Oh, Ashok…
By Ed Oswald | Monday, September 20, 2010 at 11:09 pm
I was about to make some pithy comments about the latest rumor du jour surrounding the next generation iPad — which now apparently is a 7-inch model with a camera — and its source, the attention-crazy Rodman & Renshaw analyst Ashok Kumar — but Daring Fireball’s John Gruber beat me to it . Let’s face it, Kumar’s track record in predicting anything about Apple sucks, and that’s putting it nicely.
As just a recap of what this guy has predicted or said, and gotten wrong, in no particular order: Verizon and Apple teaming up on a tablet; Qualcomm’s chips were to power the iPad; the iPhone was a dud; ah well, I think you get the point.
The problem is, the media keeps giving this guy a platform (especially the same writers over and over again). We do our readers no service by giving these folks attention when they show no ability to speak with authority about the market. This is not to say all analysts are the same–in fact, there are several good ones out there who can be counted on to really have their finger on the pulse of the industry.
I’ve already written off several analysts for poor performance, or conflicts of interest. Gatekeeping is sometimes part of the job. There are those out there who give analysis because they know what they’re talking about, and there’s others who do it just to get their name in print.
As for the smaller iPad he speaks of, who knows of its validity. It does seem he’s only regurgitating what we already all but know–the second generation of the device will have a camera on it. As for the “iPad mini?” Plausible, but I don’t think Apple does something just because everyone else is. It’s not their style.
I guess we can be thankful he didn’t run off to TheStreet.com this time to push his “analysis.” Maybe they’ve wised up? Nevermind, they haven’t.
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September 20th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
I can't believe how various blogs report Ashok's guesses as fact! When you read TheStreet, the idea of a 7" Apple tablet is presented as a done deal, not an (uninformed?) guess by an (unreliable) trend analyst. Another question: how does Ashok keep his job? In any other industry, other than meterology, you'd be fired for continual poro performance. It's nice to know that some people still have job security in these times.
September 20th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
I think his name is "Ashok" and not "Ashtok"
September 20th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Damnit you people work faster than i can edit!
September 21st, 2010 at 1:03 am
You do not require an analyst to predict that a 7" Apple is coming. Just watch Samsung's 2 minute promo video and you will know why a 7" Apple is coming. I would even venture to say that there will be 5", 7" and 9" tablets (just like laptops) from major manufacturers within a year. I do not know whether Apple will participate on the 5" because the form factor is very near to iPod Touch.
September 21st, 2010 at 5:32 am
It would be nice if Technologizer would start an ongoing list (or feature) ranking the analysts. I think on top would have to be Michael Gartenberg.
Is anyone worse than Ashok? Yes. Rob Enderle.
September 21st, 2010 at 8:02 am
@@samir_s_shah
Sure. Apple did a great job and following Samsungs phone designs and tablets. Why do you think Apple, who had the only successful, only *shipping* product would possibly follow Samsung not shipping, not successful product?
That makes no sens.
September 21st, 2010 at 8:03 am
@@samir_s_shah
Sure. Apple did a great job and following Samsung's phone designs and tablets. Why do you think Apple, who had the only successful, only *shipping* product would possibly follow Samsung's not shipping, not successful product?
That makes no sense.
October 31st, 2011 at 11:58 pm
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November 15th, 2011 at 1:09 am
ASSE
Interesting article i admit. i am a rusty reader to your site *^* i will before long replace my home page with your web site.
January 10th, 2012 at 7:35 am
The iPad mini? Wouldn't that technically be another version of the iPhone or iPod touch in a way? Doesn't seem like it would make any sense to make to me.
January 24th, 2012 at 10:57 am
Hold on to your seat guys. The Asus is about to kick the crap out of IPAD. We just received ours and OMG. attachable keyboard with internal battery in the keyboard…..WOW. ……DROID!!
skinny coffee
February 8th, 2012 at 6:19 pm
I actualy cant believe taht they brought out the first one without the camera.. Seriously.. if we look at the phone industry.. for a while it was all about camera, camera, camera…
Hope this one is actualy good..
Alem
February 8th, 2012 at 7:55 pm
na the ipad is just too goos.. isus is ok but no chance buddy