Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!van-bc!rsoft!mindlink!a218
From: a218@mindlink.UUCP (Charlie Gibbs)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga
Subject: Re: A rough future for the Amiga??? I think not.
Message-ID: <1451@mindlink.UUCP>
Date: 8 Apr 90 20:38:44 GMT
Organization: MIND LINK! - British Columbia, Canada
Lines: 36

In article <1990Apr8.013940.12984@wam.umd.edu> ddev@wam.umd.edu
(Don DeVoe) writes:

>You say that the Apple ad for the IIfx claims to be the first computer to
>use coprocessors to help relieve the main processor. No. The actual quote is
>as follows: "...It is also the first personal computer to have two
>additional processors - with the power of two additional personal computers -
>to manage the flow of information inside." Now consider: Do the Amiga's
>blitter, copper, etc. themselves have the power of additional personal
>computers???  Nope, they don't.

     Agreed, the ad doesn't claim that the IIfx is the first computer
to use coprocessors.  But you have to read the copy very carefully to
realize this.  The phrase "with the power of two additional personal
computers" was set within dashes; Strunk and White would no doubt call
it a "non-restrictive clause," i.e. one which merely provides additional
information rather than distinguishing the item under discussion from
other similar items.

     Although any lawyer would have no trouble defending the ad copy,
it's definitely slanted.  Look at how many people have misinterpreted
it.  This doesn't prove an intention to deceive, but it wouldn't be
the first time that an advertisement hasn't been completely honest.
In any event, I'm sure Apple isn't complaining about the result.

     (I'll stay completely away from the issue of whether the Amiga's
coprocessors have the power of personal computers - they might be as
fast as the 8080 in my first personal computer, but they're definitely
not as flexible.  Whether that's important in a coprocessor is a
different question entirely; channel programs on IBM mainframes
aren't all that exciting either.)

     Peace, love, and all that hippie stuff...

Charlie_Gibbs@mindlink.UUCP
For every vision there is an equal and opposite revision.