Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!bpa!sjuvax!dcarpent
From: dcarpent@sjuvax.UUCP (D. Carpenter)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next
Subject: upgrade paths?
Message-ID: <2119@sjuvax.UUCP>
Date: 23 Jun 89 17:32:32 GMT
Reply-To: dcarpent@sjuvax.UUCP (D. Carpenter)
Distribution: usa
Organization: St. Joseph's University, Phila. PA.
Lines: 29

I am planning to buy a NeXT for my own use, and consequently
will be buying it out of my own pocket.  Such a large personal
investment in a computer makes me cautious.  I'm sold on the
NeXT--it's really the only machine I am considering, after
having looked at Suns, MacIIs, etc.  And after the Businessland
deal I am not too nervous about third-party support (although
I would feel better if there was a little more reliable info
on specific products under development).  My major concern at
present, and perhaps the only thing preventing me from writing
out a check, is the question of upgrades.  I am interested in a
color system, and there are also rumors circulating about a 
"NeXT II" that will have either a 68040 or a RISC CPU, as well
as a revised version of Mach to support multiple processors,
and a few other changes as well.  My question is whether NeXT
has committed itself to providing an upgrade path to those of
us who buy the monochrome, 68030 system.  Have there been any
OFFICIAL statements on this issue?  I would hate to buy a NeXT
only to find out that the only way I can get color and more
speed (which I really think the system as it now stands needs)
is to buy a whole new computer from scratch, down to a second
black magnesium case!  If that is the case, then it might be
better to wait for the color system (although the thought of
waiting another year or more to buy is depressing).  Has anyone
heard anything about NeXT's plans?  Could anyone at NeXT comment?
Or if there is as yet no official policy, does anyone know when
one might expect to have such a policy (something that one can
bank on)?

Thanks in advance