FREE ESSAY ON CELERON OR PENTIUM II?

CELERON OR PENTIUM II?

Celeron or Pentium II?
Author: Pallav Gupta
Instructor: Lisa Anne Culp
Fall 1998
The computer industry is flourishing because of the advent of new, powerful processors.
Recently, Intel Corp. released its Pentium II-450 MHz chip: the fastest processor on the
planet. But because the chip is overpriced, Intel is also marketing the downgraded
version of a PII, the inexpensive Celeron-333 which has a 128K cache compared to the
PII's 512K cache. To potential computer buyers, this situation presents a dilemma because
they must decide whether to opt for price (i.e. buy the Celeron) or speed (i.e. buy the
PII-450). In an attempt to answer this question, Lincoln Spector of PC World and
Christopher Yates of PC Week analyze the two chips in their articles entitled Double
Feature and Intel Celeron Cache in With New Power, published in October and August of
1998 respectively. In this paper, a rhetorical and discourse analysis will be performed
on the two articles to examine the similar and different strategies used by Spector and
Yates in presenting their arguments. The strategies will determine which article is more
convincing. Since the articles are present in magazines that pertain to the genre of
computer and computer writing, it is first also necessary to analyze the genre. 
Comparing and contrasting the magazines can obtain an introduction to the way material is
presented and organized. The criteria for the analysis include the types of articles
present in the magazines. In addition, analyzing the sources of evidence used to support
the claims can provide crucial information to the kinds of appeals (i.e. logos, ethos, or
pathos) used by the authors writing in the genre of computer writing. Other similar
factors such as article length, ads, and the advertisers can also be examined. But the
demographic data of the magazines is of utmost importance because it describes the
audience and thus, defines the way authors write for their audience.
PC World and PC Week have a circulation of 1,125,000 and 305,443 respectively. The former
is published monthly and the latter is printed weekly. Eighty-eight percent of the
audience of PC World is male and the remainder is female, with ages ranging from 25 to 54
years. Thirteen percent of both magazines' readers are employed by the computer industry,
while 59% of PC World's compared to 13% of PC Week's readers work in some sort of
management (SRDS 445). In addition, Online survey results show that most readers of PC
World have a college education with 31.1% holding a bachelors, 15.3% a masters, and 3.9%
a doctorate degree. The high educational statistics indicate why the average annual
income of the readers is $73,884. Because demographics for PC Week were unavailable, it
is hard to make comparisons with PC World's. But because most of the readers are employed
in management and other technical areas, one may assume that the readers of PC Week have
a college education. Because the readers are diverse in terms of their employment status,
the magazines contain a variety of articles.
Although different types of articles are present in each magazine, they all focus on the
subject of computers. In general, PC World concentrates more on the hardware (components)
of computers than PC Week does. The articles describe people's opinions and performance
results of new products, give advice to inexperienced computer buyers, and provide
answers to problems that computer users may face. For example, a typical editorial may
compare the capabilities of a new Ethernet (LAN) card to those existing on the market. Or
the article may explain how to create a homepage by incorporating JavaScript into HTML
(HyperText Markup Language). On the other hand, PC Week centers on the business and the
news aspect of computers. In general, its articles report on the current events occurring
in the computer industry. They also examine the various rumors encompassing many
corporations. One article may talk about the latest developments on the Microsoft Corp.
lawsuit, while another could address the rumors and the possibility of a merger between
two giant corporations like Oracle and Creative Labs. But whatever the article type may
be, the claims in the articles must be verified by concrete evidence.
In the genre of computer writing, statistics and data are the main source of evidence
that is used to support the claims in the articles. Thus, the use of logos is prevalent.
Statistics in this paper implies the use of numbers and experimental data. Certified lab
results displayed in the form of graphs are used to convince the readers that PC World
provides accurate information. In addition, flowcharts and diagrams effectively
communicate complex ideas. Numbers such as percentages and price figures are abundant
throughout the magazine. On the other hand, PC Week uses statistics in moderation. Unlike
PC World, which uses them to explain all its statements, PC Week uses them to emphasize
the main points of its articles only. PC Week also quotes many CEOs of multi-billion
dollar corporations to prove its assertions. Both magazines sometimes include statistics
in their ads.
