MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Why doesn't the Iliad play to it's strengths?

pdam · 10-12-2006, 04:39 AM

Don't get me wrong - I'm not knocking iRex, nor am I actually particulaly frustrarated the device is doing what I want right now. In terms of marketing - Sony are spending - look at the Borders tie-up ... The point was really, given the price differencial and given the small current feature differencial, even B2B customers will find it hard to see the extra value, B2B customers will play with potential - they'll invest in the working product ...

eFlybook doesn't count - this is such a simple product, unless they port the added apps over (but not much there really) ... it really doesn't add much, it's just a small, non interesting customer, not a great example of B2B use. (Sorry this sounds so negative, but I don't see this as a particulaly exciting example).

I really want the device to succeed, and I do agree it is great that they remain focused on their busienss plan if they believe in it - it's the reaction to competition (and Sony IS competition, irrispective of it's current consumer focus) I'm questioning.

The gold dish thing? hmm? they are in round 2 of VC, given a B2B model - they are still very light on sales personnel ...

Interesting that Sony are dribbling supply - these things are still seen as niche market items only I guess.

10-12-2006, 04:39 AM	#5
pdam Groupie Posts: 199 Karma: 100 Join Date: Aug 2006 Device: iLiad, iPaq, Psion5&7, Blackberry	Don't get me wrong - I'm not knocking iRex, nor am I actually particulaly frustrarated the device is doing what I want right now. In terms of marketing - Sony are spending - look at the Borders tie-up ... The point was really, given the price differencial and given the small current feature differencial, even B2B customers will find it hard to see the extra value, B2B customers will play with potential - they'll invest in the working product ... eFlybook doesn't count - this is such a simple product, unless they port the added apps over (but not much there really) ... it really doesn't add much, it's just a small, non interesting customer, not a great example of B2B use. (Sorry this sounds so negative, but I don't see this as a particulaly exciting example). I really want the device to succeed, and I do agree it is great that they remain focused on their busienss plan if they believe in it - it's the reaction to competition (and Sony IS competition, irrispective of it's current consumer focus) I'm questioning. The gold dish thing? hmm? they are in round 2 of VC, given a B2B model - they are still very light on sales personnel ... Interesting that Sony are dribbling supply - these things are still seen as niche market items only I guess. Last edited by pdam; 10-12-2006 at 05:02 AM.