Hardware 2.0

November 6th, 2009

February 2013 - The date when Firefox could pass Internet Explorer

Posted by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes @ 10:27 am

Categories: Thoughts, Trends

Tags: Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Web Browsers, Internet, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

Mark this date in your diaries and on your calendars: February 2013. It’s my best guess date based on the data I have for when Firefox’s global market share will surpass that of Internet Explorer.

The other day I was asked an interesting question - when will Firefox’s market share pass that of Internet Explorer. Initially I shrugged off the question and answered it with a dismissive “dunno.” The question did, however, set me thinking.

Earlier today I took a trip over the the Net Applications site for a totally unrelated job, and pulled up the chart showing market share for the different browsers for the past two years. Then something struck me - the market share growth of Firefox and the decline of IE is almost linear.

Note: The data that I look at most often is Net Applications. This company draws browser and OS data based on 160 million visitors per month visiting client websites, whic means that the data is drawn from a variety of websites. I think that this is more representative than data drawn from a single website, or a group of websites on a similar subject.

Interesting.

I downloaded the data and plugged it all into Excel so I could take a closer look. I added a trendline Read the rest of this entry »

November 5th, 2009

Antitrust charges filed against Intel

Posted by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes @ 6:40 am

Categories: Intel, Legal

Tags: Antitrust, OEM, Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Intel Corp., Productivity, Corporate Law, Semiconductors, Operational Accounting, Processors, Business Operations

The New York Attorney General has filed antitrust charges against chip giant Intel, claiming that the company engaged in “a worldwide, systematic campaign of illegal conduct.”

According to New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, emails have come to light which suggest that Intel leveraged “rebates” and employed threats and bribery to secure deals with PC makers.

Here’s what Cuomo said in a press release:

Rather than compete fairly, Intel used bribery and coercion to maintain a stranglehold on the market. Intel’s actions not only unfairly restricted potential competitors, but also hurt average consumers who were robbed of better products and lower prices. These illegal tactics must stop and competition must be restored to this vital marketplace.

The complaint filed makes very interesting, and damning, reading:

Intel has engaged in a systematic worldwide campaign of illegal, exclusionary conduct to maintain its monopoly power and prices in the market for x86 microprocessors, the “brains” of Personal Computers (”PCs”).  By exacting exclusive or near-exclusive agreements from large computer makers (“Original Equipment Manufacturers” or “OEMs”) in exchange for payments totaling billions of dollars, and threatening retaliation against any company that did not heed its wishes, Intel robbed its competitors of the opportunity to challenge Intel’s dominance in key segments of the market.  This illegal behavior was highly detrimental to consumers, competition, and innovation.

Starting in 2001, the threat from competition became salient at Intel.  Intel’s biggest CPU competitor, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (“AMD”), had begun developing x86 chips that not only competed with Intel’s offerings, but were in many ways more desirable.  Business customers and consumers increasingly sought AMD-based computers.  OEMs began to comply. 

…

Intel launched an illegal campaign to deprive AMD of distribution channels and consumers of product choice and lower prices.

…

At the same time, Intel threatened OEMs with retaliation if they persisted in
dealing with AMD.  These threats took a variety of forms, including funding an OEM’s competitors to directly compete against it, ending any current payments that the OEM received from Intel, and ending joint development ventures.

…

At the highest levels, Intel routinely takes steps to make its displeasure felt when it feels threatened by OEM actions – even when those actions appear to be routine commercial behavior.  Intel’s customers are constantly reminded where their primary loyalty should lie.  For example, in March 2006, Intel’s CEO Paul Otellini received a courtesy “heads-up” from an HP executive that HP was sponsoring an advertisement featuring HP’s relationship with AMD and the theme of customer choice.  Otellini reacted:  “So, … why did you feel compelled to do this? It is certainly insulting to us and I do not see how it helps you…. If we are your key partner, this is nothing but a slap at us … I really don’t want to get in a pissing contest over this … But running an ad touting 10 years with amd [sic] and ‘choice’ is not the behavior of someone who wants to bring our two companies together.”

…

Intel’s objective throughout was not to eliminate AMD entirely, but to crush an unprecedented threat to its monopoly power.

Full complaint here (PDF).

November 5th, 2009

NVIDIA Inside?

Posted by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes @ 5:58 am

Categories: NVIDIA

Tags:

Is NVIDIA planning to enter the x86 chip business? Could you soon be buying a PC that has NVIDIA inside?

