly. I think this will hinder them rather than stop them altogether. I don't think that they market many of their products very well either. Sony shouldn't be about being cool anymore. Apple have that sewn up. Convergence should be the name of the game for Sony.]]> Wed, 09 May 2007 10:56:55 -0400
I for one think it's a great move. Sony basically have a medium term vision of the PS3 being a home entertainment hub. People just can't see it right now because the games on the PS3 are rubbish and the demand for HD movies and online content is relatively low right now. But knowing how well their Bravia range is now selling I think they are well aware that the demand will take off relatively soon. We need internet connections to continue to rise rapidly and then they are all set.

As for Stringer. Well Roger is probably right. Sony is doing most things right. But it seems that many of the areas of business that Sony could have working in some sort of harmony through good top level management aren't working properly. I think this will hinder them rather than stop them altogether. I don't think that they market many of their products very well either. Sony shouldn't be about being cool anymore. Apple have that sewn up. Convergence should be the name of the game for Sony.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/34501-apple-s-iphone-rocks-the-cell-phone-industry?source=feed#comment-85470 85470
By the time the iPhone comes out in Europe every other manufacturer of mobile phones will have already realeased a phone of similar spec but at 20% of the price.

I just don't see how you guys think that this is going to replace your laptop, your blackberry, your mobile phone, your mp3 player and everything else in your home. It does all of the above but not nearly as well because it's battery life won't be as good as stand alone products, it's screen is smaller than your laptop and mp3 player, the memory is smaller than you ipod.

Yet it's still bigger and heavier than all other mobile phones out there.

This is not going to kill any mobile phone companies. In fact I doubt they are that worried.]]> Fri, 04 May 2007 11:14:41 -0400
By the time the iPhone comes out in Europe every other manufacturer of mobile phones will have already realeased a phone of similar spec but at 20% of the price.

I just don't see how you guys think that this is going to replace your laptop, your blackberry, your mobile phone, your mp3 player and everything else in your home. It does all of the above but not nearly as well because it's battery life won't be as good as stand alone products, it's screen is smaller than your laptop and mp3 player, the memory is smaller than you ipod.

Yet it's still bigger and heavier than all other mobile phones out there.

This is not going to kill any mobile phone companies. In fact I doubt they are that worried.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/32642-when-will-microsoft-own-up-to-the-xbox-360-bomb?source=feed#comment-84607 84607
And here's where I think they're really running scared. My prediction is that over the next few years we'll see our operating systems move online. I think Google will jump in to bed with the Linux developers and offer bespoke operating systems for free. Everything will be done online with all of your data stored on line. then you'll just go to any computer in the world and have access to your own bespoke operating system.

Then we'll all save £100 on every computer we buy because we won't have to fund Microsoft.]]> Fri, 20 Apr 2007 09:31:31 -0400
And here's where I think they're really running scared. My prediction is that over the next few years we'll see our operating systems move online. I think Google will jump in to bed with the Linux developers and offer bespoke operating systems for free. Everything will be done online with all of your data stored on line. then you'll just go to any computer in the world and have access to your own bespoke operating system.

Then we'll all save £100 on every computer we buy because we won't have to fund Microsoft.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/31018-apple-s-iphone-it-s-not-about-the-phone-it-s-about-the-revolution?source=feed#comment-83435 83435
You're comparing apples with pears here (pardon the pun). The iPod became the world dominant mp3 player simply because the market had just been born. The pie was huge and no one had even taken a bite yet (apart from Creatives very small nibble). So Apple happily came in and took all of what was available. The mobile market on the other hand is already saturated. Growth markets remain in developing countries where people can't afford the iPhone so Apple are going to have to take market share. That is completely different to what they have ever done before. In fact they've never even been successful at taking market share and the Macs are a case in point. If it wasn't for the iPod then Macs would still be limited to designers.

People buy phones first and foremost to phone people. That is why I think $500 for a phone instead of $0 for one that does even more is ridiculous.

And to Dan Poarch. You would happily pay $500 for a phone just because it has an accesible address book? What?! that has to be the most stupid thing I've ever heard. You may as well higher a personal secretary while you're at it. People won't pay $500 for an accessible address book.

I've had enough of all of this hype. That's all it is. Hype. Well done Steve Jobs that's all I can say. I tell you one thing though. Don't expect manufacturers who have been doing this for years and have production factories across the globe that generate economies of scale that Apple can only dream of in mobile phone land to take this lying down.

