A question:

Have we reached the point where faster computers are not needed by the average joe?

*** Yes.

If so will this mean a slow down in development in faster computers?

*** Yes.

Could YOU use a 10GHz machine?

*** Presently, no.

would Intel sell enough to make it worth their while?

*** Not right now.

Processor development has outrun software development. The next stage is that software development will have to expand., i.e., be more complicated, before another demand or increase in processor speeds is needed.

For the average Joe, they are presently selling them in the range of 1.7GHz. That's fast enough for any software out there right now including for many business and science applications.

The question then becomes, not how fast, but how?

If you change the prcessor's architecture, you loose the compatibility. The industry has locked itself at this point aiming for compatibility. If the software catches up, you will most probably see a 10GHz processor. Multi processor systems which could prove more effective, presently don't give you the backward compatibility. The question is: Can you make a 10+GHz Intel 'compatible' or will the entire industry have to move in a new direction once the software catches up?

Marcia (and Shane) :)