From: utzoo!decvax!cca!NEVES@Mit-Mc@sri-unix
Newsgroups: net.micro
Title: price cuts
Article-I.D.: sri-unix.2508
Posted: Fri Aug  6 14:43:17 1982
Received: Sun Aug  8 09:09:04 1982

From: David M Neves 
There is news of at least a couple of computer manufacturers slashing
their prices.  There was a story in several financial papers a few days
ago about how TI is going to reduce the price of the 44/a by $100 (to
$199 retail) starting in Sept.  In some info-atari mail it was rumored
that the Atari 400 will be reduced to $150 in a couple of weeks.

I have a gripe about all these soon-to-be-under-$200 machines.  I am
worried that more emphasis will be played on the video game playing
capabilities rather than computational capabilities.  This lack of
emphasis will result in lack of software, lack of cheap floppies, and
horrible keyboards.  

Look at the Atari 400 for example.  Fantastic graphics.
However, it clearly is oriented to games.  If one wanted to write
programs one has to buy a BASIC cartridge, cassette recorder, and has to
suffer with the flat keyboard that wasn't really meant for typing.

What should the real home computer have?  This is my list.  You may
disagree.

1.  Regular keyboard layout with keys that go up and down.  The VIC is
the only one that has this (I don't know anything about the Trash-80
color computer).

2.  Color (all the cheap computers have this)

3.  Built in language (i.e. BASIC).  Atari doesn't have this but it can
be purchased.

4 .  Floppies.  I consider cassette tape to be inadequate for program
storage.  It is too slow and error prone.  The problem is that floppy
storage is still too expensive for the micros.  You're talking 500-600
bucks for that first floppy.

5.  Communication capabilities (ie. RS232 interface for a coupler).  I think
the Trash-80 system has it built in,  the VIC has a cheap addition one
can buy, TI 44/a has expensive addition as does the Atari 400.  There is
a cheap direct connect modem for $100 (Signalman -- it is battery
powered).

6.  Total system cost should be in the range of a stereo, i.e. under $600.