3 ms·

The thing I don't understand is...why change the recommendation now? I don't honestly believe that tablets (which is presently a euphemism for iPad) effect PC

The thing I don't understand is...why change the recommendation now? I don't honestly believe that tablets (which is presently a euphemism for iPad) effect PC sales all that much. If every single person who buys an iPad was otherwise going to buy a Windows Laptop, it still represents a fraction of the number of people who are buying PC's. I don't doubt that PC sales might be flattening, but I think it's curious to blame that on the iPad. I don't think Goldman has the foresight to lower it's recommendation on Microsoft for the future potential of tablets (which could very well end up playing out with Microsoft finally adopting a winning strategy, or fizzle out entirely); so why else? Microsoft's mobile strategy? Which has been a punchline for several years, but is finally looking to at least have the potential for some light at the end of the tunnel. So why the sudden change of heart?

teyc 16y ago
Until now, it has been generally assumed that WinTel is insurmountable, because of Metcalfe's Law; established software base. Therefore, MS will always continue to reap from the general growth in computer use. The iPad showed that a new class of computers, framed as limited function devices can successfully establish a beachhead in the enterprise, challenging Microsoft's hegemony without having to run Microsoft software. Apple has also succeeded into cultivating a thriving ecosystem of Apple developers. At this stage, all bets are off, and Microsoft has never been so insecure or vulnerable since its early days.