To say that Google (GOOG: sentiment, chart, options) has had a rough start to the week would be a bit of an understatement. On Monday, the search firm was subject to negative commentary from Barclay's, leading to a sharply lower close. Yesterday, GOOG dropped another 2.3%, and today ain't looking much better, as the stock is 2.5% lower as we round 11:30 AM EST and head toward noon.

Why the drop today? Citigroup cut the firm's price target to $450 from $480, with a "buy" rating. My issue here is that $450 is aiming rather high, especially considering the stock has lost 55% since January and it faces significant overhead resistance before getting anywhere near 400, much less 450.

All the news isn't bad news for GOOG, as a new iSuppli study determined that the G1, GOOG's answer to Apple's (AAPL: sentiment, chart, options) iPhone, costs roughly 10% lower to produce than the iPhone. The main reason for the lower price is that the G1's user interface - while far better than the industry average - lacks the "wow factor" of the iPhone and other competitors. In my opinion, this is not a bad thing, especially since it seems GOOG has focused on better cost than better gadgets. AAPL is joining GOOG on the path lower, as Steve Jobs' gang has shed nearly 3%.

For a detailed look at GOOG, AAPL, and Baker Hughes, check out Joe Hargett's latest commentary.