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Why Sony Vaio Pocket netbook is doomed
Posted by | Posted in IMHO | Posted on 04-01-2009
Much hoopla has been made about Sony’s Vaio Pocket. The Net seems to be a buzz with stories about this little wonder machine and IMHO it’s all a bunch of marketing hooey. Sony has been leaking stories of this netbook to it’s friendlies but I’m here to tell you the truth – it’s a dog. Why? Here’s my three reasons – price, price and price.
Like the rest of the big boys, such as Dell, HP and others, MARGIN is everything and for these players, this market segment isn’t worth the trouble. Look at the clear winners – ASUS and Acer. These two companies, and my hat’s off to them, have broken an entirely new segment wide open. These companies are not competing in the sub $500 sgement but in the sub $400 segment. If I, or anyone was going to spend over $500 on a laptop, I’d get a full-fledged notebook computer. My bet is that there is no “premium netbook niche”. Anyone spending that kind of money is going to buy a real computer or a low-end Macbook.
A netbook appeals to people because it is what it is – a simple, low-cost computer designed for internet access. It’s perfect for students, moms and that second computer to leave by the couch when you’re too lazy to go to your desktop for a URL you just saw on TV.
After spending two decades in high tech, let me share with you a common mistake made by companies – especially big ones. Don’t play outside your sandbox. If you’ve been successful doing something – keep doing it. Don’t be distracted and think “we ought to do that, too”. Far too many Goliaths have been brought down like that. Focus on what you do best and ride it out.
For consumers, there is safety in numbers and clearly the people who are going to provide you the best support is the companies where they have built there business off of the product you bought. With the big guys, you’ll always be a second-class citizen, a cheap-skate, a slacker. You’ll end up with support that is a different number (probably forwarded to India) and your only salvation will be the large number of owners on the internet with your make and model who normally will bend over backwards to tell you how they solved the exact same problem you’re having.
Good luck, Sony! But, I think the only buyers you’ll have is those that have more money than sense.
I read your article with interest. After reading several comments in the net and especially yours, it actually makes sense that why pay more when netbooks are supposed to be cute machines to do simple things. Looks come second and price comes first because generally people look at umpc as “leave it in your couch” or dump it in your bag devices. Unlike the handy mobiles which are meant o be handy and carried along.
If you want real mobile computing without the fuss of carrying netbooks or having a flat suface to put the device, we are looking at the future of head mounted displays and virtual reality and advanced inputs.