Nokia are a bigger company than Apple will ever be.]]> Fri, 30 Mar 2007 03:35:49 -0400
You're comparing apples with pears here (pardon the pun). The iPod became the world dominant mp3 player simply because the market had just been born. The pie was huge and no one had even taken a bite yet (apart from Creatives very small nibble). So Apple happily came in and took all of what was available. The mobile market on the other hand is already saturated. Growth markets remain in developing countries where people can't afford the iPhone so Apple are going to have to take market share. That is completely different to what they have ever done before. In fact they've never even been successful at taking market share and the Macs are a case in point. If it wasn't for the iPod then Macs would still be limited to designers.

People buy phones first and foremost to phone people. That is why I think $500 for a phone instead of $0 for one that does even more is ridiculous.

And to Dan Poarch. You would happily pay $500 for a phone just because it has an accesible address book? What?! that has to be the most stupid thing I've ever heard. You may as well higher a personal secretary while you're at it. People won't pay $500 for an accessible address book.

I've had enough of all of this hype. That's all it is. Hype. Well done Steve Jobs that's all I can say. I tell you one thing though. Don't expect manufacturers who have been doing this for years and have production factories across the globe that generate economies of scale that Apple can only dream of in mobile phone land to take this lying down.

Nokia are a bigger company than Apple will ever be.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/31058-playstation-3-sales-solid-in-europe-debut?source=feed#comment-83434 83434
The new Xbox Elite is not going nearly far enough. A hdmi output and a 120gb hard drive? Are you kidding me. Is that all you've got Microsoft?!!!]]> Fri, 30 Mar 2007 03:23:11 -0400
The new Xbox Elite is not going nearly far enough. A hdmi output and a 120gb hard drive? Are you kidding me. Is that all you've got Microsoft?!!!]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/31018-apple-s-iphone-it-s-not-about-the-phone-it-s-about-the-revolution?source=feed#comment-83353 83353
The reason people buy new phones is because they're free with new contracts. Plus technology advances slightly giving them better cameras and more features. But it's mainly about them being free.

The iPhone on the other hand costs $500. For that reason alone people will think twice about upgrading. But that's the thing. Within a year of the iPhone coming out the other manufacturers will have so far surpassed the iPhone that people will want the new phones.

$500 is the sticking point for the iPhone.]]> Thu, 29 Mar 2007 06:56:04 -0400
The reason people buy new phones is because they're free with new contracts. Plus technology advances slightly giving them better cameras and more features. But it's mainly about them being free.

The iPhone on the other hand costs $500. For that reason alone people will think twice about upgrading. But that's the thing. Within a year of the iPhone coming out the other manufacturers will have so far surpassed the iPhone that people will want the new phones.

$500 is the sticking point for the iPhone.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/30404-motorola-heading-from-bad-to-worse?source=feed#comment-83169 83169
As you say it's how well everything integrates. What I find amazing is that based solely on it's reputation for making good mp3 players you and the rest of the US seem to think that they're going to nail the iPhone first time.

Motorola has been making phones for years and it's interface is still rubbish. Microsoft can't do it on a phone either. So why will Apple?

With the iPod all they need to do is play music. The iPhone will have to make calls, connect to the net, take pictures, play music, organise your life and much much more. But I suppose the general assumption now a days is that Apple can do anything!

Their repuation is based on the iPod and the iPod alone. They aren't really that successful with their computer division and their media boxes haven't done much. Plus now Apple tv is getting criticised to. So I'm just not getting how people can get so exceited about a product that they have never built before and that people have never used.

I'm sure Nokia are shaking in their boots!]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 02:54:46 -0400
As you say it's how well everything integrates. What I find amazing is that based solely on it's reputation for making good mp3 players you and the rest of the US seem to think that they're going to nail the iPhone first time.

Motorola has been making phones for years and it's interface is still rubbish. Microsoft can't do it on a phone either. So why will Apple?

With the iPod all they need to do is play music. The iPhone will have to make calls, connect to the net, take pictures, play music, organise your life and much much more. But I suppose the general assumption now a days is that Apple can do anything!

Their repuation is based on the iPod and the iPod alone. They aren't really that successful with their computer division and their media boxes haven't done much. Plus now Apple tv is getting criticised to. So I'm just not getting how people can get so exceited about a product that they have never built before and that people have never used.

I'm sure Nokia are shaking in their boots!]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/30404-motorola-heading-from-bad-to-worse?source=feed#comment-82979 82979
To sell phones now a days you need style and substance. We'll see if the American manufacturers have what it takes.]]> Fri, 23 Mar 2007 03:43:58 -0400
To sell phones now a days you need style and substance. We'll see if the American manufacturers have what it takes.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/30404-motorola-heading-from-bad-to-worse?source=feed#comment-82977 82977
So what else? The interface? Well that won't sell phones on it's own and we don't know if it's better than the rest yet anyway.

