irthrifty, unfortunately I can no longer afford a subscription to the WSJ because of my investment track record.
However, I do remember that when hand-held calculators came out in the late 1960's or early 1970's, they soon replaced the slide rule. The first hand-held calculators were very expensive at the time, possibly around $100 for what a $5 calculator will do today.
Of course, that's ancient history. But why should a consumer or a business spend more than $500 to $1000 on a PC, when the extra money beyond $1000 will only buy a minimal increase in productivity?
There's always going to be a segment that wants the 'best', and fastest, machine available, and is willing to pay a premium. But that segment doesn't represent the majority of the current/future buying population.
Regards,
Larry
PS: Now that I think about it, it seems there's been only minimal advances in the hand-held calculator. Why can't they put out a hand-held calculator that will do everything my P133 will do, and sell it for $100? I'd also like it to be solar-powered, because I don't like to change the batteries. |
