Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!uupsi!sunic!dkuug!diku!zuschlag
From: zuschlag@diku.dk (Jesper Zuschlag Madsen)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: PgC 7600 details
Keywords: PgC 7600 RISC
Message-ID: <1991Apr17.082534.25300@odin.diku.dk>
Date: 17 Apr 91 08:25:34 GMT
References: <12430@uhccux.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu>
Sender: news@odin.diku.dk (Netnews System)
Organization: Department of Computer Science, U of Copenhagen
Lines: 53

kiki@uhunix1.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu writes:


>For $20, this thing sounds potent, especially in combination with the Taos OS.
>The article alludes to the other ventures of Sir Clive Sinclair and I recall 
>that he was supposed to be developing a silicon "hard drive", so that it is 
>very possible that our conceptions of power and price may be radically altered.

>Though I don't question Sinclair's and Shelton's genius, I have some doubts 
>about Sir Clive's business acumen.  The Timex, Quantum QL, Cambridge Computer,
>and Psion are all pretty good machines, but they had some quirks and were not
>supported by further development.

I just have to correct you at this subject!

The Timex computers where special versions of the sinclair ZX 81 
and ZX Spectrum. Perhaps they didn't sell very well in USA, but were
some of the best selling micro(home) computers ever in europa (the spectrum 
and its succesor the Sam Coupe, are still selling quite well).
 
The sinclair QL (the name is NOT Quantum QL) where fare ahead from
all other compters in it's days. Ok it was not as great succes! but there 
is still about 100.000 users around the world.

Neither Clive Sinclair or Chris Shelton has anything to do with the Psion 
computers (organiser I and II, MC200/400/600). All very fine computers,
but overpriced. On the other hand is the Cambridge Computer Z88 one of the
best selling notebook computer ever, and is still going strong (rumors says
that we soon will see a new version, perhaps the Z91?).

>I think Atari might be in a better position to deliver and support a marketable
>product based on the PgC chips, because of their experience with the Inmos 
>transputer and Helios OS, which culminated in the ATW computer.

I totaly disagree! With a PgC7xxx in their hands, Atari would just make some
kind of ST compatible (with TOS and GEM- don't joke me!). If anyone are 
going to make something radical new, then it has to be men like Sinclair and 
Shelton. Personally I'm looking forward to see what they will come out with
(around fall/winter 1991 perhaps?)

>For the complete article, contact BYTE Back Issues, One Phoenix Mill Lane,
>Peterborough, NH  03458, (602) 924-9281.  In Europe, send requests to BYTE
>Back Issues, c/o Dynamic Graphics International, P.O. Box 25, 3950 AA Maarn,
>The Netherlands.


>Jack

- Jesper Zuschlag
(zuschlag@freja.diku.dk)

Department of Computer Science,
University of Copenhagen.