Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!swrinde!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!decwrl!lll-winken!uop!luther From: luther@uop.edu (Pat Luther) Newsgroups: comp.sys.next Subject: Re: Looking in from the outside Message-ID: Date: 16 Apr 91 20:25:19 GMT References: <1991Apr12.145455.49@edwards-tems.af.mil> Organization: University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA [138.9.200.1] Lines: 41 elston@edwards-tems.af.mil (Mark Elston, NSI Inc., Edwards AFB CA) writes: >I am considering purchasing a NextStation in the next couple of months (when I >can get the $$ together and my wife won't chew me up and spit me out for it). >What is SoftPC? Is it an add in board? Software? How much does it slow down >the system? SoftPC is a software program from Insignia that emulates an IBM. Programs under it run at about the speed of a slow 386, or a fast 286. It doesn't slow down anything else, and is the only way I know of to do multitasking in DOS :-) >How easy is it to access the DSP chip? I do some math work that I could speed >up with access to some in-hardware fft routines..... Very easy. The system comes with a whole slew of routines specifically for that, and a debuger for 65001 assembly code. >I have seen ads for NextStep (I think) interfaces to Mathematica. Is it >difficult to devise something like this on your own? Probably not, with interface builder, but I believe the NeXT version of Mathematica comes with a decent interface. I haven't gotten my copy yet, though, so I can't tell you anything about it for sure..... >The trouble with glossies is that you often wonder just how much is hype. :-) Most of it. Such is the nature of advertising....The NeXTstation truly is an amazing machine for the price, compared to the competition, though , IMHO. >BTW, Thanks to all those who responded to my previous questions about the Next >(Perceptions about the Next). By and large response was very favorable and I >have been quite reassured that Next is a platform that could very well carry me >for a long time. >Thanks in advance. You're welcome. >Mark. >-- ??pat picard!pat@uop.edu <-- I get NeXTmail! Pat Luther: Lex's Evil Twin "We come in peace." "Shoot to kill."