Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Path: utzoo!utstat!philip
From: philip@utstat.uucp (Philip McDunnough)
Subject: Re: MAC PEOPLE TAKE OVER
Message-ID: <1990Jun27.234930.14015@utstat.uucp>
Date: Wed, 27 Jun 90 23:49:30 GMT
References: <3306@crash.cts.com> <1990Jun27.041352.12067@utstat.uucp> <4985@mace.cc.purdue.edu>
Organization: Statistics, U. of Toronto

I have received many letters regarding my statement that Apple does support
the AppleII, that the 8 bit II's should be dropped, that one cannot base
a computer company on the 6502(20 years ago times were different) and that
the GS should form the basis of a product line aimed at the educational-
home market with better connectivity to the Mac. I'd like to respond to
some of the critics.

RE: Amiga

It has been said that the GS needs to be speeded up(MHz-wise) to a point
where one can compete with an Amiga.

I feel the markets are very different for the 2 computers. A 7MHz GS with
better graphics,stereo sound and a LOW PRICE is what is needed. I personally
do not want a dedicated game machine(there are many out there) but a general
computer with close ties to education, the Mac and graphics' oriented. Apple
appears to be headed that way, and will surely accelerate their efforts
given IBM's attempt to aim at the educational-home market.

RE: 8 bit AppleII's

I have nothing against them, but they are essentially text based. I feel the
future lies in graphics' based computers. The GS is, in my view, capable of
being a good graphics' based computer, but needs a little speedup. Many AppleII
computers(8 bit) are still in schools serving useful functions. They need to
be supported by Apple, and this has been done via software support. I think
it is not in the cards, nor desirable, to expand the 8 bit II's at the 
expense of the GS. The emphasis at this time should be on the GS- improving it
(while remaining cost effective) and tying it more closely to the Mac. The
GS/Mac combination is a wonderful way to head into the 90's. The fact that
Apple began with the 6502 is interesting but should not be something which
holds back people from moving on. We need scanners, printer drivers, ability
to deal with the various graphics' formats which are evolving, a tektronics'
emulator,etc...This argues for an improved GS with better graphics.

RE: NeXT

Those who insist that their next computer will be a UNIX workstation( to
replace their current personal computer) should price out workstation
software,peripherals,etc...If they did this I have every confidence that
they would think twice.


Philip McDunnough
Professor, University of Toronto
philip@utstat.toronto.edu
[my opinions]