RS> Maybe, still dropping dramatically on some stuff, most
 RS> obviously the parity 16MB 72pin 60ns SIMMs.

 BG> Dunno, that could just be the inertia you usually see with
 BG> J-curves. The faster turnover stuff appears to be getting
 BG> dearer a bit quicker than the larger modules, but it should
 BG> even out in a few weeks. 

  We are getting silly anomalies now, with parity RAM cheaper than
non-parity. It's my guess that we are near bottom (which is why I
bought at $180). It it runs true to form the price won't bounce
much... about 25%.

 BG> There is evidence that some prices have started spiralling
 BG> upwards again, but I still can't see them ever approaching the
 BG> levels that we saw here until a few months ago.

  I don't think there will be a spiral or a "J"... when a cartel is
broken it's more a dip where the price falls from $600 to $150 in a
rush, and then bounces back to around $200. Picking the value of the
dip is the hard part, and I still like the $150 estimate I made in
March.

 BG> Screw the RAM, I want 17" monitor prices to fall now...

  You get a good indication of the *real* price difference if you
compare 48cm and 34cm TV. Like 17/14" monitors, these both use similar
technology (same EHT, same circuit, same yoke) so the $399/299
difference reflects the extra cost of the tube and cabinet. If you can
buy an el-cheapo 34" flat-screen monitor for $400 then you should get 
a 17" for $530 (plus $20 for digital control)...

  The problem is that it costs a *fortune* to tool up a picture tube
($20US million over 5 years), and until it becomes entry-level with
volume sales, the manufacturer will be recovering capital costs. The
*true* price of a 17" monitor is around $550... eventually.

Regards,
Bob
  

  
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