Here’s the scoop, thanks to the EETimes:

”We believe Nvidia could enter the x86 CPU business,” said analyst Doug Freedman of Broadpoint AmTech. ”Nvidia could become a supplier of x86 CPUs by necessity to preserve both GPU and chipset revenue.” Nvidia (Santa Clara, Calif.) has been quietly hiring former employees of Transmeta, a now-defunct, x86-based processor supplier. ”We believe internally developed x86 solutions are more likely than external acquisitions (i.e. Via Technologies),” he said in a new report, referring to rumors that Nvidia would acquire Taiwan’s Via. ”We believe that Nvidia has hired former Transmeta staff extensively, and that instruction code “morphing” requirements have declined as more x86 instructions have come off of patent coverage,” he said.

When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. ATI has the backing of chipmaker AMD, and games aren’t driving high-end GPUs sales like they once did. Adding a chip arm could allow NVIDIA to push out platforms much in the same way AMD has been doing for a few years. It could also give the company an interesting advantage when it comes to netbooks and mobile devices too.

This is something we should be keeping an eye on because it could get very interesting.

November 3rd, 2009

Hardware 2.0 'Very Best Kit List' for Nov/Dec 09

Posted by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes @ 3:48 am

Categories: Components, Cutting Edge, DIY PC, Gadgets, Gaming, Graphics, Hardware

Tags: Card, Board, Western Digital Corp., Overclocking, Motherboard, Price, CPU, Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Corp., Radeon

Welcome to the updated and revamped Hardware 2.0 “Very Best Kit List” for Nov/Dec 09, the last such list for 2009. Here I’ve put together a list of the best high-end and mid-range and budget components currently available. So if you’re thinking of buying, building or even upgrading a PC, this list is a must-read for you!

See also my Holiday Gift Guide 2009 for even more cool kit! 

This time around sees the addition of several new categories, such as netbooks, notebooks, all-in-one PCs, and wireless routers. I’ve also added new products to some of the existing categories too.

These components are on this list because I firmly believe them to be the best either in terms of performance or price - although I’m ready to admit, as always, that there’s room for debate and some choices “go with the gut” more than others.

NOTE: Each time I come out with a list of kit I always end up fielding a few emails and comments from people wondering if companies have “bought” space on the list. Let me tell you now that the only way for a product to get on this list is to be the best - period. Manufacturers, vendors and PR companies have zero influence over this or any other recommendation that I make.

Final note: All prices are approximate … shop around for the best deals!

• CPUs
• Motherboards
• RAM
• Graphics Cards
• Hard Disks
• Sound Cards
• PSUs
• Coolers
• Cases
• Monitors
• Keyboards/Mice
• Netbook
• Notebook
• All-in-One PC
• All-in-One Printer
• In-Car GPS
• Wireless Router 

Next –>

November 1st, 2009

Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Hardware components

Posted by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes @ 9:30 pm

Categories: Holiday Gift Guide

Tags: Video Card, Board, Hardware Component, Graphics, Intel Corp., V-Studio 100, Corporate Governance, Video Cards, Business Operations, Corporate Law

As the holiday season approaches, people start thinking about gift ideas. To help you give (or receive) the perfect holiday gift this year I’ve put together a list of five cool tech gift ideas for hardware components.

Check it out!

Next –>

October 30th, 2009

Friday Challenge: What can your OS do that mine can't?

Posted by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes @ 9:07 am

Categories: Thoughts

Tags: Operating System, Operating Systems, Software, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

OK, time for a new feature, one that I’m calling “Friday Challenge.” Today’s challenge: What can your OS do that mine can’t?

A piece I published earlier has generated a lot of feedback from readers. But the problem that I’m feeling with much of the feedback is that it’s really little more than “my OS is better than your OS … na na nana na!” So, here’s my challenge to you. Give me an example of what your OS (Windows/Mac/Linux) can do (and it has to be a useful, end user feature) that can’t be achieved on another OS.

Rulz: Running specific apps designed for a particular OS doesn’t count, but feel free to throw in opening certain file formats. Points will be awarded! Point will also be awarded/deducted if someone points out that something that someone else has said can’t be done can actually be done. Extra points if that action is doable using free software! Also, this is all in good fun, so keep it civil, OK!

Go!

October 30th, 2009

Wii sales take a 43% tumble ... why?

Posted by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes @ 5:33 am

Categories: Entertainment, Gaming, In the news, Industry

Tags: Nintendo Co. Ltd., Nintendo Wii, H1, Sales Strategy, Sales Force Management, Games, Sales, Personal Technology, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

According to Nintendo, global sales of the once popular Wii games console have slumped 43% during the first half of the fiscal year (H1 ‘10).

