SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Technology Stocks : Rambus (RMBS) - Eagle or Penguin
RMBS 95.57+0.7%Nov 28 9:30 AM EST

 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Dave B who wrote (24502)7/11/1999 4:38:00 PM
From: Skeeter Bug  Read Replies (3) of 93625
 
>>Since you can get net access for free (netzero.com), you're paying $960 over 4 years for a $500 computer. That's a leasing deal with an approximate annual interest rate of 37%. Just buy a $500 computer and use netzero.com. Or, better yet, I'd be happy to sell you a $500 computer for 48 payments of $17.50 a month (and then you can use netzero.com for access). My interest rate is just under 30%. Where should I send the contract?<<

db, this analysis is not complete. 1. everyone can't use netzero - their system would crumble. 2. i'd also venture an educated guess that netzero has forced advertising. my service never did. not a big deal? ask those who left si over just this issue.

let's use reality ;-)

the avg person is paying about $17.50 (this seems low, but i'm not manipulating #s nor comparing apples to oranges - nor am i extrapolating the absurd to the macro level) for net access now. now the computer w/b free to the end user.

the question is whether it w/b free to the seller. the isps have to buy the pc. it isn't free to them. this indicates a supply / demand imbalance in favor of supply for the isp industry.

the computer companies? they need a network and have to pay for that. extra expense. is it $17.50 a month? i don't know. but it is something. again, a supply side supply/demand imbalance in the pc market.

why do prices get reduced in pcs? it is total poppycock that prices get reduced just b/c prices for componenets or efficiencies improve. my job is to improve efficiencies and, given the choice, my company would keep the savings from these sources and tack it onto the bottom line.

it is pure supply and demand. there are x boxes to sell, what price can we charge to sell them all - or at least those we don't want to store in inventory.

efficiencies and component reduction often lead to increased supply (and therefore, lower prices), but not of necessity.

both pc makers and isps are reducing the total cost of ownership to get their bpxes and servises moving. why? they aren't moving now - at least not the way they want.

will 12-20% extra cost get everyone frothy? nope. maybe a few. very few.
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext