> My experience is that Delphi is slightly faster than VC++ (but comparable to Borland C++, which uses the same compiler anyway),

I thought VC++ uses an MS compiler and that an Intel compiler was also available.

> despite VC++ using the Intel compiler. Both are much faster than GCC.

> Delphi is easier than C++ to learn and use.

> Java can be fast enough, for example, use StringBuffer instead of String is usually a good idea if you are manipulating the strings alot.