Gene,
I think the PC makers need it. The market for "Performance" is relatively small, and the market for low-end doesn't have a lot of margins.
In 2002 I can envision the i845G, (integrated graphics), being only available with SDRAM for those buying on price. For the "sweet spot", an i845/DDR with extra bells and whistles may create the most profits.
It'll be interesting to see what happens. Since offices can now buy their configurations from the Value segment with just a few bells and whistles added, I'm not sure the PC makers are going to want to add another line of mobos, DIMMs, etc. to forecast, inventory, etc. Better to focus on building Mainstream systems with higher performance bells and whistles where they do make some margin.
But of course, they'll build whatever Intel tells them to build, so it all depends on what Intel decides to do, doesn't it? <G>
Have a good one!
Dave |