It's mp3 player? Well, mp3 players on phones is still in it's infancy and most people prefer a stand alone machine right now due to battery issues. But you can already put up to 2gb of flash in most phones and Sony is really doing well with it's Walkman branded phones. Basically by the time the iPhone comes out it won't have any advantage.

So what else? I'm struggling here. You two line statement was one of the best comments from someone who doesn't seem to have many facts ever!

It's looks? Well, I wouldn't pay $500 for looks alone. I'd rather save my money for a Hugo Boss suit and look cool that way and just get a Nokia or Sony Ericsson.

Size? It's bigger than the rest so no.

Weight? It's heavier than the rest so no

Camera? It's got a rubbish camera so no

3G capability? Not got any so no.

Ability to download tunes on the move? It can't so no.

Is there anything I've missed? Oh yes that's right. It's an Apple. Sod it, it's an Apple, let's all buy one.]]> Fri, 23 Mar 2007 03:40:35 -0400
So what else? The interface? Well that won't sell phones on it's own and we don't know if it's better than the rest yet anyway.

It's mp3 player? Well, mp3 players on phones is still in it's infancy and most people prefer a stand alone machine right now due to battery issues. But you can already put up to 2gb of flash in most phones and Sony is really doing well with it's Walkman branded phones. Basically by the time the iPhone comes out it won't have any advantage.

So what else? I'm struggling here. You two line statement was one of the best comments from someone who doesn't seem to have many facts ever!

It's looks? Well, I wouldn't pay $500 for looks alone. I'd rather save my money for a Hugo Boss suit and look cool that way and just get a Nokia or Sony Ericsson.

Size? It's bigger than the rest so no.

Weight? It's heavier than the rest so no

Camera? It's got a rubbish camera so no

3G capability? Not got any so no.

Ability to download tunes on the move? It can't so no.

Is there anything I've missed? Oh yes that's right. It's an Apple. Sod it, it's an Apple, let's all buy one.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/30115-nintendo-vs-sony-like-atari-vs-betamax-all-over-again?source=feed#comment-82947 82947
What Sony needs to ensure is that their online experience is up to scratch. To make sure that downloading of games and video is good and also making the online gaming experience as good as the Xbox 360.

We're only in the first mile of a 26 mile marathon here so hold your horses!]]> Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:27:24 -0400
What Sony needs to ensure is that their online experience is up to scratch. To make sure that downloading of games and video is good and also making the online gaming experience as good as the Xbox 360.

We're only in the first mile of a 26 mile marathon here so hold your horses!]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/30404-motorola-heading-from-bad-to-worse?source=feed#comment-82944 82944
But the real problem isn't really to do with the interface. It's to do with the gap between US and European/Japanese ideas of what a mobile phone should be about. US consumers love style over substance and don't mind if the camera isn't very good or it doesn't have certain features. Motorola obviously listen to their US consumers more than their European and Japanese consumers because we love the features! We want multiple megapixel cameras, mp3 players and 3G. Motorola have always lagged behind in the technology stakes and they are paying for it now that the RAZR is long gone.

To be honest if it wasn't for the RAZR (which was bought only based on looks) Motorola would have been goners a lnog time ago. There is no way they can catch Sony Ericsson and Nokia now. Samsung can try but they will fall behind this year as their portfolio of phones looks thin.

This is also a reason why the iPhone will probably struggle to sell outside of the US. It may look amazing and have a great interface (yet to be seen) but it lacks on features. Nokia (N95) and Sony Ericsson (W880i and W950i) are well ahead of them on features and miles ahead in release date. And what's more they will cost people nothing on a contract where as the iPhone will cost about £400 over here. It's a no brainer.]]> Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:06:39 -0400
But the real problem isn't really to do with the interface. It's to do with the gap between US and European/Japanese ideas of what a mobile phone should be about. US consumers love style over substance and don't mind if the camera isn't very good or it doesn't have certain features. Motorola obviously listen to their US consumers more than their European and Japanese consumers because we love the features! We want multiple megapixel cameras, mp3 players and 3G. Motorola have always lagged behind in the technology stakes and they are paying for it now that the RAZR is long gone.

To be honest if it wasn't for the RAZR (which was bought only based on looks) Motorola would have been goners a lnog time ago. There is no way they can catch Sony Ericsson and Nokia now. Samsung can try but they will fall behind this year as their portfolio of phones looks thin.

