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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