The systematic way ATI has been positioning itself for the R200 launch should have the desired effect for the company - anticipation is high among analysts, and users alike. ATI deserves credit for working hard to set up its next generation hardware and its timing is impeccable, if R200 makes it out the door in September.

Nvidia may have stolen much of the thunder this year with GeForce3, but this year is shaping up to be uncertain economically and the gaming industry has two big console launches in November that will keep the hype outside of the PC arena.

What ATI may have, something which they haven't had in a while, is a sexy 3D product. It's out there now, somewhere. It looks good, and it's saying all the right things. We''ll just have to wait and see what our good Doctor makes of it when he gets his hand on it.

During the product showcase reception, attendees swarm around the ATI demonstration. This was about as busy as anybody got. There was a certain buzz surrounding ATI, undoubtedly.