Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!psuvax1!hsdndev!think.com!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!unix.cis.pitt.edu!tesst4
From: tesst4@unix.cis.pitt.edu (Tobish E Smith)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next
Subject: Should I get a NeXT?
Summary: I'm so confused
Keywords: mac, next
Message-ID: <87442@unix.cis.pitt.edu>
Date: 5 Feb 91 01:21:06 GMT
Reply-To: tesst4@unix.cis.pitt.edu (Tobish E Smith)
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of Pittsburgh, CIS
Lines: 37

This probably isn't the most unbiased place in the world to ask this
question, but I have to start somewhere.  I currently have a Mac II
and have been sorely tempted to sell it in favor of a NeXTstation Color.

As I see it, here are the pros and cons:

Pros:
  Mind-numbingly fast (compared to my Mac)
  Much better screen resolution and color depth
  Full unix system
  Wondrous development system (altho Mac ain't bad either)
  "Interpersonal" aspects, ie. the connectivity plug

Cons:
  Giving up my large software base.
  Possible lack of support
  "Interpersonal" aspects: I'll be using it from home, so will I even
    be able to use the wonderful mail and what-not via modem?
  Full unix system: my current workstation (at school) is a Silicon 
    Graphics Iris, and it's friendly (somwhat) but still a pain.  Is the
    NeXTStep front-end to unix more substantial than what exists for the
    Iris?

As for bang for the buck, it's hard to beat these new NeXTs.  I'd really
have to have some of my "cons" fears assuaged, though, before taking the
plunge. 

Addendum to the first Con:  Giving up my large software base.  Even
if the NeXt software arena blooms beautifully, will the prices be
exorbinantly high for a home user such as myself, since the NeXT has been
targetted towards "grant-rich" academia?

I'm anxious to hear any and all comments, including any hearty cries of
"Don't sell your Mac!!"  Please, though, no "Ditch the Macintoy, dude.  
It sux.  NeXT rox" kind of remarks.

Tob