[Elecraft] Latest rumors on K4

[JR]

somebody said:

    ... a good reason for Elecraft NOT release a manual before the radio
    is available is that there are competing companies that would love
    to have a copy of the K4 manual before the radio is available. That
    would allow those competitors to add features or performance
    enhancements to their own radios before the K4's release.? ...

Nonsense.  This sort of parochialism is not helpful to either Elecraft 
or consumers.   First, Elecraft published a K4 product brochure months 
ago which clearly reveals the feature set and promised specifications.  
We and the competition already know what to expect ... the only bug in 
the ointment is WHEN we can buy one! Second,  I highly doubt other 
manufacturers could possibly react as quickly as you suggest - this 
takes time to decide, develop, and modify production - which takes time 
and could never overtake K4 production.   Third,  I highly doubt the 
competition is waiting to see what Elecraft does before they design 
their next rig -  that is no more credible than the Cadillac rep 
claiming the boys at Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, and others are all waiting to 
see what Cadillac does next so they can follow suit.    Besides, Fourth, 
the other guys have already plotted, designed and released their newest 
radios long ahead of the K4, and the K4 is essentially following suit.   
And this is no complaint or knock on Elecraft, either. Somebody has to 
be first, but at this point the other guys have all adopted essentially 
the same size, form factor, and basic layout, each including a roughly a 
7 inch (+/-) onboard spectrum scope with options for a larger external 
monitor, for ... ahem ... for the same or less money.    Again, I am NOT 
dissing Elecraft by saying this. That is what hams want, and Elecraft 
will produce its horse in the race.   And, it is sometimes better to 
follow the lead, than to be the leader and go off in the wrong direction 
!   Canon corporation's CEO clearly announced Canon would no longer 
spend the money it takes to lead the industry - it let others invent, 
and it will make whatever technology proves itself, and then beat the 
leaders at their game.    And there is no reason to think Elecraft is 
not doing the same.   The K4 will be unique-enough to carry its own 
freight in the marketplace - so this is no knock on it -  but, I highly 
doubt the other teams are standing by to see what Elecraft  puts in its 
user manual before they draw their own game plan.

Just MY take.   Drive on Elecraft !   Good luck.

K8JHR