"Windows 8’s usability is proving an obstacle to adoption for consumers, with a learning curve that appears to be retarding growth across the industry," writes CLSA's Ed Maguire in his "downgrade" of Microsoft (MSFT) to Outperform. But he also notes 35%-40% of businesses are still on Windows XP, which Microsoft will stop supporting in a year, and that their upgrade activity could boost Windows sales (probably 7 more than 8). Meanwhile, Merrill (Neutral) estimates consumer PC weakness presents $5B in revenue risk and $0.30 in EPS risk for Mister Softee. [View news story]
I bought a Surface RT. The learning curve was less than an hour. I feel the downfall for Windows 8 is that it is not a necessity in the Enterprise. Windows 7 does great and touch screens are not an added expense. Corporations will need to move off of XP to stay secure. I'm pro MSFT due to this as businesses will need to upgrade. Windows 8 is awesome for the consumer. If people would give it a try they would see the iPad is now a relic.
Windows RT (MSFT) has "a very bright future," insists Microsoft exec Michael Angiulo, addressing concerns about the ARM-powered (ARMH) OS' viability in the wake of weak sales and industry criticism. Angiulo suggests the performance of future ARM chips will give RT a boost, and actually argues RT's inability to support legacy Windows apps is good for the user experience. The Verge's Aaron Souppouris isn't sold, not after seeing a Windows 8 Pro system running an Intel (INTC) Clover Trail Atom CPU easily outperform RT systems. (Intel Bay Trail) [View news story]
I love my RT with the only drawback I have noticed being it is no speed demon compared to the Intel based Surface Pro. But it also comes preloaded with Office RT a big plus.
Surface RT is "on track to join Zune and the Kin in the great consumer electronics discount rack in the sky," writes MKM's Israel Hernandez, as he cuts his FQ3 estimates for Microsoft (MSFT). He adds there's "mounting evidence that Windows 8 is failing to resuscitate flagging PC demand," and believes PC shipments will likely see 10%+ declines at least through 1H13. Also: the head of Samsung's memory chip ops recently declared Windows 8 to be no better than Vista. [View news story]
The end of support is coming for XP. If people want to continue getting security fixes and support they will have to upgrade to Win7 or Win8 if they stay on a Windows OS. Either way MSFT makes a sale, winning. It's not necessarily the major release cycle that determines the upgrade path but rather the end of support.
Surface RT is "on track to join Zune and the Kin in the great consumer electronics discount rack in the sky," writes MKM's Israel Hernandez, as he cuts his FQ3 estimates for Microsoft (MSFT). He adds there's "mounting evidence that Windows 8 is failing to resuscitate flagging PC demand," and believes PC shipments will likely see 10%+ declines at least through 1H13. Also: the head of Samsung's memory chip ops recently declared Windows 8 to be no better than Vista. [View news story]
Come on now Windows 8 may not be Windows 7 in popularity but it is actually a better, faster and more secure OS. It's interface is nit popular simply because it involves a learning curve, most change does. Win8 is in no shape or form another Vista.
As for the RT I'd much rather have it over a Nook or iPad BUT it is not the Surface Pro which is AWESOME.
The Microsoft Surface Pro Launch Debacle Proves It's Time For Steve Ballmer To Go [View article]
I can't think of a single product currently being sold that doesn't perform and do what it was designed to do. In fact, Vista, SMS 2.0 and Kin are the only ones that I can recall that didn't deliver. Ballmer was slow steering the company in recognizing the importance of the consumer market. Apple has absolutely the most fabulous marketing machine in that space but really isn't a player in the enterprise. Google is very impressive in their tenacity and creativity which makes them a larger long term threat. Oracle, Redhat and others are niche players. No company at this point is as diverse in products as Microsoft. All this backed by the very best support which is nonexistent at some competitors. What should cause Ballmer, Turner and possibly Lisa Brumell their jobs is the morale busting review model they have collectively forced down on the companies employees.
The Microsoft Surface Pro Launch Debacle Proves It's Time For Steve Ballmer To Go [View article]
Firing Obama would be fine with me. Heck fire Balmer and make him POTUS that be a huge improvement.
Microsoft has had a few worthy replacements for Steve. Kevin Johnson (now CEO at Juniper Networks) Steven Elop (now CEO at Nokia) Brian Valentine (now Senior Vice President, Ecommerce Platform at Amazon), Dave Cuttler (still at MSFT as Sr. Technical Fellow) but I doubt Dave is even remotely interested. Johnson got all the blame of the botched Yahoo buyout thrown on him but he would have been a better CEO than Steve B. As you can see there have been suitable successor's but Steve has driven them all off except partner in crime KT.
The Microsoft Surface Pro Launch Debacle Proves It's Time For Steve Ballmer To Go [View article]
The only thing holding MSFT back is Ballmer and Turner. Financially the company is strong. The products are strong. Only haters continue to call the products buggy. Every product shipped regardless of manufacturer has bugs. What it comes down to is that irregardless of the companies performance the investor community is largely against Mr. Ballmer. He has allowed Kevin Turner to infuse the Wal Mart management mentality into the MSFT review model. That has driven the top performers out in droves. It is this that is the reason Ballmer must go and take Turner with him. The majority of employees will agree the others are afraid to in fear they will lose their jobs.
