Final answer:
Personal computers have significantly influenced U.S. economic development by facilitating the transition to an information economy, changing production methods, and accelerating technological advancement, leading to the emergence of a 'new economy.'
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the provided quotes, we can conclude that personal computers have had a transformative impact on economic development in the U.S. The rapid adoption of computer technology has facilitated the shift to an information economy, reducing the need for manual labor in factories and enabling the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs. This technological revolution has also given rise to industries that operate entirely online, shifting the production methods within industries from physical goods to digital services, such as streaming music and films. The growth of advanced technologies and a surge in issued patents indicate a strong innovation ecosystem supporting the economy. Indeed, the positive feedback loop created by using computers to develop more advanced computers has significantly accelerated the pace of technological advancement. While there is debate among economists regarding the long-term productivity trends, the evidence supports the emergence of a 'new economy' based on these technological changes.