This is also a reason why the iPhone will probably struggle to sell outside of the US. It may look amazing and have a great interface (yet to be seen) but it lacks on features. Nokia (N95) and Sony Ericsson (W880i and W950i) are well ahead of them on features and miles ahead in release date. And what's more they will cost people nothing on a contract where as the iPhone will cost about £400 over here. It's a no brainer.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/29804-iphone-versus-the-rest-more-evidence-smartphone-makers-are-in-trouble?source=feed#comment-82809 82809
Or $0 for the Nokia N95 which has 5mp camera, GPS mapping, up to 2GB of changeable memory, smaller and lighter than the iPhone, and 3G?

The iPhone may look better and will probably have a better interface. But if that's all I cared about then I'd be happy to put up with a worse interface considering everything else you get with the N95. And I'd spend the $500 I saved on a Hugo Boss suit or coat to make me look cool.

Money money money. That's what it's all about. The iPod is successful because not only is it the best but it's also damn good value for money. It's isn't infinitely more expensive than it's rivals where as the iPhone is.

Some people say a phone is just a phone. Well then save your $500 to!

The key feature on a phone now a days is the camera which is why the iPhone is poor. But the key features of the near term future are mp3 playback capability and internet access. The iPhone may be fine with one but it's not with the other. It can't access iTunes on the move? That is a big advantage to the competition because they have already set up agreements to provide music downloads on the move as part of the contract.]]> Tue, 20 Mar 2007 05:52:14 -0400
Or $0 for the Nokia N95 which has 5mp camera, GPS mapping, up to 2GB of changeable memory, smaller and lighter than the iPhone, and 3G?

The iPhone may look better and will probably have a better interface. But if that's all I cared about then I'd be happy to put up with a worse interface considering everything else you get with the N95. And I'd spend the $500 I saved on a Hugo Boss suit or coat to make me look cool.

Money money money. That's what it's all about. The iPod is successful because not only is it the best but it's also damn good value for money. It's isn't infinitely more expensive than it's rivals where as the iPhone is.

Some people say a phone is just a phone. Well then save your $500 to!

The key feature on a phone now a days is the camera which is why the iPhone is poor. But the key features of the near term future are mp3 playback capability and internet access. The iPhone may be fine with one but it's not with the other. It can't access iTunes on the move? That is a big advantage to the competition because they have already set up agreements to provide music downloads on the move as part of the contract.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/26433-ea-microsoft-sony-we-have-a-problem?source=feed#comment-81387 81387
The Wii certainly does have "velocity" right now as Robert put it. But I've been reading in a number of places that the gaming experience is very short lived. People get bored of the gimicky controller.

In the end it will be the hard core gamers who decide who the winner is. Long term the PS3 is the only winner.

Watch SNE stock reach 70 by mid 2008.]]> Tue, 13 Feb 2007 08:29:33 -0500
The Wii certainly does have "velocity" right now as Robert put it. But I've been reading in a number of places that the gaming experience is very short lived. People get bored of the gimicky controller.

In the end it will be the hard core gamers who decide who the winner is. Long term the PS3 is the only winner.

Watch SNE stock reach 70 by mid 2008.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/25317-is-microsoft-applying-its-tough-xbox-360-marketing-lessons-to-zune?source=feed#comment-80763 80763
And Richard...

Update the Xbox360 some time after June. With what? You can't make the processor or graphics card any better because then games developed against this new technical spec won't work on the 10 million Xbox360's that have already been sold. So I'm not sure what you're on about. Maybe integrate the HD-DVD player into the Xbox for free and give it a HDMI slot to make it true HD rather than it stupid stone age component cable.

Some of these companies get too big for their boots. Luckily most often get a reality check and come back down to earth. Microsoft has been in the clouds for quite a while though.]]> Tue, 30 Jan 2007 03:43:35 -0500
And Richard...

Update the Xbox360 some time after June. With what? You can't make the processor or graphics card any better because then games developed against this new technical spec won't work on the 10 million Xbox360's that have already been sold. So I'm not sure what you're on about. Maybe integrate the HD-DVD player into the Xbox for free and give it a HDMI slot to make it true HD rather than it stupid stone age component cable.

