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Non-Tech : Any info about Iomega (IOM)? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Dale Stempson who wrote (39907)	12/15/1997 11:28:00 AM
From: AreWeThereYet	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 58324

Dale, good post. I still see some bias in your post but it has various valid points. >> "time" is perhaps the biggest problem Sony must overcome. << Actually "time" is the biggest problem for both Sony and IOM. The more people using Zip, the harder HiFD will able to gain market share. IOM successfully kicked out SyQuest because Zip is a totally different product than EZ-Flyer. Zip is the missing child the market eagerly looking for. Jaz gained market share with the momentum of Zip and IOM brand and of course its large 1gig capacity. >> HiFD's main selling point is 3-1/2" backward compatibility << Speed, size and compatibility are the main selling pointS of HiFD. Assume HiFD can be delivered in 98H1 in high volume, the #1 factor of its success is the price. If it is selling for $200+ then I don't see much hope. >> Second, Outside of OEMs, this leaves those interested in replacing their existing floppy drive as a target. For most people, it would be much simpler to add an external removable. In addition to being easier to install, the drive would be portable and could be kept and used with their next new computer. << For existing PC, this is 100% true. In fact, I am one of this people. I am planning to buy a Jaz or SparQ :o) >> Even with the phenomenal success of the Zip, it has taken two years to get to the point where OEM sales are beginning to take off. << Everything being equal. It will take significantly less time to gain market acceptance for HiFD than Zip because of the reason you mentioned. HiFD is floppy replacement while Zip is a alternative product. A 3.5" floppy is sold on every PC (exclude NC and NetPC) while Zip is only an option in most case. In conclusion, I believe the selling price of HiFD will be the key factor of HiFD success or failure. aC