RSSBallmer: Could netbooks rescue Microsoft after all?
By Scott M. Fulton, III | Published February 24, 2009, 12:51 PM
Dow Jones is reporting this afternoon that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer made comments to financial analysts in New York this morning, reiterating his company's warning of continued weakness in the negative economy, coupled with uncertainty as to the degree or extent of the ill effects.
According to the Associated Press, Ballmer went on to say that his company's strategy out of this dark period will resemble that of one of America's former technology giants, RCA, when it resorted to investing heavily in research that enabled the US to become the leader in television production after the end of World War II. As an example, Ballmer -- according to the AP -- appeared to change course on a key technology, alluding to the possibility that Windows 7 could eventually appear on netbooks, and even referring to "netbooks" by name -- something Microsoft spokespersons had earlier been cautioned not to do.
LOL im confused. 90% of computers will being using Microsoft software. Its not like with a bad economy they will be using Linux because of it. People will ALWAYS need new computers, and such... thus, Microsoft will make the bucks. Apple should be worrying more then anyone considering they are WAY over priced. I think if Microsoft made a netbook friendly OS that is much faster and quicker, they would really clean up.
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|I am betting Ballmer didn't say "rescue". Even though he is completely inept at communication, even *he* knows Microsoft is in no need of "rescue".
Apparently, Scott isn't.
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|Lets see, now...a netbook is a relatively limited but ultra portable computer for basic internet, multimedia and office purposes. Seeing as how a copy of Windows will probably cost more than the computer, why wouldn't I use some highly refined free/low-cost OS to get the job done?
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|Windows Vista Ultimate: $240 (Retail, OEM is $180...which is the most expensive version who's "7" equivalent would go on a netbook.)
Lowest price I've seen for the EeePC? $298.
Good try, troll-boy.
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|LOL!!!! YOU calling anyone a troll is the height of farce. Oh, and nice job completely validating my argument, fool. Now go back to the tender embrace of your Monkeyboy Stevie, I'm sure he misses your "special company" already.
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|@psycros: "Foul language and personal attacks will not be tolerated."
Try some reading comprehension.
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|Proving your point?
"Costs more then the netbook"
So...$180 is *more* than $298?
I think you need to take some remedial math classes. Try kindergarten, it might be more your speed...
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|All the commentary from M/S lately veers towards Win7 and netbooks.This is because emerging markets were the majority will be sold,will have a starter edition,at a price of tens- not hundreds of dollars.As the majority of uses round the world use Windows,I can't see them being swayed to free O/S's.And us in the rich? west will generally flip for Premium editions!
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|netbooks are the hottest selling portable computer devices in the world. theyre outselling iphones and cut a huge chunk into standard laptop sales. it's a big market now.
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|Investing in netbooks would be a good idea, but in the long run I'm not convinced it would "save" the company. Its really kind of a niche area, I only know a handful of people with netbooks. I suppose like anything the adoption rate will increase as time goes on.
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