Bill Gates: Cellphone will Beat iPod

93,000 writes "CNN is running an article featuring Gates' prediction that the iPod is on the way out. From the article: 'As good as Apple may be, I don't believe the success of the iPod is sustainable in the long run.' His prediction for a successor? Mobile phones-- powered by none other than Windows Mobile 5.0, of course."

Comments

Re:Sure...

[QBasicer]

I think there's a chance that the iPod will evolve into something like the PDA, but this is just speculation on my part.

Downfall of Palm

[grumpyman]

Looking back at Palm, it was the coolest thing people will want to have. But since it's first generation, it really didn't change a whole lot but evolve around a PDA model. Even look at the Palm Zire now, how much does it differ from it's original other than memory/speed? Even size is about the same I'd argue.

Re:It's coming?

[Inda]

Cellphones, on the other hand, are useless paperweights as soon as you stop paying for monthly service.

and...

I think the truth is, cellphone makers are really only interested in one thing ... selling you expensive monthly service plans.

I haven't had a monthly cellphone subscription in 5 years. I don't know anyone, except my Dad, who does have a monthly contract. Contracts seem so old fashioned; you might get a free phone on signing up but upgrading your phone twice a year through ebay works out cheaper in the long run. My mate always has the latest and greatest phone and only seems to spend thirty or forty pounds upgrading.

We all use pay-as-you-go. Everyone that I know under thirty years old uses pay-as-you-go. It's a pain when you run out of credit and can't make calls but that doesn't stop you receiving them.

I for one don't have enough money for a cellphone and an Ipod. Loads of people are in the same position. I do have enough money to replace my phone once a year. I'd love an MP3 player and when they appear on low-cost phones I'm going to have one.