CJ,
Can you tell me what devices AMD's flash are used in. And who their competitors are in the unique devices that benefit from read/write speed?
re: "Sandisk has a chance to capitalize on this with their MMCs, the biggest competition is Sony's memory sticks and they have typical Sony pricing..."
Actually, SanDisk has a surprising number of competitors, from their 10Q:
Our primary competitors include companies that develop and manufacture storage flash chips , such as Hitachi, Samsung, Micron Technology and Toshiba. In addition, we compete with companies that manufacture other forms of flash memory and companies that purchase flash memory components and assemble memory cards. Companies that manufacture socket flash, linear flash and components include Advanced Micro Devices, Atmel, Intel, Macronix, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Sharp Electronics and ST Microelectronics. Companies that combine controllers and flash memory chips developed by others into flash storage cards include Lexar Media, M-Systems, Pretec, Simple Technology, Sony Corporation, Kingston Technology, Panasonic, Silicon Storage Technology, TDK Corporation, Matsushita Battery, Delkin Devices, Inc., Feiya Technology Corporation, Dane-Elec Manufacturing, Silicon Tek, Infineon Technologies and Viking Components.
I agree that G3 phones and combinations with PDA's will increase the market size. When the FlashVision SanDisk/Toshiba joint venture fab starts producing 512 megabit and 1 gigabit on .16, and eventually .13, it should give SanDisk competitive advantage. In the meantime, the removable flash market is just like the embedded flash markets, lots of supply with less demand.
I sincerely appreciate your (courteous) help. Flash is a hard market to get your arms around, with so many different players making different claims, and different applications requiring differing benefits. Hard to pick a winner.
John |
