Both of these processes decrease the complexity of the rendering, but the visuals aren't as accurate, in other words you get fake shadows and fake reflections. This is different. The GeForce3 uses single textures that it creates on the fly using advanced techniques that require a whole different article to talk about. Another reason to get a drool guard for our keyboards. Then we have the fact that the GeForce3 is almost fully programmable.
Developers can now create their own instructions, freeing up the CPU to work on other tasks.
With this feature, and the fact that DirextX 8 and the GeForce3 were basically built for each other, we'll be seeing some stunning games before long. Microsoft is also using a modified version of the GeForce3 in the Xbox. Anything you see on the Xbox can be modified to work on the PC with a minimum of effort. Expect Crossover Madness to ensue. So, until developers start making games that use the GeForce3's customizability, I'd wait to buy one.