The device's novel tablet controller stayed judgment for a short time, but it didn't last long -- a weak launch lineup, a slow operating system and software delays soured an already judgmental community.

ENGADGET

Since then, AIG has struggled to lift its operating margin due to slow economic recovery, low interest rates, high catastrophe losses and intense competition.

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Apple's operating system was an embarrassment: slow, buggy and unable to keep up with Microsoft's far fresher code.

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"We are operating, but it's slow-going through Chicago right now, " he said.

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Even with RIM's recent efforts, there are too many BlackBerrys around whose operating systems and processors are too old and slow to make it worthwhile to spend scarce team time on them, says Mr. Stein.

WSJ: BlackBerry Maker Hopes New Tools Lure Customers From iPhone, Other Rivals

But, chiefly because of the high cost of operating in the Arctic, their development has been slow.

ECONOMIST: Resources: Hidden treasure | The

Makers pray that companies will upgrade en masse to the Windows 2000 operating system, but sales are off to a slow start.

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At the current rate of decline it will slow to a trickle within the next two to three years--right around the time Armstrong says operating income will start growing.

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Nor can Mr Bezos take for granted the willingness of Amazon's investors indefinitely to tolerate the firm's accelerating operating losses, particularly if, in spite of its relentless expansion, sales growth continues to slow (see chart).

ECONOMIST: Electronic commerce