When to buy 9700Pro AIW?

[Slammy1]

With the 9800 AIW coming out soon, I'm hoping there will be a price drop in the 9700's I checked out ATI's website, and noticed in the press release they aren't advertising a commensurate drop in the 9700 ($50 difference, 9700 AIW same msrp). I still figure it will drop their pricing on EBay, which should in turn pressure a drop on the retail model, but I don't want to wait 6 months for a $50 price drop. So the question is, when should I buy. I'm thinking maybe a month after the 9800 AIW comes out (all I know is it said "In the Spring"). My 32 MB ATI Rage Rury with TV-Out really needs to go in a bad way.

 

[ShawnS]

That will be a sweet increase in speed.

If you can't wait 6 months, go ahead and get it. Or wait a little bit after the 9800Pro release and see if it drops a little more. If not, go for it.

That is a very nice setup, think I will definitely go with an AIW next time I upgrade. Maybe next year tax time. I am very happy with my 9500Pro, all I could justify buying.

 

[GoingUp]

I just bought one at CompUSA today for $400...

it was even cheaper cause I had $250 in store credit from my GF3 dyin

$150 total!

 

[Slammy1]

I've been checking things out. I rather figure I'll look at the tier price drop when the 9800 version is released. I have a commitment to being one behind top brand when I purchase technology due to pricing. If the price does not change and if there's only the $50 difference in msrp, I'll get the 9800. I can't imagine that will be the reality, as they're bound to show up on EBay for fall over prices.

A couple of web addys:

ATI press release about the 9800 AIW
http://mirror.ati.com/companyinfo/press/2003/4636.html

Price trend chart for the 9700 AIW
http://www.pricescan.com/graphs/graph144710.asp

Price trend chart for the 9700 Pro to show effect of 9800 release
http://www.pricescan.com/graphs/graph138427.asp
(Looks like it's falling fast now)

 

[Popfreeze]

I've been waiting for the AIW 9700Pro to show up at BestBuy B&M, but none of my local BestBuy carry it. Has anyone seen the 9700AIW at BB? I know they sell it online, but I need to buy it at the B&M so I can burn some gift cards.