Second Hand Smoke - Thoroughbred Graphics: Nvidia and 3dfx

I suppose I have to be very clear about my personal agenda. I think that it is only fair, in light of the fact that many of you will not know who I am. So, in a nutshell let me use this quote to set the scene:

And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover

To entertain these fair well-spoken days,
I am determined to prove a villain
And hate the idle pleasures of these days.
Act One, Scene I. Richard III

It ain't Latin, but just as pretentious. In Elizabethan theater the audience was often privy to who the villain in the play was, and relished hearing this sort of confession. I don't know if I'll make it as a villain, but I certainly want to be the devil's advocate in my analysis. The point I am trying to make is that in the coming weeks, and months, as this column progresses, I will be looking closely, and objectively, at the business practices of some of the companies that are lauded and condemned on these pages. It's interesting that often the best companies are the ones that win the fewest friends with their tactics, but more on that later.

It seems only fitting that I start off with the graphics companies, which should provide plenty of fodder, but in time, I hope to progress to the PC makers, the game companies, and all the vendors who touch on your computing experience. Nothing of what I say constitutes investment advice. It's my opinion and analysis. I am rather sorry that I have to say that because, there is, in my opinion, far too much short term speculation in some of the companies I will cover. It doesn't help that this week deals with the most speculated graphics vendors, 3dfx and Nvidia, but I think I know what I am letting myself in for.

While I will put most of the analysis on these pages, I will try and update www.smokezine.com with background data, and information for the truly number hungry.

On with the show.