As we welcome 2001, the pundits are already saying this could be the worst year ever for the high tech industry.

Dot.com companies and even previously solid blue chip multinationals are falling by the wayside and yet, miraculously, new software and hardware products still appear with amazing regularity.

The New Year is the time for predictions although it does not take a crystal ball to work out what will happen in some quarters. Dot.coms will continue to fail until investors remember to check that their money is invested into a company with a solid revenue stream and a sound business plan. Just because a business is on the internet is no guarantee of success in 2001.

Digital imaging will be a very hot topic. New technology and new ways of delivering the finished goods will be with us in the very near future.

We will see more convergence between the technologies used to produce paper and web-based graphics. We can expect low-cost photographic printing by the end of the year while the price of digital cameras will continue to fall dramatically.

It is unlikely that the quality of our photographs will improve much, despite all the technology. Sadly, there is no substitute for talent.

Not much change on the printer front. The older, slower models will still be bundled up and sold off as part of a good deal on a new computer. The cost of printer consumables could even increase as manufacturers realise how much we have come to depend on desktop publishing and because people seem to have a peculiar and pointless obsession with printing emails.

2001 could be a great year for software vendors as even more people demand their products. The installed base of computers in the UK is nearing the point where there are more people who have access to a computer than people who do not. This year could be the one that tips the balance. The UK could become wired despite itself.

Computers are already seen as one of a family's major purchases, alongside the family home, car, fridge, cooker and Dyson. Prices appear to be falling although this is highly debatable. Certainly the silicon chip manufacturers have eased up a little and the upgrade path has become less steep.

This could all change in 2001 as Intel take on AMD in the Chip Wars. Look out for higher chip speeds and rising prices in the spring, but remember you do not have to jump on the bandwagon if your current machine already does every-thing you want it to do.

The one certain thing is that evolution will continue to provide a good local technology read every Tuesday. The editorial team is looking forward to testing hundreds of new technology products so that you can be sure to get the best advice.

We rely on you, the evolution reader, to let us know if anyone is doing anything interesting or exciting with technology in your area.

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