--- John Lovda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- Bob Meyer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Even worse: I've seen at least one report that > the > > next iteration of the Muvo2 will use the same OEM > > version of the drive that Apple uses. Probably > > because Hitachi isn't happy about losing sales of > > their OTC drive. > > > > ===== > > Bob Meyer > > I believe the rumors about a "version 2" MuVo2 are > unfounded, at least for 6-12 months. Do you believe > that Hitachi could force Creative to modify their > hardware and software design after a contract was > signed?
It really depends a lot on what kind of contract Creative and Hitachi signed. It may well be (and probably is) nothing more than an order for X thousand 4GB drives meeting defined specifications. Manufacturers don't like to get locked into long term deals that limit their options to use different products next week, or next month. Once that order is fulfilled, neither side has any obligation to deliver or order the same product, at the same price, again. And Creative may have significant reasons to work with Hitachi on this one. Hitachi can offer price breaks to use a different version of the drive (given the difference in price between a Muvo and the commercial drive, I think Hitachi already offered extreme price breaks). Hitachi may offer inside information or special pricing on future products. They could offer to reimburse Creative for the costs of the redesign to use a different drive. Or Creative may just want to maintain good relationships with a valued partner. The shortage and delays in product availability might (or might not) reflect the fact that a new version is being slipstreamed into production. ===== Bob Meyer I wish I knew what I know now, when I was younger... http://www.meyerweb.net/epson __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Search - Find what you�re looking for faster http://search.yahoo.com * **** ******* *********************************************************** * For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see: * http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm ***********************************************************
