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Analysts consult Captain Obvious, expect tough quarters ahead for mobile makers

by Darren Murph posted Nov 12th 2008 @ 4:34AM

Enough already, alright? After hearing analysts suggest that the current economic situation would likely hurt handset sales at large, we've now got yet another poll telling us more of the same. After contacting a number of so-called gurus for their input on the situation, 8 out of 22 expected the market to contract next year, meaning that the mobile market could shrink for the first time since the tech crash in 2001; a month ago, just 1 out of 23 analysts polled felt this way. Granted, most still expect Q4 to grow compared to Q3 as individuals splurge during the holiday season, but things may not be so pretty in the new year. Here's an idea: let's make every phone at least as costly as the Softbank 823SH Tiffany -- those seem to be selling like gangbusters.

[Via mocoNews, image courtesy of CrashOnMyHead]

Economic madness could hurt handset sales, sales of everything else

by Darren Murph posted Sep 26th 2008 @ 8:02PM

Ready for your daily dose of "Thanks, Captain Obvious"? A recent Reuters report is suggesting that the mayhem on Wall Street could really pose a threat to handset makers, with RIM in particular at risk. The logic goes something like this: lots of finance workers probably use BlackBerries, and if their jobs suddenly evaporate, so will their handsets. In truth, all handset makers are going to have a tougher time moving handsets (particularly second, third or fourth handsets) with spending on the decline, and it's said that operators have already started to combat the issue by "shifting their subsidy dollars to more expensive phone models." RIM's co-chief executive Jim Balsille seems a tad less worried, stating: "No matter how much economic challenge there is, how many people do you know that have given up their mobile?" Well played, Jim.

[Image courtesy of DemInvest]