Figures released by Nintendo show that in the six months to the end of September 5.7 million Wii consoles were sold, compared to 10.1 million a year ago (H1 ‘09). At the same time, global game sales have fallen by 6%. 76.2m Wii games were sold during H1 ‘10 compared to 81.4 million for H1 ‘09.

Speaking to Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun, Nintendo’s CEO, Satoru Iwata said that “Wii has stalled,” and that “We were unable to continue to release strong software.”

Overall, this is pretty bad news for Nintendo which as seen a 52% drop in net profit during H1 ‘10, down to $721 million. The company has also cut net profit forecasts for the ‘10 fiscal year by 23%, down to $2.5 billion.

So, what’s wrong with the Wii? Saturation might have something to do with it, but I can’t help but feel that the platform needs a hardware refresh. I like the Wii but often wonder how cool it would be if it had the graphics power of an Xbox 360 or PS3 … along with those innovative Wii remotes, the combination would be a killer. As it stands right now, the platform seems dated.

October 30th, 2009

Windows 7 vs. Ubuntu 9.10 - Strengths and weaknesses

Posted by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes @ 5:09 am

Categories: Linux, Windows 7

Tags: Ubuntu, Operating System, Hardware, Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Software, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

Over the past few days I’ve been thinking quite a bit about the differences between Microsoft’s latest Windows 7 and Canonical’s Ubuntu 9.10. Specifically, I’ve been thinking about the strengths and weaknesses of each of the operating systems. Is a free operating system really as good as one that you pay for?

Let’s take a look at several aspects of using operating systems and examine the various strengths and weaknesses of each OS.

Installation

Windows 7

• Pros
  - Install is quick, easy and painless.
  - After working through a few wizard screens at the beginning, the install is automatic
• Cons
  - None really

Ubuntu 9.10

• Pros
  - Option to “try before you install” using the Live CD feature
  - Can easily install as a dual boot or even inside Windows using the Wubi installer
• Cons
  - Unless you’re luck to get a CD, you do have to mess about with .ISO files and burn a disc. If you’re happy doing that, it’s not really a problem.

Next –>

October 29th, 2009

Apple releases iTunes 9.0.2, kills Palm Pre sync ... again

Posted by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes @ 2:12 pm

Categories: Apple

Tags: Palm Inc., Apple Inc., Apple iTunes, Palm Pre, Smart Phones, Digital Music, Digital Media, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

Apple has released iTunes 9.0.2, which, amongst other things, again kills the ability for the Palm Pre to sync with the software.

According to Apple, iTunes 9.0.2 features the following improvements:

iTunes 9.0.2 adds support for Apple TV software version 3.0, adds an option for a dark background for Grid View, and improves support for accessibility.

No mention of the fact that it kills the Palm Pre sync hack that Palm relies on.

If you want the update, check Apple Software Updater, but if you rely on the Palm Pre sync feature, stick with 9.0.1.

October 29th, 2009

What's the key to Apple's success?

Posted by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes @ 1:56 pm

Categories: Apple

Tags: Apple Inc., PC Ad, Microsoft Windows Vista (Longhorn), Product Marketing, Operating Systems, Microsoft Windows, Software, Marketing, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

Apple’s weathered the economic downturn like almost no other company, pulling in massive profits without having to resort to deep price cuts. But what’s its secret?

Over the past few weeks I’ve been asking a group of Mac/Apple fans why they thought Apple was doing so well. Here are four possible reasons for Apple’s success:

• Constantly improving, innovative product line
  Apple doesn’t have a huge product line, but the company is constantly tweaking it. Most of the product updates are well thought out and offer the end user extra value. This is attractive to both new and existing customers.
• Advertising
  Apple has a massive ad budget and this allows it to spread the word to a huge audience. When this comes to Macs, this is allowing Apple to aggressively go after those disillusioned PC users. Those funny Mac vs. PC ads are serious business.
• Customer satisfaction
  Apple consistently scores very high in customer satisfaction surveys (the company usually tops the list). Happy customers not only re-buy, but tell others that they are happy, therefore generating further sales.
• Vista sucked
  Given how Vista was widely considered by many consumers to be a failure, this has handed users over to Apple on a plate. After all, for users who were sick of Vista, or just wanted to give the OS a wide berth, Apple is an obvious choice.

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Thoughts?