Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!ncar!asuvax!mcdphx!hrc!force!covertr From: covertr@force.UUCP (Richard E. Covert) Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st Subject: What does the TT Buy me?? Keywords: atari, unix Message-ID: <46bcb82f.14a1f@force.UUCP> Date: 9 Nov 89 18:11:40 GMT Organization: gte Lines: 97 Ok, lets try changing the approach to the TT subject. I own a complete Mega ST4 with TOS 1.4, Turbo16, the SLM804 laser printer, and a dual Seagte 65 meg (total = 130 megs) hard drive from ABCO Computers, both Atari monitors (color and monochrome). I have used STs since 1986. I state these facts to show that I am NOT an Atari Basher, rather that I am disappointed with Atari The Company. Also, I own Calamus and PageStream and Mark Williams C and a host of other EXCELLENT software for the ST. My point all along has been : # # ###### # # # # # ## ##### # # #### ###### #### # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ###### # # # # # # # ##### #### # # # # # ###### # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ## ## # # # # # ###### #### ###### #### ####### ####### ####### # # # ###### # # # # # # # # # ###### ##### # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ###### # # ###### # # ##### ##### # # # # # # ## ## ###### # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ###### # # # # # # ##### ### ### # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ###### #### # # # ###### # # And I mean the TT/Plastic as it is the most likely TT to make it to the USA. I get the following: 1) GDOS with ALL of its WARTS and faults 2) TOS 1.6, with only single tasking 3) An increase in speed 4) A higher rez color mode (640x480 in 16 colors) Except for the higher color rez I don't see anything in the TT that would make me want to dump my investment in my current ST hardware. What would make me buy an Atari computer: 1) A FAST CPU, at least a 25 Mhz 68030, with an option to go to 33 Mhz or even 50 Mhz as Motorola releases the faster cpus. 2) ability to change to a 68040 CPU without buying a whole new computer. That is why I can Atari computers disposable. In order to upgrade to a different CPU you have to "dispose" of your older computer. 3) A true multi-tasking, multi-windowing OS. I mean, heck the Amiga has had multi-tasking since the first A1000 was released. 4) An open buss so that 3rd party vendors can develop boards for the TT. 5) Better Developer support from Atari, with real discounts given to Developers for Atari hardware. 6) Real color graphics ala the Macintosh. 640x480 in 16 colors is a joke, and Atari should be ashamed for introducing a new machine with such limited grpahics?? The TT will be the Atari machine for the early 1990s and should be better then that!! 7) A replacement for GDOS. Something that uses outline fonts. The Mac system beats GDOS all the way to the North Pole!! GDOS is such a memory hog that even 4 megs in my ST is limiting!! Sure these items all add to the cost of a computer but they should at least be options. That way a Power User should spend the extra bucks a Home User wouldn't have to. By the time the 16 Mhz TT/Plastic makes it to the USA Motorola will be selling 50 Mhz 68030 cpus. All in all, everything about the TT says if it had been released in Jan 1989 instead of July 1990 it MIGHT have been an acceptable computer. But by the Summer of 1990, when we can reasonable expect to see the TT on USA shelves, it will already be outdated by the Amiga A3000, and the Mac IIcx, Mac IIci. What has happened to Atari Corp?? why can't they design and produce a new machine as nice as the ST was back in 1985?? The ST beat other computers hands down in 1985. I wish the TT could do the same in 1990!! Richard (Tired of Bashing the TT) Covert