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Technology Stocks : WDC/Sandisk Corporation -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Art Bechhoefer who wrote (11839)	6/7/2000 8:59:00 PM
From: Don Hess	Respond to of 60323

Art - While I occasionally pop out of lurk mode to trash others on this thread, I rarely if ever stick my head up above the mud to say a good word. I thought I'd make an exception tonight. I always enjoy your posts. They seem thoughtful, informed, positive but appropriately restrained. You're my hero. I'd list my anti-heros, but I'm on a 56K modem, and the upload would take too long. - Don

To: Art Bechhoefer who wrote (11839)	6/7/2000 9:07:00 PM
From: Ausdauer	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 60323

The problem is, I can't find any competition that would pose a serious threat either to CF or MMC. I can live with competing formats and products, such as SmartMedia and MemoryStick. Art, we need to pin Eli down on the cost structure of SmartMedia now that FlashVision is a reality. My understanding is that SanDisk's cost will come down significantly now that the JV is a done deal. As you know, SanDisk private labels SmartMedia in order to round out their consumer product line. I think that is an excellent strategy given their channel exposure and the benefits will be felt in the long run with improved brand recognition and the "turnkey" relationship with retailers. With the success of items like the Diamond Rio! and its clones and the Olympus digital camera line the importance of the SmartMedia business cannot be underestimated. This underscores the value of SanDisk's dense network within the retail channels and OEM's. Second, if and when Memory Stick takes off, we will need to look around and see who will be manufacturing the cards for Sony. My understanding is that SanDisk has a new packaging technique for MMC and SDMC that simplifies the manufacturing process. This was mentioned very briefly at the Shareholders' Meeting. [I perceive the actual "card assembly" as being tied very tightly with manufacturing. In this way the flash memory and controller can be mounted directly on a circuit board with the electrical contacts/connectors and then "wrapped" in plastic. Testing would be the only quality control step that would be required.] I would not doubt that it could be applied to products like Memory Stick. The engineering investment, manufacturing expertise and patents in this arena may be largely overlooked by analysts. Also, if Sony hits a home run with Memory Stick they are going to have to buy high density flash memory on the spot market. FlashVision may end up being a supplier to many companies that nobody would anticipate today based on the perceived competition between the various card standards. At some point it would be great to get a virtual tour of MMC/SDMC manufacturing that highlights these assembly techniques. BTW, where is our patent expert that was going to pour over the packaging information??? Ausdauer

To: Art Bechhoefer who wrote (11839)	6/7/2000 9:22:00 PM
From: TREND1	Respond to of 60323

Art Hal loves ya like only a computer can (g) You worry about the fumblementals. Let Hal worry about the timing. Buy more SNDK tomorrow, if it hits 47 7/8 Hal

To: Art Bechhoefer who wrote (11839)	6/7/2000 11:53:00 PM
From: Steve 667	Respond to of 60323

"What gives me a problem is the comparison between the performance of SNDK shares and shares of other companies involved in flash memory, such as SSTI. One goes down, the other goes up. The one going down makes lots of money. The one going up doesn't. The situation is beginning to remind me of the summer and early fall of 1998, when SNDK just kept dropping. Deja vu all over again?" Art, it's frustrating! Here is something I just looked at which is a real shocker: SNDK SSTI Trailing 4 qtr earnings .55 .50 Anyalyst Estimates: This Year Averge Analyst Estimate .87 1.72 Next Year Average Analyst Estimate 1.26 3.51 Zachs Estimates for above biz.yahoo.com biz.yahoo.com Why is SSTI estimated to grow so much faster? Anybody have any ideas? Steve 667 Sandisk....Save The Memories"