The similarities that exist between the magazines are the ads and pictures, the
advertisers, and the article length. About one-third of each magazine is dedicated to
ads. The products advertised include software like Adobe PhotoShop and hardware like
modems, printers, and network hubs. Specifications, prices, and pictures of these
products are featured. For example, a Compaq ad in PC World will print a photo of one of
its computer models and say, Model 6300: Intel Pentium II Processor @ 350 MHz, 32 MB
SDDRAM…$1719.00 (173). Fancy pictures of motherboards, dialog boxes, and zip drives
help capture the audience's attention and coerce them into reading the articles or the
ads. The advertisers of ads that are placed between articles and in the opening pages of
the magazines are rich corporate firms like Hewlett Packard, Dell, and IBM. Ads of small
companies like TigerDirect Sys., which have smaller revenues, are crammed with other
advertisers towards the end of the magazine. Most of the articles in the magazines range
from a quarter of a page to a page maximum. However, each issue focuses on three to four
main topics. For example, the Y2K (Year 2000) problem can be analyzed in four to five
pages. These articles are nicknamed Topics of the Month.
One such topic of the month is the performance analysis of the Celeron chip against the
PII-450 chip. The author of Double Feature, Lincoln Spector of PC World, argues that
although the PII-450 is a fast chip, it is overpriced. He supports the new Celeron-333
chip, which provides quality performance at an economical price (55). To convince the
audience of his viewpoint, Spector makes effective use of organization, tone, his role as
a writer, and language in writing his article. Using several ways to present his
evidence, Spector maintains the reader's interest and skillfully persuades him or her to
believe the article.
The author presents his evidence by using different methods that appeal to the logical
senses of the reader. The first strategy used is comparing and contrasting the two chips.
Comparing and contrasting not only provides background information on the chips, but it
also helps focus the reader's attention on the author's thesis. Spector reports,
[Celeron]…run[s] like a [PII]-333 but shows up in systems starting at just $999
(55). He further mentions the Celeron is a price/performance winner, thanks to its
built-in secondary cache, a crucial feature that the original Celeron lacked (55). To
contrast the PII and the Celeron, Spector says, PII-333's cache…operates at half
the processor's speed. In contrast, the Celeron's cache…functions at full
[processor speed] (57). Because of the logic of the argument that the Celeron runs as
fast as a PII and is relatively cheaper, the reader is convinced in Spector's argument
that Celeron chips are a better deal.
To strengthen his argument further, Spector makes use of rebuttals to claims that support
the PII-450. By using rebuttals as evidence to tarnish the reputation of the PII chip,
Spector is successful in reinforcing his point in the reader's mind. Although he
acknowledges that the PII-450 performed 8% faster than…[the] PII-400, he describes
the boost as unnoticeable and insignificant (56) for the $140 to $300 [the reader will
spend] for a PC that's not much faster on business apps (55). When it comes to games,
Spector appears impressed by the PII-450 for it outstripped [the] fastest PII-400…
(56). However, he dismisses this event because the results were due in large part to the
impressive Millennium G2000 graphics card that [the PII-450] machines use[d] (56). The
use of rebuttals allows Spector to brush off the superiority of the PII. Spector provides
the final blow with statistics and data.
Abundant statistics and charts are present in the article to help Spector support his
thesis. The statistics include percentage values like 8 percent faster and 3 percent
variation (56), computer prices such as $2675 Compaq Deskpro [and] $999 Avanta E333 (57),
and other numbers like 99 frames per second [and] score of 176 (56). In addition to
statistics, Spector uses precise, graphical, and well-organized charts that show actual
lab results to indicate the performance of the Celeron against the PII. Legends and other
information necessary to understand the charts are provided. At a single glance, the
reader sees that the Celeron performed as well as a PII-333 with scores of 171 and 172,
respectively. However, the PII-450 received an insurmountable score of 198 (56). Upon
assessing the scores, the reader might question Spector's credibility for there is a huge
difference. However, an anticipating Spector, uses another chart entitled, What Your
Dollar Delivers to show that the Celeron-333 start at low prices of just $999 while the
PII-450 begin at prices of $2700 (57). By using test results and statistics, Spector's
credibility skyrockets because he is successful in dispelling any doubts the reader might
have about the Celeron.
Although Spector succeeds in logically convincing the reader of his goal, he still needs
to develop his credibility. How does the reader know that the information he has provided
is valid? By mentioning pitfalls, Spector shows his concern for his reader. He develops a
relationship similar to parents advising their children on first-time experiences. He
addresses the opposing viewpoints. Although Spector favors the Celeron, he provides the
pros and cons of buying either chip. He warns the reader like everything before the
PII-350, the Celeron still chugs along a 66-MHz system bus (58). In addition, the reader
won't be able to add [upgrade] future Pentium chips [on a Celeron system]. If [he or she
doesn't] like this limitation, buy a PII-350 or better… (59). If the reader is
planning on buying a PII chip, Spector cautions him or her by saying, confirm with the
vendor [the PII] has no potential BIOS problems (59). Spector's reputation increases
immensely when he explains that problems were encountered during the testing of the
chips. He states, due to certain conflicts…we were unable to complete…test[s]
for the HP and Compaq machines (56). This helps assure the author's interest in the
reader and vice-versa. It also establishes Spector's credibility and makes him an expert
on the subject.
