I think a lot of people mistake processor speed for "what makes a computer fast". Sure, it helps to have a fast processor. In a lot of cases, it can help to have multiple fast processors! Particularly if you're running a lot of separate applications that need a decent amount of CPU time each. But I've discovered, particularly in academia, but I've also seen it in business, that people will spend lots of extra $$ on faster processors and then skimp entirely on the RAM.
Yesterday I saw a 8-core Mac Pro system with 2GB of RAM. Seriously! I realize this was a default option for buying a Mac Pro a while back, but if you're going to spend the money to get the Mac Pro, at least get it with 4GB of RAM. Today you can buy 4GB of RAM at datamem for the Mac Pro for just over $100!
Now this is pretty interesting, but not quite as bad as DELL pushing super upgraded desktop and laptop computers with 6-8GB of RAM and a 32-bit version of Windows. That's like having a corvette engine hooked up to a 2 speed transmission!