Some of these companies get too big for their boots. Luckily most often get a reality check and come back down to earth. Microsoft has been in the clouds for quite a while though.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/25052-apple-six-factors-to-watch-beside-the-iphone?source=feed#comment-80704 80704
What drives Apple's profits, business, and stock? The Mac? Don't so foolish. The iPod is the only reason Apple is now one of the worlds biggest companies. But this is where Apple have a problem. They know that in a few years time stand a lone mp3 players will be all but dead. You will have you mp3 player on your phone. Research has already shown a growing number of European and Japanese consumers who are using mp3 players on their phones. But once battery life is sorted and 8gb+ is standard on phones (which is only a year or so away) then the iPod is dead.

The problem is that Apple sell their iPods for a lot of money. These phones will come free from mobile phone operators while Apple try and flog theirs for $500.

I see a continuing good upward trend of AAPL for the next year but the iPhone will not continue that trend in it's current form. For $500 it should not only be shinier than it's rivals but it should be better spec'd. And that's where it fails.

Compare the new Nokia N95 to the new iPhone and you have a one horse race. Particularly when you consider that a few months after the N95's release it will be free on contract. Let me see...

5 megapixel, mp3 playing, 3g, GPS navigating phone that is smaller, lighter and much cheaper than a phone with 2 megapixel camera, 8gb mp3 player and is shiny. And that's even before we go into the fact that Nokia phones are almost indestructible and will last years compared to a company who has never made a phone in it's history.]]> Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:53:47 -0500
What drives Apple's profits, business, and stock? The Mac? Don't so foolish. The iPod is the only reason Apple is now one of the worlds biggest companies. But this is where Apple have a problem. They know that in a few years time stand a lone mp3 players will be all but dead. You will have you mp3 player on your phone. Research has already shown a growing number of European and Japanese consumers who are using mp3 players on their phones. But once battery life is sorted and 8gb+ is standard on phones (which is only a year or so away) then the iPod is dead.

The problem is that Apple sell their iPods for a lot of money. These phones will come free from mobile phone operators while Apple try and flog theirs for $500.

I see a continuing good upward trend of AAPL for the next year but the iPhone will not continue that trend in it's current form. For $500 it should not only be shinier than it's rivals but it should be better spec'd. And that's where it fails.

Compare the new Nokia N95 to the new iPhone and you have a one horse race. Particularly when you consider that a few months after the N95's release it will be free on contract. Let me see...

5 megapixel, mp3 playing, 3g, GPS navigating phone that is smaller, lighter and much cheaper than a phone with 2 megapixel camera, 8gb mp3 player and is shiny. And that's even before we go into the fact that Nokia phones are almost indestructible and will last years compared to a company who has never made a phone in it's history.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/25302-apple-s-iphone-pricing-what-you-see-is-what-you-get?source=feed#comment-80700 80700 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 05:29:33 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/24752-musicphones-ipod-s-fall-from-grace-follow-up?source=feed#comment-80425 80425
Here's the ironic thing. Sony completely missed out on the mp3 market but they find themselves in the driving seat to become the dominant force in the mobile phone/mp3 player market. The iPhone is way overpriced, too big, and lacks a lot of features to really threaten mobile manufactuters in 2007 and 2008 and by that time Sony Ericsson will have realsed mp3 player phones that are even smaller, lighter, have better battery life and more memory.

I would say by the end of 2008 we will see the digital camera market and the mp3 player market start to decline as mobile phones become good enough to replace them.

Not only do exciting times lie ahead but cheaper and pocket saving times lie ahead for consumers.]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2007 06:56:40 -0500
Here's the ironic thing. Sony completely missed out on the mp3 market but they find themselves in the driving seat to become the dominant force in the mobile phone/mp3 player market. The iPhone is way overpriced, too big, and lacks a lot of features to really threaten mobile manufactuters in 2007 and 2008 and by that time Sony Ericsson will have realsed mp3 player phones that are even smaller, lighter, have better battery life and more memory.

I would say by the end of 2008 we will see the digital camera market and the mp3 player market start to decline as mobile phones become good enough to replace them.

Not only do exciting times lie ahead but cheaper and pocket saving times lie ahead for consumers.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/24447-why-apple-s-iphone-will-succeed?source=feed#comment-80421 80421
How on earth could you say the mp3 player market is more competitive than the mobile phone market. For one the very word competition means that there is one competitor. Apple have the mp3 player sewn up. The only thing that will destroy their lead is when people stop buying dedicated mp3 players and use their phones instead. The mobile phone market on the other hand is competitive to the core. Nokia has a 35% market share followed by Motorola, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson who have just under 15% each. I cannot actually believe you just told me that the mp3 market is more competitive. Ridiculous.

As for people not wanting cameras in their phone. Where have you been for the past two years?!!! Obviously using your pathetic RAZR which apart from it's design has nothing else desirable about it at all. Come back to me when you get a phone with half decent features and then tell me how you like it. Say the Sony Ericsson K800i or the Samsung D900.

