Mannerisms

Just wondering... does this maybe mean that Intel, in compliance with its new agreement with AMD, and extending it beyond AMD, has quit trying to sabotage the ARM Netbook launches? Do ya think... just maybe?

Well maybe, Sxubberous, but I don't think so. AMD isn't interested in Netbooks. My assumption is that Intel's frighteners still apply to the traditional computer OEMs - because Intel can dictate their profit (or loss) margin. But the wireless carriers (bless their black hearts) are immune from Intel's wicked ways. Their business waxes or wanes irrespective of what Intel does.

Oops sorry but uhh, major typos in my alias there. I assume you've seen the AMD-Intel settlement and the promise from Intel that it will stop doing what it claims it had not been doing anyway. From what I understand there's a slew of ARM Netbook reference designs kicking around that nobody in the channel has taken much interest in so far.

It's been reported this week that the FTC is again taking a look at Intel's business practices with a view to anti-trust action, with specific mention of current and future behavior... rather than previous sins. It just seems to me that Atom and ARM are on a definite collision course in the MID market and that it just might be that Intel has decided it'd better play nice(r) to avoid more wrangles. Remember also that Gelsinger got dumped in the re-org and he was, as I understand it, one of those who played hate-games against the "competition".

Anyway, just a thought... but I think the Atom-ARM thing is going to get interesting.

Ah Scunnerous, that's a lot better than Sxubberous which did seem a bit way out. Yes I understand the same as you about this raft of unbadged ARM Netbooks, and maybe a less aggressive Intel may allow computer type OEMs to badge them. But it all depends on whether Intel has actually had a change of heart, or is performing a tactical retreat on one front in order to pile more pressure on other fronts. It's anyone's guess. But you're right -ARM-Atom could be very interesting - if it actually gets going.

Yes, data.
Time that the mobile Telecoms operators need to provide a network that can reliably connect 3G with greater coverage geographically (%age of population is so misleading) otherwise, customers will soon realise that 7.2Mbps 3G actually translates to 128 GPRS (if they're lucky) and makes they're expensive device and contract useless (anyone remember the Rabbit Phone?)

Yes, nocynic, and it's a lot worse in the USA, and Yes I remember Rabbit and the capacity for self-delusion it exposed in the top management of the wireless network industry. Something that has not diminshed over time.

As an ex-pat in silicon valley i would have to agree the coverage in the US is far worse than Europe but the rates seem better, certainly better than the UK with none of the rip-offs for data service (so long as you set-up your contract correctly). Bought a Droid phone last week and very impressed so far BUT we shall see. Verizon makes a big deal of AT&T bashing, claiming their 3G network is superior to AT&T BUT they haven't had the data traffic AT&T have seen with the iPhone. I understand Verizon's back-haul infastructure is considerably weaker than AT&T so if the Droid takes off I expect we'll see AT&T having the last laugh. Equipment orders from AT&T, Verizon, Vodaphone, etc, to get there data service up to where they should be would be a real shot in the arm for the industry. Maybe our govt's should put some stimulus money there rather then into the banks.
At least consumers would see a benefit, rather than watching the bankers paying themselves wacking great bonuses with our money!

You're in good company, Darren, Alain Dutheil, CEO of ST-Ericsson, was saying recently that there's a direct relationship between a country's broadband coverage and its GDP. Putting government money into increasing broadband data rates and coverage is a very sound economic investment producing a good return.