Path: utzoo!utgpu!watserv1!watmath!att!att!linac!pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!apple!agate!ucbvax!LSUVM.BITNET!$CSD211 From: $CSD211@LSUVM.BITNET (Mark Orr) Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2 Subject: Re: Some observations Message-ID: <9011011742.AA18934@apple.com> Date: 1 Nov 90 17:25:35 GMT References: Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU Organization: The Internet Lines: 34 >Since 640x400 is approximately the resolution of NTSC (broadcast TV), it is >an important resolution to strive for in home computers. Relatively few >people yet demand 1280x1024x24 resolution such as is found on top-end >interactive graphic workstations. (We have those here, and the improved >resolution really is nice.) Why stop there? VGA cards with resolutions of (640x480, 800x600, and 1024x768) are available for less than $300 for most PC clones. In many cases VGA cards can be had for $150 or less. I might remind you that higher resolution cards have been available for the Apple II before (but are no longer available). Demco Electronics made a 640x350 board (roughly equivalent to EGA resolution) for desktop publishing applications a few years ago. A while back Number Nine made the famous Number Nine Graphics board which (depending on options) could give the Apple II 512x512x16 colors, 768x768x4 colors, or 1024x1024 monochrome. The card had its own video processor (NEC 7220) and its own memory (not VRAMs) . Multiple cards could be linked together for increased resolution, colors speed, etc. That card was produced from 1982-1984. Some software was produced for that board...some applesoft and machine language primitives, a paint program, a special version of CADApple. That company has moved on to produce professional graphics boards for the PC (ie. expensive ones using the TMS34010/34020) I find it fascinating how II users drool over the GS's capabilities but few of them know that speed and graphics far superior to what we have today was available in the past (back when the Apple II was the world's most popular personal computer). Don't get me started on coprocessor boards... ---------------------------- Mark Orr ! $CSD211@LSUVM.SNCC.LSU.EDU ! ----------------------------