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Comment 5C is basically a 5 on a less expensive chassis (Score 1) 348

In the past, outgoing iPhone models stayed around as a less expensive alternative for people. With all of the R&D and other expenses amortized over many, many units, margins were still attractive at lower ASP's for outgoing models. This time around the 5 is no longer available in it's current form. It stays around as a "new" iPhone model on a less expensive chassis--compare the 5 and 5C and you will see the main difference being the housing. The "new" iPhone 5S has the new gee-whiz features, and the 5S will be built on the current, more expensive 5 chassis.

Comment Re:Waiting.. (Score 1) 449

The example of the 100-mpg car that was patented isn't realistic, but it illustrates the problem with the patent-kept-another-invention/innovation-from-happening argument. First, you wouldn't patent a car, per se. You would patent the systems, processes, etc. that enabled the astonishing mpg. Second, if someone did have a patent for a 100-mpg car, it would pay (in the most ginormous way) to license your technology to other enterprises with the capital to do something about it. Just saying...

Comment Re:Waiting.. (Score 1) 449

More likely Google, and others, would have developed. Once "search" companies became successful, a lawsuit would have forced (in the event of a legal setback/settlement) payment of royalties by the viable companies. Better than venture capital if you own the patent and a bankroll to defend...

Comment Terra Firma (Score 1) 176

As an investor in Terra Firma's last 2 funds, I can tell you that Guy Hands and his team are smart cookies. TF often invests where others fear to tread--industries in desperate need of change. More often than not, they've been successful in their turnaround efforts. While that doesn't guarantee success with EMI, the music biz certainly seems broken. This "memo" made news this weekend, but it is similar to what we've been hearing for some time. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how this one plays out--fingers crossed here. To read more about Terra Firma and it's previous investments see www.terrafirma.com. Slashdotters might be interested in TF's renewable energy business, Infinis, which was created out of a landfill business, Waste Recycling Group, and now accounts for something like 10-11% of the renewable energy in the UK.

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