Oppenheimer: iPhone rivals do pose threat to Apple
updated 04:20 pm EDT, Wed July 23, 2008
iPhone rivals vs. Apple
The various iPhone rivals on sale or in development may in fact prove serious competition for Apple, writes analyst Yair Reiner of Oppenheimer. In commenting on the performance of Synaptics, a key maker of touchscreens, Reiner previously suggested that the relatively low cost of the iPhone 3G ($199) would harm Apple's competitors, and thus Synaptics' potential market. That view was "wrong," says Reiner, who has once again given the company an "outperform" rating.
Within the last month, Reiner points out, both American and European cellphone carriers have begun matching the iPhone's subsidies (and marketing efforts) for other touchscreen phones. There is also said to be strong demand for LG's Secret phone, which is known to have Synaptic components, and a variety of other touchscreen devices, such as the HTC Diamond and the Samsung Instinct.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2001
Wrong
He doesn't "get it". iPhone offers the whole Apple experience and integration. It isn't just a piece of cool hardware.