Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!bcm!dimacs.rutgers.edu!aramis.rutgers.edu!remus.rutgers.edu!declan From: declan@remus.rutgers.edu (Declan McCullagh/LZ) Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2 Subject: Re: My decision for the LC Message-ID: Date: 12 Feb 91 02:55:40 GMT References: <477@generic.UUCP> <361@alchemy.UUCP> <1991Feb11.010100.1@gacvx1.gac.edu> Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J. Lines: 49 In article <1991Feb11.010100.1@gacvx1.gac.edu>, youngdahl@gacvx1.gac.edu writes: > Just think cars, instead of computers. > > I guess this whole arguement sounds like we were arguing, one and all, over > whether or not it made sense for me to sell my classic automobile for a new > sportscar. I love my classic, but its not as fuel efficient, fast, or NEW > enough for my tastes. Its served me well. I've put quite a few miles on it, > and now its no longer in production, so I have to switch to another model. > Now, I could be upset that time has left my "classic" behind. But its run > well, and it certainly has run better than one from another company. In thre > years, I'll want a new car again. But my classic is starting to get too slow > for my needs, and the longer I wait, the longer I'll end up waiting... and > waiting... and waiting... Not a bad analogy, but there are a few points worth mentioning. First, you'll probably be able to get service on your "classic" car for quite a while. Do you think that computer dealers/repair centers will bother with Apple II computers five or ten years from now? Second, when you buy a computer from a company, you're buying into the future of that company, especially if the computer is a proprietary one like the IIgs or Macintosh (by this, I really mean that the default operating system is specific to that machine). If the company goes under or stops supporting your computer, then nobody else can release new motherboards or incremental operating system updates. In addition, if the computer is no longer supported, the third-party market slowly evanesces. With a car, all you need to ensure is that you'll be able to get parts for it in the future. The face of the computer industry is quite different now than it was seven years ago when Apple introduced the Macintosh; a new - incompatible - computer line would scarely be well received. Besides, it took five or more years from the introduction of the Macintosh for Apple to effectively discontinue the IIgs - if you bought a Mac now, you'd have a nice long grace period before your computer became obselete. But it would. Computers become obselete; cars become antique, with few exceptions. Don't get me wrong - I've had a IIgs since 1987, and an Apple IIe for quite a long time before that. I loved them both. Now, however, I use my NeXT exclusively. There's little reason for me to go from a young, robust computer system to an aged, outmoded one. Whose fault is it? Is it Apple's fault - a concious decision on their part? Or is it the gradually obseleting effects of new technology? -Declan