Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!mnetor!seismo!columbia!rutgers!mit-eddie!genrad!decvax!ucbvax!cbatt!cwruecmp!pjd From: pjd@cwruecmp.UUCP (dr. funk) Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st Subject: Something old, something new. Message-ID: <1820@cwruecmp.UUCP> Date: Wed, 14-Jan-87 10:36:41 EST Article-I.D.: cwruecmp.1820 Posted: Wed Jan 14 10:36:41 1987 Date-Received: Thu, 15-Jan-87 01:12:18 EST Reply-To: pjd@cwruecmp.UUCP (dr. funk) Organization: CWRU Dept. of Computer Engineering, Cleveland OH Lines: 29 [I'm so anxious.] A few observations on getting stuck with old technology when the latest and greatest comes out. * I guess I'm used to it. I've had to refresh my musical instruments every few years, too. Might as well lay down (bend over?) and enjoy it. * The problem is not that a manufacturer brings out new machines -- it is the rate at which they are periodically introduced! As someone who tracks the base technology that goes into a machine and the computing market, I'm not surprised that the "refresh rate" in computing is high. It is simply a matter of competition and in some cases corporate survival. * What can a manufacturer do to keep friends (customers?) 1 Provide EARLY for upgrades. 2 Supply upgrades at a reasonable cost. 3 Encourage competent third party suppliers. * Points 1 and 2 above are not necessarily compatible with low cost. This is where Atari 520 and 1040 owners are hurting due to the "Power without the price" maxim. * If I can take my 520 up to 1Mb (reliably which means no piggy-backing and power flakies) and add a blitter, I won't be horribly bummed. This is sufficient for MY needs. Make your own judgements. -- paul drongowski decvax!cwruecmp!pjd case western reserve university pjd%Case@CSNet-relay