Conclusion
Now, it's round-up time. And that means, first, we'll re-iterate what we said at the outset. The ATI All-In-Wonder X1800 XL combined graphics and tuner card is a product that looks like it deserves to sell in large numbers – and probably will.
However, that's based on a number of assumptions. First is that our benchmark testing produces the expected results and confirms the power we believe is on offer. Next, that our tests of high-definition output show that the card is delivering quality in keeping with the HD moniker. We'll try to tell you the answers as soon as practical.
There's a third caveat, too. It's going to be important that the companies that make versions of the non-TV RADEON X1800 XL don't kick up an almighty stink.
After all, since the introduction of its X1000 series of products, ATI All-In-Wonder cards are now only available directly from ATI and, in this case, the card will be selling at a price that's only a little more expensive than the less-well-endowed (and Adobe-less) cards that ATI's manufacturing-industry partners are trying to sell.
If all these assumptions turn out to be true - and it's only the last that we really have any doubts about - then ATI must have a winner on its hands, since the card will appeal to a far wider audience than most high-end graphics products.
Hardcore gamers and well-off speed merchants will want to get some of the action. But so, too, will a bunch of other folk. The list includes those wanting to enjoy the latest and greatest video and TV formats and have powerful person video recorders. In addition, there will be a lot of people – irrespective of why they're picking a powerful graphics card in the first place - who'll see the whole spread of the card's capabilities, note the included editing software and just won't be able to pass by such a good deal.
Please dive over to the next page(s) for updates posted after this initial preview.