As for Apple's proven leverage experience. Well, fair enough their sat on the fence for about 18 months with mp3 players. But they've been sitting on the fence for a whole 16 years with mobile phones. Don't for a minute think that this is using the wait and see approach. They just had to wait until people wanted mp3 capability in their phones but he's underestimated the rest of the manufacturers and overestimated the Apple brand.

Don't get me wrong, I love Apple and think they deserve to have monopolised the mp3 industry. But that's all that they've done. They would be nowhere without the ipod. The Mac was always successful enough to keep them ticking over but nothing more. The ipod was their saviour but don't think that because of the ipod they'll win with everything else they ever release.

My predicted world wide market share for the iPhone by the end of 2008? 2-3%.]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2007 04:49:12 -0500
How on earth could you say the mp3 player market is more competitive than the mobile phone market. For one the very word competition means that there is one competitor. Apple have the mp3 player sewn up. The only thing that will destroy their lead is when people stop buying dedicated mp3 players and use their phones instead. The mobile phone market on the other hand is competitive to the core. Nokia has a 35% market share followed by Motorola, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson who have just under 15% each. I cannot actually believe you just told me that the mp3 market is more competitive. Ridiculous.

As for people not wanting cameras in their phone. Where have you been for the past two years?!!! Obviously using your pathetic RAZR which apart from it's design has nothing else desirable about it at all. Come back to me when you get a phone with half decent features and then tell me how you like it. Say the Sony Ericsson K800i or the Samsung D900.

As for Apple's proven leverage experience. Well, fair enough their sat on the fence for about 18 months with mp3 players. But they've been sitting on the fence for a whole 16 years with mobile phones. Don't for a minute think that this is using the wait and see approach. They just had to wait until people wanted mp3 capability in their phones but he's underestimated the rest of the manufacturers and overestimated the Apple brand.

Don't get me wrong, I love Apple and think they deserve to have monopolised the mp3 industry. But that's all that they've done. They would be nowhere without the ipod. The Mac was always successful enough to keep them ticking over but nothing more. The ipod was their saviour but don't think that because of the ipod they'll win with everything else they ever release.

My predicted world wide market share for the iPhone by the end of 2008? 2-3%.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/24447-why-apple-s-iphone-will-succeed?source=feed#comment-80221 80221
But your argument is severely flawed here Will. In fact it's so flawed that I'm struggling to believe that you would publish something like this.

You say that Cingular will ship 35m phones in 2007. This I would probably agree with if they have 60m customers (and that's contract customers and not pay as you go customers I assume). That's where our agreements end.

- How on earth will a third of these replacement phones go to the iPhone? What you first of all say is that the price is in line with the new Blackberrry. So what you're telling me is the iPhone's target market are Blackberry users? Rubbish! Palm top users want a phone that can do every thing that they need and is proven to do so. The iPhone may yet do that but I doubt you will find many palm top users becoming early adopters of the iPhone. It's too much of a risk to they everyday business life. So the iPhone is in the same price bracket as the Blackberrs but seeing as how it's not Blackberry users who will be buying this thing I think it's a bit much to ask your everyday Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and Samsung users to spend all that extra money on something that has a rubbish camera and is bigger and bulkier than their current phone. And even if it were palm top users who were buying this phone how much of a market share do palm top mobiles have in the US? 5%? It's just such a silly idea to start bracketing the iPhone with palm tops as far as I'm concerned.

- Then you go on to contradict yourself by saying that it isn't Blackberry users who will buy these 10m phones but people looking to replace their ipods? Again this is ridiculous. Most of the 20 million iPods shipped in the last Q of 2006 won't have been replacement mp3 players but first tie buyers. So I doubt you'll be finding many people getting rid of their 30+gb iPods to get a measly 8gb phone with a worse battery. Or, for that matter, people with 40 gram nanos getting rid of a super tiny mp3 player in order to get a bulky 140g iPhone that will never be able to strap around their arm in the gym and has a much worse battery. Plus the iPhone costs a hell of a lot more than both.

- You say it's lack of 3g is a good thing? Why? Not in Europe it won't be. Nor in Japan. The new Nokia N95 has the iPod right where it wants it as far as this is concerned.

To be honest I'm not sure where in the market Apple are aiming the iPhone for. It's the same price as a palm top but surely they want more of a market share than just palm top users. It bigger and bulkier than and more expensive than normal phones. It has a limited camera which most people would regard as a more important function on their phones than an mp3 player. I think Apple has just built this without knowing which part of the market they're aiming for.

