for one main reason. Their chips overall have been a big success in that they stopped the monopoly Intel had for so many years and brought the prices into very affordable ranges. I'm loyal to a company that created that dynamic.

We all clamor for free enterprise and market competition and it amazes me that when the market strength of Intel allows them to jump ahead again, everyone is ready to sign AMD's death warrant and ride the bandwagon. Remember, you do that at your own risk. I'm certain Intel is drooling over the prospect of once again having no real competition and the opportunity to run up prices.

Let's remember that, in spite of Intel regaining the lead in chip speeds, the AMD chips are still major speed demons compared with those of just a few years ago. So your computer game runs at 80 fps instead of 90. It's the competition that has kept the speed race going.

Occasionally I forgo the big box stores and spend some money in some mom and pop business in my neighborhood even though it costs me more. If we all did that it would keep the corporate giants a bit more humble and give us considerably more choice in our lives.

Art