Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Path: utzoo!utstat!philip
From: philip@utstat.uucp (Philip McDunnough)
Subject: Re: World GeoGraph
Message-ID: <1990Jul22.232121.25333@utstat.uucp>
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 90 23:21:21 GMT
References: <3284.apple.net2@pro-grouch>
Organization: Statistics, U. of Toronto

In article <3284.apple.net2@pro-grouch> rond@pro-grouch.cts.com (Ron Dippold) writes:
>In-Reply-To: message from philip@utstat.uucp
>
>> I can understand you concerns, and I am sure that Apple will make every 
>> attempt to keep the installed base of GS users. Moreover, it is 
> 
>Hahahaha!  Right....  You think they're about due for an about face?
 
Well, I assume Apple will act in its best tradition. What differentiates
Apple from most other micro computer companies is that they are not
afraid of approaching problems in their own way. Otherwise, we would
simply be dealing with a micro world dominated totally by the Intel
structure.
 
I wish I had the figures on the installed GS base(in and out of schools).
One question is whether an "improved" GS would only appeal to the 
installed base. Would people buy it? I am a bit out of touch with the
market in the US, but is the GS actually selling?
 
With CD-ROM, and the new drivers for the GS, I see a wonderful opportunity
for a whole new type of software. Yesterday, I bought a "book" on CD-ROM
made by a company called Decis. It's for the Mac but is in colour. The
book is Cinderella. But the interactive capabilities make it a whole new
experience. There are other titles(The PaperBack Princess by Robert
Munsch- a canadian writer of children's books- is one of note) aimed at
children of various ages. They are not using HyperCard for the interface,
but a GS version of HyperCard could. This is the future. The GS needs to
be able to take advantage of this sort of thing. 
 
There is much to be said for keeping the Mac mainly(but not exclusively)
for business, and the GS mainly(but not exclusively) for education/home.
Many people want a family computer, if it is related to their work or
their childrens' education. The GS fits one of these requirements, but
it is way overpriced and needs some improvements. Apple should be a bit
concerned by IBM's PS/1(which is probably just an initial attempt before
that product is given a 386sx, CD-ROM,etc...). A GS priced at $400, and
sold through mass outlets would be one way to counter the PS/1. The Finder
needs to be found in homes. Whether it is the GS or the Mac is Apple's
decision. It is hard to imagine a colour Mac for $400.
 

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