Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

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 : PC Sector Round Table -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Mark Oliver who wrote (1874)	7/19/1999 9:26:00 AM
From: Sam	Respond to of 2025

That was an interesting article, Mark. On being an ISP: Dell just wants to make sure that they can sell their PCs in the future. The bottom of the article says: <<Said Dell, "We are bundling Internet service into a number of our PCs, and you will see Dell aggressively enter the market for Internet access, particularly Internet access that occurs at the point of purchasing a PC. "That will include not only the ability of customers to purchase Internet access from Dell, but also enhanced content for Dell customers," he added. Rollins said Dell would consider joining the trend toward free or low-cost computers in return for customers' purchasing Internet access but said it was "really just an installment model," which Dell already has in place. "They give you a free PC, then charge you for a bunch of stuff which fundamentally pays for the PC over the next two to three years," he said. "It's a different spin on the installment credit game." >> Also, on the prediction of a top 5 PC company going out of business: if CPQ went out of the PC business as the author speculated, what business would they be in? It seems to me far more likely that IBM will drop their PC business. Indeed, one can make the argument that their long term contracts companies like EMC and Dell, for example, is preparation for it, they think they have more of a competitive edge in selling components and and larger systems that need to be serviced than competing in the PC business. But is the drive business really any better than the PC business? I suppose their internal people would make the argument that their technology--especially their head technology--gives them an important edge. But what happens if they become solely a merchant drive shop. losing their captive business? Would their cost structure allow them to make it in this brutal sector? Sam