What's with the prices?
by Andromeda

Earlier today, I was reading about the rise in milk prices in California, from a source that dates back a few centuries, and doesn't make eyes radioactive,(The news paper). Anyway, since my 486 DX2-66 computer is a bit outdated, I'm always on the look out for computer adds. Unfortunately, computer prices have seem to gone up in the past years with increasing technology instead of the usually drop in prices that occurs when technology becomes more available. I got my computer in late 1994, when Pentiums were just becoming available in more places, still had alot of problems, and 486's were still the standard. It cost about $1,699 and came with 8 megs of RAM, a 340 hard drive, a 2x CD ROM drive, a good video card, soundblaster 16, and a few other things. Including software and a known brand name. The price was considered reasonable so I didn't complain. But lately, I've noticed prices for a standard computer, which is usually a P 166 with 8-16 Megs of RAM, a 1 gig hard drive, multimedia equipped with speakers,etc, an 8x CD ROM drive, a 28.8 fax modem and software, are outrageous. Even if it comes with more then mine did 2 years ago, still, the prices should have balanced out. A P-166 like I just mentioned, is anywhere from not less then $2,000 to a little more then $4,000.

When Pentiums first came out, sometime around late 1993, they were not widely available, and even though had alot of problems, were around $4,000 to $6,000. I'm not even sure if they were called Pentiums then. I recall hearing a computer name called a Pentagon. To add to the price, most computers don't even come with monitors. A good monitor is anywhere from $299 to $1,600. Yes, you read it, some monitors can be as much as a P-120. Some of the "31 monitors can be up to $2,000. And then, theres printers and scanners. Scanners can start at $90 for little hand held ones, and printers at $399 for old laser printers. Both can end up around $2,000, if you're going for the best. Don't forget the video camera and video cards that are becoming popular now. You're probably wondering why I don't just upgrade to a Pentium, it's possible with some 486's. I'm not sure if it is with mine or not. But if it is, I wouldn't because I got mine remanufactured and I have a feeling it was upgraded from a 33 Mhz, because it's slower then it should be if it were a true 66 Mhz. The point is, computer companies remind me of the of the story of Robin Hood, without Robin Hood. The computer companies are the rich Kings, they provide the technology, but at outrageous prices. The dealers are the sheriff's that enforce the prices. And the people are the peseants that are in a sense, getting ripped off.





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