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

To: Jim Greif who wrote (21437)	1/8/2002 6:28:37 PM
From: Art Bechhoefer	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 60323

Jim, Windows CE support for flash memory is one more example of expanding uses for storage devices that consume little power and are rugged enough to withstand the shocks of typical mobile systems, whether it be a PDA or a system installed in vehicles. The demand is likely to be for both embedded and removable memory. The embedded memory would store the system and other software that undergoes little change over a year or two. The removable memory would store data files, images, etc. The device would be able to boot almost instantly, and the power requirements would be much less than for devices using a hard drive or CD for long term storage. Should be interesting to see if demand picks up soon enough to eliminate all the price cutting and pressures on margins. Art

To: Jim Greif who wrote (21437)	1/8/2002 7:45:20 PM
From: Ausdauer	Respond to of 60323

Jim, always exciting to read about an operating system incorporating a unique hardware standard. A while back QCOM decided to integrate multimedia card support in their basic CDMA chipset, but the demand for added flash memory just hasn't developed in the cellphone market. Thus, no direct benefit to SNDK despite the adoption. Message 12892007 Microsoft's announcement to include native support for various removable and embedded memory standards seems to be a positive for SanDisk. Previously the Win CE system did support CompactFlash and Casio had some handhelds on the market that used MMC, too. I was worried recently because the newer Microsoft PocketPC operating systems were designed to work solely with Intel microprocessors. Intel could have pushed for compatibility with Intel MLC flash, for instance. Now it appears that both hardware and software compatibility are crucial. It is doubtful that Microsoft would allow Intel to limit hardware compatibility. My concerns, however, continue to be related to the weakened SNDK IP, as others have mentioned. Secure Digital is a joint standard that Matsushita, SanDisk and Toshiba co-developed. Thus, there is less direct benefit to SNDK. Also, as John mentioned, CF and MMC appear commoditized at this stage. There is still no clear brand preference or cost advantage that SanDisk has achieved. In general I see the overall demand for embedded and removable flash growing at an impressive clip, but still don't see SanDisk as the primary benefactor. It will probably take a few quarters to know whether today's announcement carries any particular importance. Aus