Unfortunately video graphics has yet to prove itself as a key selling point to the OEM consumer. If you look at all the ads, the most you get is fastet, high quality, etc. as a line item mention. This is true regardless of the card they use. The selling lines go something like "power your internet access, surf the net with..., etc.". With the possible exception of Gateway, the top tier has not catered to the gaming side of the business at all. I have yet to see a newspaper ad that even mentions the graphic cards. As a result, the OEMs are only willing to pay "commodity like" prices for the cards they use because it doesn't make a difference to their typical customer. Hopefully, TDFX ad campaign, new product launches, and widening installed base will change some of this. Until then, price is the key as you say. Companies like Dell are not going to pay top dollar for the parts they buy unless they have to. It should be interesting to see how set tops, HDTV and the like shake up the PC industry. Joe C. P.S. Good job with the article - your not thinking of joining the ANALyst ranks are you? :)
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