Bob,
Until a month ago I was using an AMD 486DX4 (Now the kids' computer) and now I am using a CYRIX 120 '586, so I definitely am not an Intel bigot. I try to get the best value.
I've been into computers as an amateur and professional since the first 8080 was released, and I must admit, my preference was to buy a Pentium. Why? Must be that Intel advertising. None of us is totally immune from marketing hype.
As for the longevity of brand loyalty, to some it's seared into the brain until death. These are the people that don't have the knowledge to make up their own minds. To most of us, its there till a better product comes along.
Anyone can compete with Intel if they can overcome a few formidable obstacles physics and Intel have put in the way. Like very difficult barrier to entry (You can't make an 8 mil transistor chip with your chemistry set). AMD had to buy the talent and design from Nexgen. Worldwide distribution channels (Ask Cyrix about this one--Pentiums are on allocation and 586's are bloating inventories (reportedly). And finally, brand name recognition. This last one is the tough one. Time will tell.
So how do you compete against Intel? Some of us who have been around a few years have seen Jerry Sanders trying to do it for more than 20 years--still no cigar. Maybe Andy Grove, et. al, have developed a better money machine?
Regards,
Len
PS. The upgrade issue is interesting. I've tried to play that game too, and I've almost totally given up on it. I mean, upgrading only one part of your system at a time is seldom satisfactory, and probably wont save you much in the long run. Anyway, the upgrade market isn't as big as you might imagine, and Intel will probably let most of it go to competitors. If it seriously threatens their bottom line, they'll come up with something (Remember the 'Overdrive' moniker?) |