Put it this way. You could get the Samsung D900 which weighs 82 grams and a nano which weighs 40 odd grams. They would both cost less than the iPhone and weigh less. Plus you wouldn't always need to take both out of the house. Plus the battery life on both is better. Plus the D900 has a far superior camera. Plus you can strap the nano to your arm when exercising.

I'll eat my hat if the first gen iPhone sells 10m in 2007 and 30m in 2008. Weight, size, cost, poor camera, and lack of specific target market count against it.

The iPod is successful because it has very little competition. The iPhone is entering into the Lions den. The mobile phone market is a far bigger fish than the mp3 market so don't expect the Apple name to carry it all the way to the top of the podium any time soon.]]> Thu, 18 Jan 2007 09:14:54 -0500
But your argument is severely flawed here Will. In fact it's so flawed that I'm struggling to believe that you would publish something like this.

You say that Cingular will ship 35m phones in 2007. This I would probably agree with if they have 60m customers (and that's contract customers and not pay as you go customers I assume). That's where our agreements end.

- How on earth will a third of these replacement phones go to the iPhone? What you first of all say is that the price is in line with the new Blackberrry. So what you're telling me is the iPhone's target market are Blackberry users? Rubbish! Palm top users want a phone that can do every thing that they need and is proven to do so. The iPhone may yet do that but I doubt you will find many palm top users becoming early adopters of the iPhone. It's too much of a risk to they everyday business life. So the iPhone is in the same price bracket as the Blackberrs but seeing as how it's not Blackberry users who will be buying this thing I think it's a bit much to ask your everyday Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and Samsung users to spend all that extra money on something that has a rubbish camera and is bigger and bulkier than their current phone. And even if it were palm top users who were buying this phone how much of a market share do palm top mobiles have in the US? 5%? It's just such a silly idea to start bracketing the iPhone with palm tops as far as I'm concerned.

- Then you go on to contradict yourself by saying that it isn't Blackberry users who will buy these 10m phones but people looking to replace their ipods? Again this is ridiculous. Most of the 20 million iPods shipped in the last Q of 2006 won't have been replacement mp3 players but first tie buyers. So I doubt you'll be finding many people getting rid of their 30+gb iPods to get a measly 8gb phone with a worse battery. Or, for that matter, people with 40 gram nanos getting rid of a super tiny mp3 player in order to get a bulky 140g iPhone that will never be able to strap around their arm in the gym and has a much worse battery. Plus the iPhone costs a hell of a lot more than both.

- You say it's lack of 3g is a good thing? Why? Not in Europe it won't be. Nor in Japan. The new Nokia N95 has the iPod right where it wants it as far as this is concerned.

To be honest I'm not sure where in the market Apple are aiming the iPhone for. It's the same price as a palm top but surely they want more of a market share than just palm top users. It bigger and bulkier than and more expensive than normal phones. It has a limited camera which most people would regard as a more important function on their phones than an mp3 player. I think Apple has just built this without knowing which part of the market they're aiming for.

Put it this way. You could get the Samsung D900 which weighs 82 grams and a nano which weighs 40 odd grams. They would both cost less than the iPhone and weigh less. Plus you wouldn't always need to take both out of the house. Plus the battery life on both is better. Plus the D900 has a far superior camera. Plus you can strap the nano to your arm when exercising.

I'll eat my hat if the first gen iPhone sells 10m in 2007 and 30m in 2008. Weight, size, cost, poor camera, and lack of specific target market count against it.

The iPod is successful because it has very little competition. The iPhone is entering into the Lions den. The mobile phone market is a far bigger fish than the mp3 market so don't expect the Apple name to carry it all the way to the top of the podium any time soon.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/23863-iphone-on-a-more-sober-note?source=feed#comment-79839 79839
What do people want from a mobile in terms of features (in order of importance):

To make calls
To text people (will it be as easy to send texts with the new touch screen?)
To take pictures
To access the web
To use as an mp3 player
To use to watching tv
To use as a GPS system

What do people want from a mobile in terms of form (in order of importance):

Looks
Size
Weight

The iPhone may look amazing but it's bigger than the rest in terms of size and weight. People would be better off just getting the best current phone (either the Sony Ericsson W810i or the Samsung D900) and a Nano iPod. Plus it would be cheaper!