To help facilitate the reader's understanding of the author's argument, Spector logically
organizes his article. In doing so, he takes a step-by-step approach to the subject. This
holds the reader's attention and makes it easy for him or her to follow along without
getting distracted. He starts off by comparing and contrasting the two chips. Next, he
moves on to analyze the PII-450. To deter the attention of the reader from the PII,
Spector uses a catchy subtitle Big Bargain. Using a tantalizing introductory sentence, he
focuses the reader's attention on the Celeron: But maybe you don't need an expensive
computer at all. With Intel's new improved Celeron chip… (56). The core of his
argument rests in the following paragraphs where he advocates the Celeron. He concludes
his article by promoting the best Celeron system deals. Yet, he also shows how the
situation would be should the reader chose to buy a PII system.
Spector leaves it for the reader to decide which chip he or she should buy. Spector plays
the role of an investigative expert. Like a reporter, his tone is informative and mainly
neutral. Since he doesn't appeal to the reader's emotions, he doesn't use any pathos to
convince them. Without the use of pathos, Spector is able to distance himself from the
topic and does a good job maintaining neutrality. He isn't biased against a chip. Though
he favors the Celeron chip, based on the factors of price and performance, he is
unperturbed by the prospect of his reader buying a PII. He is even courageous to say
that, if you want every bit of performance currently available, a PII-450…may be
worth the expense (59). But he reiterates that the [Celeron] systems strike a smart
balance between low price and fast performance…A good PC value is much more
satisfying (59). Spector's neutrality gains him respect from the reader because it allows
the reader to contemplate the evidence presented by Spector and come to his or her own
conclusions. The language used by Spector in presenting his evidence makes the task of
decision-making easier.
The language used by the author is relatively simple. There is some computer terminology
like secondary level cache, bus speed, and graphics port accelerator that the reader may
not understand (56). Moreover, there are many products like Microsoft DirectX or STB
Velocity 128zx that may be unknown (56). Based on the context clues provided, Spector
assumes that the reader will be able to understand their meanings. The sentences are
short and precise. They allow Spector to move quickly from point to point without getting
bogged down. Vocabulary is relatively simple with the toughest words being tempo and
outstripped (56). A high school student should have no problem in reading the article.
Words like Celeron and PII are repeated several times to help the author differentiate
between the two chips. Simple language enables Spector to write an effective article. An
article in PC Week also addresses the same topic.
Christopher Yates, the author of Intel Celeron Cache in With New Power, argues that both
the Celeron and the PII-450 produce excellent performance results. Like Spector, Yates
tries to make effective use of organization, tone, his role as a writer and language in
writing his article. However, some of these factors work against Yates preventing him
from writing an effective article. 
Yates makes a similar argument to Spector's, but fails to provide an in-depth analysis of
the two chips or give advice as to which chip the reader should buy. However, Yates
praises both of the chips immensely saying that the largest performance improvement comes
from Intel's revved-up Celeron…[and] Intel has also turned up the heat on its
[PII], now available at 450 MHz (35). Unlike Spector, who uses various strategies to
present evidence for his argument, Yates is not very creative.
Like Spector, Yates uses logos as his primary means to convince the reader of his
argument. However, Yates's only form of evidence comes from the few statistics and a
single chart that support his claim. The chart presents lab results of tests conducted on
the chips. Additional information necessary to understand the visual aid is available. As
with Spector's article, the use of statistics helps Yates gain some credibility from his
reader. He says, the L2-equipped Celeron was…33 percent faster than the non
L2-equipped Celeron (35) while the PII-450 performed as high as 20% over the [PII-400]
(35). In addition to using percentages, Yates also uses computer prices like $1,349 for
the 3000 GL [Celeron equipped] and $2,400 for the Deskpro EN [PII-450 equipped] to show
that the Celeron is cheaper than a PII. Backing up his argument with the use of
statistics helps Yates to gain some credibility for a moment.
As the article proceeds, Yates begins to lose his credibility. After a couple of
paragraphs, he gets sidetracked. Yates dedicates two whole paragraphs differentiating
between the two kinds of Celeron. He says, all non-cache versions of Celeron
are…[while the] Celeron processor with 128KB L2 cache will all be… (35).
