What would Sony do if a CF driver became available?

[phattie]

This would definitely take a bite out of MS sales..especially, at the higher capacities and MS Pro. No doubt they are following the latest developments on this issue.

Would they:

- start integrating WiFi
- modifying the CF slot even more
- release their own drivers

BTW why did they choose a CF type port rather than developing o of their own. Especially, if they only intend it to be used for the WiFi card.

[Ditch]

I'll have a go at that one...

First off Sony easily could have enabled their CF slot but obviously chose not to in order to boost sales of their memory sticks. The reason they chose the CF form factor in the first place was cost effectiveness. It was very inexpensive and easy to have a WiFi card branded for this slot and to reap extra profits by having it (the slot) only work with their card.

If they had chosen to create a propriatary slot for the CF, it would have added cost that was unnecessary for such a single use application.

It is my expectation (crystal ball time) that Sony will in upcoming generations of their high end PDA's incorporate WiFi just as they have begun to do with Bluetooth. If you look at the design layout on the NZ90 where the indicator lights are for power, Bluetooth and Memory Stick access, you'll notice that there is room on the left (next to the Power light) for another indicator. That is where I suspect a WiFi indicator will show up in a generation or two at most on the NZ series (not to mention increased internal memory and ultimately a 3MP camera resolution).

At such a time as they incorporate WiFi internally, they can drop the CF slot on models such as the NZ and NX series and either reduce the size or utilized this space for other things (perhaps a small internal hard drive, hint hint, nudge, nudge).

I agree that CF drivers will impact Memory Stick sales (especially the newer high-capacity/high-cost versions) somewhat, but only on the margin until they do away with CF type slots altogether theirby limiting their downside substantially. Rembemer, Sony's methodology is to flood the marketplace with new products so fast that their functional lifespan is offset by newer more exciting technology theirby artificailly shortening it for many substantially.

Just one perspective to consider...

"Sony - Bony" (Name the movie?)

[OcellNuri]

What would Sony do if a CD driver became available?

Release Memorystick Pro early and drop the initial price. :-D
Oh wait.. that just happened! Looks like Sony is already feeling the pressure.

[Importluva]

Which is good for us (in response to ocell). I think that what you guys have said is right-they will integrate teh wifi in the upper models, and have bt as well. Then they'll prolly do away with the NX series design, and possibly go back to the NR's without the hump, altho this design will prolly be a bit thicker. Thats my best guess.

[timw_de]

Re: What would Sony do if a CF driver became available?

wait until we've all bought one, then offer a free upgrade for all
registered users (knowing my luck)

[vansouza]

I am sure someone will if I am wrong, but isn't the MSpro a better memory medium? it is supposed to be faster and can reach higher megs... the SD is already slipping in that department... so... I would get the pro stick no matter what... I need the CF slot for my internetting...

[rob_squared]

I'd go back to bed. I can't use it on my NR anyway.

[birick]

What would Sony do if a CF driver became available?

Keep producing new models at an unheard of rate.

[yOyOYoo]

sony wouldn't care, because by then all of their NX60s, NX70s, and NZ90s would have been sold out and/or discontinued.

Then sony would choose to either 1) release CF drivers in future models for dual expansion or 2) drop the whole CF slot on a clie and maybe have dual MS slots.

we'll I guess we'll see when the new NX series doesn't have a CF slot and has built in wifi...

[aaronchow]

Originally posted by yOyOYoo
Then sony would choose to either 1) release CF drivers in future models for dual expansion or 2) drop the whole CF slot on a clie and maybe have dual MS slots.

we'll I guess we'll see when the new NX series doesn't have a CF slot and has built in wifi...
This is exactly what I'm thinking. Sony will no doubt cancels all the CF slots once a workable driver is on the web. But if I were Sony, I would probably change the design internally, or I would make a patch to somehow disable its CF drivers. If everything else fails, built-in WiFi with no CF slots. Easy.