Response of the Week: In chips, bigger is better

Andy@holgate.demon.co.uk wins the Logitech Pilot mouse this week for his forthright comments on last week's views of the Cyrix MediaGX processor. If you recall, last Friday David Birt called Cyrix "a voice of reason in the wilderness that is PC CPU development", and opined: "If Intel is content to pump out bigger, hotter chips with more transistors than ever, it will lose market share. For typing pools, Internet-dedicated PCs and terminal replacements, Pentium Pro-type monstrosities are a nonsense."

Andy's pointing device-winning response: "Come on, we are talking about human beings here, not Vulcans! The more powerful processors will always sell, in the same way that people buy cars that exceed the speed limit. It's a status symbol, it's a false need, it's one up on the neighbours -- whatever. The bottom line is that people will always want the best that they can get. Not only that but the games manufacturers will ensure that all of us with kids will be forced to upgrade. Haven't you dealt with the needs of an aggravated 10 year old ? Think again. I think Intel knows exactly what it is doing. It's all business -- selling us things we don't really need!"

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