Although one might see this as background information necessary to get acquainted to the
subject, many readers (like I) will get annoyed because it doesn't pertain to Yates's
argument. It shows that Yates has little knowledge on the subject. Yates gets back on
track but deviates again in his conclusion. This time Yates talks about the expansion
(upgrade) capabilities of the computers that he mentions in his article. He says,
expansion in all three devices is more than adequate with at least two PCI slots and two
ISA slots… (41). His conclusion coupled with unwise organization leaves the reader
without a clue of the author's main point.
Yates organizes his article into parts to help divide the contents of his subject. Like
Spector, he tries to use a step-by-step approach so that he can move efficiently.
Although organization plays an effective role in helping focus the reader's attention on
a particular subtopic like distinguishing between the two kinds of Celeron, it doesn't
provide the overall coherence. Yates first introduces the Celeron and the PII. In the
next section, he contrasts the two types of Celerons, which is irrelevant and in doing
so, initiates the first point of alienation. He then proceeds to analyze three models of
computers equipped with the Celeron and the PII chips. In the end, he talks about the
expansion capabilities of the computers. Yates, unlike Spector, ends up talking about too
many things at the same time without being able to interconnect them. But although his
article has many faults, Yates is successful in maintaining a neutral tone.
Yates's article is informative. The role played by Yates is that of a news reporter. His
article begins with a typical, dull, straightforward statement one would find in a
newspaper: Two new processors form Intel Corp. boost performance on PCs from IBM and
Compaq Computer Corp. to new heights (35). The article provides a lot of
sometimes-irrelevant information and doesn't portray any feelings. Thus, Yates, like
Spector, doesn't use pathos in his article. He doesn't develop a close relationship with
the reader because he doesn't provide any advice on the chips. A feeling of separation
occurs in the reader's mind because he or she feels that Yates is just throwing out facts
without showing any concern for his audience. This has a dramatic impact because the
reader is always alienated from the subject and never gains full interest. This is also
due to the complex language Yates uses.
Yates assumes that the reader is familiar with basic computer terminology like
L2-equipped, expansion, and non-cache chip (40). Unlike Spector, he takes time to define
some of these words. Unfortunately, the strategy works against him because Yates wastes
too much time on explaining, which distracts the reader. Like Spector, Yates also uses
short sentences to keep the article flowing at a fast pace. However, the vocabulary level
is much more complex. Many words like miniscule, disparity, and nomenclature which may
not be part of the reader's vocabulary are present (35). Yates provides plenty of context
clues for experienced readers to decipher the meaning of the word. For example, by
looking at the miniscule savings just aren't worth the performance hit, the reader should
be able to figure out the meaning of miniscule. Yates also uses many abbreviations like
Corp., PCI, and ISA to save paper space. He assumes that the reader is familiar with
them. Finally, he repeats the words Celeron and PII throughout the article to help
differentiate between the chip that is being discussed. Overall, Yates doesn't do a good
job in presenting his argument.
Between the two articles, Lincoln Spector's Double Feature was more effective. The use of
various sources of evidence, a neutral tone, logical organization, and simple language
helps the reader easily understand Spector's topic. Although Yates's article shares some
of these characteristics, Spector does a better job than Yates in analyzing and giving
advice on the two chips. After reading the articles, I am convinced of Spector's
credibility. Upon seeing the way Yates writes, I think that he has little knowledgeable
on the subject. Thus, inexperienced computer buyers interested in gaining insight on the
Celeron and the PII should read Double Feature. Reading this article will help prepare
them better to face the challenge of buying the right computer.
Works Cited
Spector, Lincoln. Double Feature. PC World October 1998: 54-59.
SRDS: Business Publication Advertising Source, Part 1 Vol 80. 
Willamette, IL: Standard Rate & Data Service, 1998.
PC World Online. Homepage. 15 October 1998
*http://marketing.pcworld.com/research/s98pcwdemospage.html*
Yates, Christopher. Intel Celeron Cache in With New Power. 
PC Week 15 (August 24, 1998): 35+
Bibliography
Spector, Lincoln. Double Feature. PC World October 1998: 54-59.
SRDS: Business Publication Advertising Source, Part 1 Vol 80. 
Willamette, IL: Standard Rate & Data Service, 1998.
PC World Online. Homepage. 15 October 1998
Yates, Christopher. Intel Celeron Cache in With New Power. 
PC Week 15 (August 24, 1998): 35+