With a depressed PC market, very fast systems that offer far better multimedia performance are becoming increasingly affordable. The price cuts are driven by Intel's introduction of the new 1.7 GHz Pentium 4 chip. Intel debuted its latest Pentium 4 last Monday at about half the price it normally introduces its highest speed processors. Older 1.3 GHz, 1.4 GHz, and 1.5 GHz chips are also slated for price cuts in the coming week. The cuts in chip prices also mean that new, faster notebook computers are becoming more affordable as well.
Analysts expect notebook price cuts and processor upgrades to continue over the summer.
If you extensively use digital video or music files for your business, then the falling prices of high-speed chips are your answer to a better computing experience. Otherwise, experts say, chips above 700 MHz don't differ much in how they perform basic business applications. This may be the best time to upgrade your monitor. Flat-panel, LCD monitors offer clearer displays than regular monitors, and they can save desktop space and up to 45 percent in energy costs. But jump soon - as the lower prices affect oversupply, prices may rise again.