Originally Posted by GadgetFreak
I would say the Sony model is more showing up very early, keeping everything as proprietary as possible and then having their butt handed to them. Can you say Betamax. To some extent I think Clie was partially the victim of the same thing. You could only use memory stick. Sorry, there are at least 4 devices I didnt buy because you could only use memory stick. Just wont do it. And a completely proprietary format, not a chance in the world.
Also as swise pointed out, those numbers are computer sales. In mp3 players it is very different. Sony isnt even on the radar in portable music sales at this time I suspect, despite the fact that they really invented the broader genre with the first Walkman.
That biz model sort of sounds like Apple.
The king of proprietary (read, only one supplier) business!!
Memory sticks - Sony learned quick and licensed the cost of those down to match the other formats. it's no longer a big deal (shrug).
I suspect the Clie failure is more due to MS pocketPC OS beating Palm OS rather than a memory stick issue.
Whether it's Sony or Samsung or LG or whomever, someone will make a good run at Ipod (which is still in its infancy) - question is, has Apple got it in them to find the NEXT thing?
Back specifically on topic - Ipod still pales to Sony or any battery-powered device for a long flight as it turns into a paperweight halfway over the Pacific.
