Hey guys. First off, thanks for your feedback! If you're willing to take the time to comment on my article, I should be willing to take the time to give you some feedback in return, so I'll try to address what you guys have said and questioned. Here goes:
As for lack of technical data and benchmarks, that wasn't my focus with the article. It’s an editorial, not a review, which I did attempt to make clear. HardwareCentral has already posted numerous technical articles, as have tons of other sites (Anand, Toms, etc.), so I didn't see the point. Of course I could reiterate their findings, but that would be just that - reiterating. Instead, as I said in the first paragraph, I wanted to take a common-sense, editorial-style approach - I never claimed the article to be a technical piece. If that was the impression I gave, then it's my mistake, and I apologize.
As to what Intel does now - I don’t know. Many of you are exactly right, whether Intel likes Rambus now or not, they're stuck with it. They're too deep to get out now, it would throw off all their plans. However, my point was this - the initial reason for Intel's involvement was NOT monetary, in my opinion. Intel has forked out way more than they're going to get back from Rambus - sticking with SDRAM would definitely have been less costly for them. When they got involved with Rambus, I do believe they honestly thought it was the most sound technological decision. Again, whether that decision was correct, and whether they still feel that way now is an entirely different issue. Maybe they do, maybe they don't, but they're stuck for at least the next little while anyway, you're quite correct.
Further, I clearly stated that I am in no way implying that we should blindly follow Intel, because it's Intel. As well, I clearly stated that, yes, of COURSE Intel cares about money and market share. What I also stated was, at least CONSIDER the idea that isn't the whole reason behind their working with Rambus. Maybe they really believe Rambus is the future. I’m not saying that decision is wrong or right, simply pointing out that Intel may be acting out of interest for the technology, rather than just for money. I don't know if that's the case - no one does, save for a few high-ups at Intel - but it's a good possibility that many seem to completely ignore. All I'm asking is that it be considered.
As to 'defending' Rambus - I would defend any technology which I feel is receiving an unfair rep. As I have stated (several times), I'm absolutely NOT implying Rambus is without fault. Much of the predicament they're in now is no one's fault but their own, and to that end, they deserve it, and hopefully will learn from their mistakes. However, I do feel that some of it is undeserved. And as I
clearly stated in the opening paragraph, I receive no kick backs, no payment, no processors, not even a Rambus T-shirt. I have presented what I believe to be an unbiased article, pointing out positives and negatives, and I do not believe questioning one's integrity is an appropriate course to take, simply because their views do not coincide with others. To future posters, by all means, debate, constructively criticize, comment, etc. – but please let’s not embark on the whole ‘kickbacks’ journey. I don’t feel it’s appropriate, and I’d like to put an end to it here.
At any rate, the focus of the article was in essence this: Rambus and Intel have made some mistakes, some rather large ones. Ill be the first to admit that. However, that said, I don't think they deserve what they're getting in return. As I said, they're not these evil monsters intent on robbing everyone of their money. My point was this - at all times, do your absolute best to remain as neutral as possible. It's SO easy to hate Rambus (again, partially Rambus' fault - they've given good reason to hate them at times), but we should always, always do our absolute best to consider all information first, and make our own decisions. My decision is that, despite popular opinion, it's a decent technology; not one without fault, but not one without promise. I simply believe it's been mishandled. If your decision doesn't parallel mine, that's perfectly alright. I'm not out to make everyone see everything the way I see it - rather hopefully prompt people to make sure they consider all sides before making their own decision.
That was longer than I expected.
Again, thanks for those who left comments. I will, of course, continue to defend my writings, but I do appreciate hearing others’ views. If there are more concerns, please do post them, and I’ll be sure to check up.
Thanks,
Dan Mepham
[This message has been edited by XkALiBRe (edited 05-30-2000).]