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Technology Stocks : S3 (A LONGER TERM PERSPECTIVE) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Don Earl who wrote (12676)	1/30/1999 5:56:00 PM
From: Synapsid	Respond to of 14577

It is apparent that S3 PR's approach is super-agressive -- these "hardware" website reports simply look like a full-scale OEM-oriented advertisement campaign from S3. I'm sure these guys are getting a little "attention" from S3. The articles even to go the extreme of quoting pricing and prospective (hopeful?) PC OEM customers, which is beyond what one would expect from a "gaming" oriented site. In fact, these reports may be a marketing technique towards OEMs, given the visibility of these sites and the perception factors that may be affected by positive press of this kind. So the Savage4 is two "midrange" chips, at least one of which (the AGPx4 version) is manufactured at 0.18 micron. The quoted price levels (<$25) are a little bit puzzling (although establishing that the chips are not targeted at the high-end). The 0.18 micron process is just being ramped up, which should mean premium production costs, apart from yield rate risks and other factors. I think that S3 is greatly sacrificing margins in order to get design wins, in anticipation of improved manufacturing efficiencies in the second half of 1999. I wonder how much of a gamble this is.

To: Don Earl who wrote (12676)	1/31/1999 11:36:00 PM
From: stock talk	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 14577

Final Thoughts: Things I think: It my understanding the Savage4 "GT" (.25 mic, 16mb)will be an AGP 2X connection and will be the product that ships and sells until Intel releases it APG 4x in 2Q or 3Q. At that time S3 will be shipping its Savage4 "PRO" version with APG4 (.18 mic, 32mb) It is also my understanding that as a result of the deal with Intel, it allowed S3 to use a "Intel" design that greatly cut the cost of production and shaved a few months off R&D and gave it instant creditably with the oem's. Things I believe: That S3 PR's approach is super-aggressive----for good reason, they know a few things...good thinks. OEM wins...lots of tier 1 wins, lots, AIC at least the big 2 and a little fish and a middle size one. Other new products as Ken is fond of saying "leveraging" Intel IP, major new mobil chip out in the next few months. Yes, to vote yes, on S3 request To amend the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock. There is a very good reason....VERY good, you'll like it, I'm sure. S3 is on the verge of the long awaited turn about. Things I know I know nothing is guaranteed. I know even the things I do know can change. I know S3 is moving in the right direction. I know the rest of what I know about S3 I can't publicly post :-) I know someday I'll once again drop in, until then enjoy the ride. Frank