Earlie, thanks for the usual excellent comments. I also noted the fact that Intel pulls the seasonal flim-flam only when it is convenient.
I give Kurlak full marks for withstanding Intel's hype and harassment campaign. I give him and F- for allowing Micron to snow him forever. <G>
What is amazing me is that a couple of years back, when retail sales of pcs started to collapse, everyone pooh-poohed this trend because business sales were the big kahuna. That was true enough, though the retail sales did kill many of the players. Now, when retail unit sales are staging a low price, one quarter comeback, the same people don't even mention business sales. Odd sort of reasoning.
Intel will crack eventually, but I think Dell will be the first to break ranks and tell the truth. We know that Compaq just doesn't have it in them to do anything but hype quarters even when they are disasters. Besides, I think Compaq will have a good 4Q. Unlike Dell, they don't need real final customers, just sucker distributors and resellers to fall for rebates and concessions.
It looks like this will be a fun winter and spring.
Best,
MB |
