Computer Memory

[Jack Stoner]

I seem to remember the "memory fire" as being in Japan????

Historically computers and computer parts start out relatively high when a new PC or part is introduced, to cover development and and production costs. As production ramps up and sales increase the price per unit drops. And, as more companies produce similar units the competition causes a price drop.

However, price alone is not the gauge on purchasing many computer components. Having worked in computers for many years and running a Hardware Help Desk, in a multi vendor environment, we found that certain brands have a lower failure rate or a better integration success rate.

[Ron Page]

I'm no expert but as a EE I understand most of the buzzwords and basics.

The price thing is always based on supply and demand... competition.

There is technological competition from the newer RDRAM (Rambus memory). That's still a bit to the high end of price/performance, but I caught Dell equalizing the price difference with a higher rebate on a Pentium 4, RDRAM system I ordered for my son in October. I guess it's a screamer, but I haven't seen it; he's pleased.

RDRAM will face some stiff competition from this double-data-rate (DDR) SDRAM. It is said to improve the throughput of SDRAM systems such that mostly only the real "gamers" will pay more for RDRAM systems. Check it out in reviews and articles on zdnet.com or cnet.com.