Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 Fluke 1/4/84; site fluke.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!floyd!harpo!decvax!ucbvax!ucbcad!tektronix!uw-beaver!ssc-vax!fluke!jeff From: jeff@fluke.UUCP (Jeff Stearns) Newsgroups: net.micro Subject: Do you like your Wang? Message-ID: <1475@vax4.fluke.UUCP> Date: Mon, 19-Mar-84 21:06:52 EST Article-I.D.: vax4.1475 Posted: Mon Mar 19 21:06:52 1984 Date-Received: Thu, 22-Mar-84 00:45:58 EST Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Everett, WA Lines: 51 Can we talk? Do you have a Wang? We don't. We might buy one. Is that a Good Idea? I'm assisting a friend who's about to purchase a small computer to help automate his office. He needs to do the usual things: - spreadsheets - word processing - business graphics - income tax client write-up - ELECTRONIC MAIL AND UUCP - get useful work done without becoming a computerhead We have looked at many computers. Even worse, we have talked with many computer salesmen. (I will say no more about *that*.) In the end, it seems to boil down to three alternatives: - IBM PC or pc-clone - Wang professional computer - Some mondo bizarro one-of-a-kind UNIX machine We can find absolutely nothing unique about the IBM PC, and much to advise against it. (Remember, we are not going to buy joysticks or A/D plug-in cards for it. We are not going to play hunt-the-wumpus on it. We are going to use it for work.) IBM doesn't provide for electronic mail, but it can probably be accomplished with the help of Lauren Weinstein's uucp. The Wang Professional actually looks fairly good. Wang doesn't nickel-and-dime you for absolutely every single byte of software. Wang actually *gives* you some. And what software you do buy is upgraded free forever. (!) The software is better integrated than the IBM stuff (which even resorts to file TYPES to thwart compatability.) On the negative side, there's less software available for it. And uucp is an unknown. Wang says they can run UNIX, but the folks we've talked to can't even spell it. We're totally unsure about Door Number Three - the UNIX boxes. We haven't found decent office automation software for 'em, so we sadly close the door. So, here goes: 1 - Do you now or have you ever owned a Wang Professional Computer? 2 - If not, why not? 3 - If so, would you consider communicating with me? I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to hear your reactions. 4 - Is there a decent UNIX machine WITH APPROPRIATE SOFTWARE for the office environment available now? Big reward if you find one! Use your best thinking to decide whether to respond by mail or usenet. And as they say, "Thanks in Advance" (unless it's some silly flame, in which case they say "No thanks in advance"). Jeff Stearns (206) 356-5064 {uw-beaver,decvax!microsof,ucbvax!lbl-csam,allegra,ssc-vax}!fluke!jeff