Can Microsoft Fix Its Strategic Mistake With The Surface Pro? [View article]
Do some research. The Surface has the selection of a flexible touch keyboard OR a,rigid type mechanical style keyboard. The rigid is easily used on our lap.
Can Microsoft Fix Its Strategic Mistake With The Surface Pro? [View article]
Lots of problems with this article. First the Surface Pro is not just a tablet, it is a product that finally covers the spectrum between tablet and laptop with the ability to run the same apps that run on the desktop. I'm excited about the same interface being on ALL my devices. The 2nd item is that with a company as diverse as Microsoft why would anyone hinge the entire company on a device that is a first run product?
For the first time in a decade MSFT has placed itself in a strong position in the marketplace.
Microsoft's Surface Pro: Yay Or Nay? [View article]
Everyone gets hung up on the flimsy touch keyboard cover. You do know a rigid type cover is also available, right? Rumor has it that a newer version of the type cover is in the works that includes a secondary battery to extend the usage time.
I look forward to that. I agree but am sure you can articulate the facts much better than I. Intel has positioned itself very well now to complete and take away much of the ARM market. Now is the time to buy in and hold.
"Windows 8’s usability is proving an obstacle to adoption for consumers, with a learning curve that appears to be retarding growth across the industry," writes CLSA's Ed Maguire in his "downgrade" of Microsoft (MSFT) to Outperform. But he also notes 35%-40% of businesses are still on Windows XP, which Microsoft will stop supporting in a year, and that their upgrade activity could boost Windows sales (probably 7 more than 8). Meanwhile, Merrill (Neutral) estimates consumer PC weakness presents $5B in revenue risk and $0.30 in EPS risk for Mister Softee. [View news story]
Windows 8 is awesome for the consumer. If people would give it a try they would see the iPad is now a relic.
Windows RT (MSFT) has "a very bright future," insists Microsoft exec Michael Angiulo, addressing concerns about the ARM-powered (ARMH) OS' viability in the wake of weak sales and industry criticism. Angiulo suggests the performance of future ARM chips will give RT a boost, and actually argues RT's inability to support legacy Windows apps is good for the user experience. The Verge's Aaron Souppouris isn't sold, not after seeing a Windows 8 Pro system running an Intel (INTC) Clover Trail Atom CPU easily outperform RT systems. (Intel Bay Trail) [View news story]
Surface RT is "on track to join Zune and the Kin in the great consumer electronics discount rack in the sky," writes MKM's Israel Hernandez, as he cuts his FQ3 estimates for Microsoft (MSFT). He adds there's "mounting evidence that Windows 8 is failing to resuscitate flagging PC demand," and believes PC shipments will likely see 10%+ declines at least through 1H13. Also: the head of Samsung's memory chip ops recently declared Windows 8 to be no better than Vista. [View news story]
Surface RT is "on track to join Zune and the Kin in the great consumer electronics discount rack in the sky," writes MKM's Israel Hernandez, as he cuts his FQ3 estimates for Microsoft (MSFT). He adds there's "mounting evidence that Windows 8 is failing to resuscitate flagging PC demand," and believes PC shipments will likely see 10%+ declines at least through 1H13. Also: the head of Samsung's memory chip ops recently declared Windows 8 to be no better than Vista. [View news story]
As for the RT I'd much rather have it over a Nook or iPad BUT it is not the Surface Pro which is AWESOME.
Intel Vs. Microsoft: Stability, Growth Or Stagnation? [View article]
The Microsoft Surface Pro Launch Debacle Proves It's Time For Steve Ballmer To Go [View article]
The Microsoft Surface Pro Launch Debacle Proves It's Time For Steve Ballmer To Go [View article]
My guess is you would argue the format of that statement also. :-)
The Microsoft Surface Pro Launch Debacle Proves It's Time For Steve Ballmer To Go [View article]
Microsoft has had a few worthy replacements for Steve. Kevin Johnson (now CEO at Juniper Networks) Steven Elop (now CEO at Nokia) Brian Valentine (now Senior Vice President, Ecommerce Platform at Amazon), Dave Cuttler (still at MSFT as Sr. Technical Fellow) but I doubt Dave is even remotely interested. Johnson got all the blame of the botched Yahoo buyout thrown on him but he would have been a better CEO than Steve B. As you can see there have been suitable successor's but Steve has driven them all off except partner in crime KT.
The Microsoft Surface Pro Launch Debacle Proves It's Time For Steve Ballmer To Go [View article]
Can Microsoft Fix Its Strategic Mistake With The Surface Pro? [View article]
Can Microsoft Fix Its Strategic Mistake With The Surface Pro? [View article]
The 2nd item is that with a company as diverse as Microsoft why would anyone hinge the entire company on a device that is a first run product?
For the first time in a decade MSFT has placed itself in a strong position in the marketplace.
Microsoft's Surface Pro: Yay Or Nay? [View article]
Microsoft Doesn't Need To Be Apple [View article]
Microsoft Doesn't Need To Be Apple [View article]
Intel's Low Cost Game Changer [View article]