As we get to the end of 2008 the predictions for what will happen next year start coming out. In the PC space it looks generally like it will be a continuation of the same process we have seen recently. Die sizes for chips will get smaller, hard drives will get larger capacities, and video cards will continue to increase in speed.

Tech Radar have put together a good summary on the main movements we will likely see in the PC space. Outside of some niche markets though, there is little need for us to have faster computers. The thrust of the technology change for the general and corporate user is going to continue towards smaller and lower power.

Intel have a new 32nm chips coming out next year with 22nm and 16nm to follow by 2012 and 2015ish. Given that they are not already touting the power and speed benefits of the new sizes yet, the incremental change in power per watt is probably less than has previously been seen. A number of new materials have gone into this technology which might be the cause of this, otherwise it could mean that speed and heat advantages from miniturisation could be disappearing.

If this is the case then processor advancement may stall for some time until a radically new technology comes to light.

In the past couple of years the PC has taken a backseat to gadgets in generating interest and entusiasm. It does not look like this will change in 2009.

Some more detail on the 32nm chips.