Well, there is 2 points here. Are you talking about server applications (Dell) or consumer machines (ie- what you buy at CompUSA) If you are speaking about ser

Well, there is 2 points here. Are you talking about server applications (Dell) or consumer machines (ie- what you buy at CompUSA) If you are speaking about server applications: ARM doesnt really have a shot here. The sheer computing power differences are too much to have users downgrade to ARM. Yes, you can save XXX on your power bill but most people rent servers, not colo. Additionally, you will likely need 3-4x machines to equal the power of the x86 machine you are replacing, negating any power benefit. Regarding consumer machines: No, power usage does not matter. Except in the rare cases ("think green" crazies), Nobody checks the power usage of a computer they are buying at best buy. They check processor speed, memory and harddrive space. (and price) Regarding price: Consumer machines are heavily subsidized by pre installed software, volume discounts to both distributor and manufacturer (ie- HP and best buy ) and other factors. The cost for desktop machines, is already very near what ARM could be (if you need performance- We are no talking about 100$ netbooks here). People pay a premium for quality and speed. Thats the reason MBP's cost 25-33% more than a comparable dell/lenovo. In regards to mobile: Battery life is important, but I think most people forget to check this statistic before buying a phone. Regardless, as intel gets more and more into this area they should be able to match/beat the offerings of ARM. Let not forget that ARM isnt all that amazing though. Just look at the power usage on a EVO for instance. ( http://techcrunch.com/2010/06/09/dont-buy-the-android-evo-it-is-a-seriously-flawed-device/ http://techcrunch.com/2010/06/09/dont-buy-the-android-evo-it...) Anyways: All my comments above hold, even considering that intels power performance isnt near what it needs to be yet. As it gets better and they enter mobile it will be taken more seriously.