We are going in the right direction though. It just depends whether Apple can start delivering phones that are cheap enough for people to not only want them but also buy them.]]> Wed, 10 Jan 2007 08:56:04 -0500
What do people want from a mobile in terms of features (in order of importance):

To make calls
To text people (will it be as easy to send texts with the new touch screen?)
To take pictures
To access the web
To use as an mp3 player
To use to watching tv
To use as a GPS system

What do people want from a mobile in terms of form (in order of importance):

Looks
Size
Weight

The iPhone may look amazing but it's bigger than the rest in terms of size and weight. People would be better off just getting the best current phone (either the Sony Ericsson W810i or the Samsung D900) and a Nano iPod. Plus it would be cheaper!

We are going in the right direction though. It just depends whether Apple can start delivering phones that are cheap enough for people to not only want them but also buy them.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/22820-sony-admits-it-made-the-ps3-too-expensive?source=feed#comment-79456 79456
I understand that PS3 games probably aren't flying off the shelves. But that's only to be expected less than two months after it's tentative release. The US didn't get as many PS3's as expected and therefore there aren't as many owners to buy games. Add to that the lack of quality games around at the moment and the cost of them then I'm sure some of the poorer quality games are sticking to the shelves. The Wii has had a much better start selling far more machines. But this isn't because it's more popular. It's simply because it's more widely available.

Sony are not going to be judging the PS3's success based on the next 12 months so neither should anyone else. Conversely Nintendo probably will judge the success of the Wii on the next 12 months because I don't expect the "Wii factor" to last much longer than that.

The Wii will be a short term success. But wii all know that it's long term success that counts and Sony has the specs necessary to ensure that success. Already we're talking about 49% market penetration in flatscreen tv's and that's enough for me. These flatscreen tv owners will be disappointed with the graphics of the Wii. The HD pictures of the PS3 is the only long term winner.]]> Fri, 29 Dec 2006 09:44:11 -0500
I understand that PS3 games probably aren't flying off the shelves. But that's only to be expected less than two months after it's tentative release. The US didn't get as many PS3's as expected and therefore there aren't as many owners to buy games. Add to that the lack of quality games around at the moment and the cost of them then I'm sure some of the poorer quality games are sticking to the shelves. The Wii has had a much better start selling far more machines. But this isn't because it's more popular. It's simply because it's more widely available.

Sony are not going to be judging the PS3's success based on the next 12 months so neither should anyone else. Conversely Nintendo probably will judge the success of the Wii on the next 12 months because I don't expect the "Wii factor" to last much longer than that.

The Wii will be a short term success. But wii all know that it's long term success that counts and Sony has the specs necessary to ensure that success. Already we're talking about 49% market penetration in flatscreen tv's and that's enough for me. These flatscreen tv owners will be disappointed with the graphics of the Wii. The HD pictures of the PS3 is the only long term winner.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/22820-sony-admits-it-made-the-ps3-too-expensive?source=feed#comment-79352 79352
I think that the last three years has been very tough for Sony. It was only last year that I was actually predicting their death. This was due to a number of problems. They severely failed in the mp3 and flatscreen markets in terms of getting in there early enough. That was one of the biggest mistakes in corporate history on both accounts as far as I'm concerned. And due to the constant interference from their media division they have properly messed up their chances in the mp3 market. They must try and come back though. But as far as the LCD division is concerned they are finally flying. I'd say they'll probably crown themselves kings of the LCDs next year with their current line up supposedly being the best looking LCD pictures ever.

This next year sees Sony moving back to the top of the world as far as tvs are concerned and also maintain their number one spot with the new PS3 as far as games consoles concerned. Add to that the probably that Blu-Ray will succeed in the next gen format wars and you've got a probable very successful year for Sony. I doubt it will show in their 07/08 profits too much but it will show in their sales figures.]]> Fri, 22 Dec 2006 07:11:06 -0500
I think that the last three years has been very tough for Sony. It was only last year that I was actually predicting their death. This was due to a number of problems. They severely failed in the mp3 and flatscreen markets in terms of getting in there early enough. That was one of the biggest mistakes in corporate history on both accounts as far as I'm concerned. And due to the constant interference from their media division they have properly messed up their chances in the mp3 market. They must try and come back though. But as far as the LCD division is concerned they are finally flying. I'd say they'll probably crown themselves kings of the LCDs next year with their current line up supposedly being the best looking LCD pictures ever.

This next year sees Sony moving back to the top of the world as far as tvs are concerned and also maintain their number one spot with the new PS3 as far as games consoles concerned. Add to that the probably that Blu-Ray will succeed in the next gen format wars and you've got a probable very successful year for Sony. I doubt it will show in their 07/08 profits too much but it will show in their sales figures.]]>