Now let's look at PCs. Today's PCs exceed the ability of their own storage systems to process data. And they are most assuredly faster than the pitiful excuse for bandwidth that is sending data to the PC from the Web. Sure, some localities across America have cable modem access. And some providers offer DSL lines, which can incorporate voice and data transmissions over a single line, simultaneously.
Satellite is cool.
I see a clear trend that PCs are going to stagnate in popularity as more sophisticated gadgets take over the minds of computing aficionados. Look at the enormous popularity of the Palm series of personal appliances, or the tremendous potential of the BellSouth interactive pager. While both of these gadgets require a PC for their sustenance, both, in conjunction, virtually eliminate the need for a PC while traveling. And that can't be a good deal for Intel, Compaq or any other manufacturer. Before the Internet, advances in computing came because people wanted their software to run faster.