Whine, whine, whine...
Ok, ok, "always" was used to exagerate things, but it was used to illustrate the debate between ATI and Nvidia. With its more recent cards, the comparison would be versus Nvidia's raw speed and ATI's generally more robust options/features.
ATI: How is your video quality?
Nvidia: Have you seen my performance?
ATI: Where is your DVD software?
Nvidia: Have you seen my performance?
ATI: Where is your Truform technology?
Nvidia: Have you seen my performance?
ATI: Where are your output options?
Nvidia: Have you seen my performance?
ATI: How much do you cost again?
Nvidia: Have you seen my performance?
Yes, there is more to this (there always is), but it was a quick post covering a minor (for now) subject.

Nvidia is known for its great performance, although there are a number of people who
don't purchase Nvidia's cards because they are looking for more.
Rambling aside :D, the main point is that ATI has finally taken the performance crown and holds it by a significant margin. I am definitely a Nvidia fan boi :o, but it is going to be interesting to see what Nvidia does. The NV30 is said to be faster than the 9700, but I do question if it will be same performance difference as between my Ti4600 and the 9700. Likewise, with all the delays of the NV30, it would not take much for ATI to release a faster version of the card (10000/R350) around the time the NV30 is shipping in quantity. Finally, based upon the six-month(ish) development cycles they aim for, ATI is all that much closer to having its next card/chip/line complete.
I am not sure about your area, but the 9700s have been out for awhile around here (Santa Clara, CA) and have been available even longer online.
Still thinking ATI is evil, still jealous of the 9700 :),
Ray
Edit: Typo!
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Just say no to
anonymous posting registered trolls!
This comment was edited on Sep 26, 21:03.
Everything is awesome!!!
http://www.kindafunny.com/I love you, mom.