What's hot? The SoundBlaster Live series from Creative Labs are doing really well for sales starting from the SoundBlaster Live Value OEM to the SoundBlaster Live Platinum. The levels of sales on these cards are consistently higher than any other brand. The soundcards feature low CPU utilization, DIN connections for the Cambridge FPS 2000, and the Desktop Theatre 2500 speakers, as well as four channel audio. What's not so hot? Cards based on the Aureal chipset. The imminent death of Aureal will probably usher in an Era of no new soundcard innovations, as well as price increases on all SoundBlaster Live products.

DVD Drives

DVD-Rom drives put consumers in an interesting situation people want them, which make them a hot commodity, but prices are ludicrously high, which restrict sales. Retail boxed Pioneer 10X DVD drives are going for $215 CDN. While a few months ago the same product would have only cost $145 CDN. This unfortunate situation leaves people with the same frustrations that RAM buyers experienced a few months ago, a sudden price increase for an essential computer component.

My advice? It is really tough to say, because the price on 10X DVD drives will not dip below $145 any time soon, and if you want to just pay $55 CDN for a decent 40X CD-Rom drive now and go DVD later, or just pay for the DVD now. The bottom line is that you'll save a few dollars by going CD then DVD, but you'll have lost time and convenience by waiting. Ultimately, if your wallet can withstand the current high price, then go for the DVD now.

Well I hope that this has been interesting for you to read and I hope to hear some feedback from you guys. For example: should I focus more on advice? Or should I just be reporting on what's hot and what's not? Lemmie know.