Xref: utzoo comp.sys.mac.hardware:11315 comp.sys.mac.system:5757
Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!think.com!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!wuarchive!rex!uflorida!reef.cis.ufl.edu!dth
From: dth@reef.cis.ufl.edu (David Hightower)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware,comp.sys.mac.system
Subject: Re: A Classic Dead End?
Keywords: Classic,System 7.0
Message-ID: <28625@uflorida.cis.ufl.EDU>
Date: 20 May 91 18:09:40 GMT
References: <1991May17.162934.29993@midway.uchicago.edu> <24530@oolong.la.locus.com> <53050@apple.Apple.COM>
Sender: news@uflorida.cis.ufl.EDU
Distribution: usa
Organization: UF CIS Dept.
Lines: 39

In article <53050@apple.Apple.COM> bc@Apple.COM (bill coderre) writes:

>Apple continues to provide the longest useful product lifespans of
>personal computer makers, and some of the most reasonable upgrade
>programs. This fact is inarguable.
>
>bill coderre

This is a ridiculous statement if ever I've heard one.

Granted, the 128, 512, 512e, and plus are still viable.  So are the
8088 and 8086 (for that matter, I'll bet the old altair and TRS-80
systems are still viable).  It all depends on what your definition of
"viable" is.

Further, the reason other personal computers may not seem to have as
long a lifespan is due to one reason:  COMPETITION.  The 8088 was the
machine to have, until Intel created the 286.  The 286 6MHz begat the
10MHz begat the 12MHZ, and all was good--until Harrison and others
created the 16MHZ and 20MHZ 286.  Then all was good until the 386 came
out, and a new speed war started.  Tune in tomorrow for the next
exciting episode.

The point here is that Apple has stagnated by stomping on all
competition.  If you compare the advances made on the IBM-side of the
house as compared to the Apple side, this is obvious.

As I said, the TRS-80 model 1 is probably still viable.  That doesn't
make it a market contender, nor does it make Bill's statement valid for
Tandy.  

Flame-retardant disclaimer:  I LIKE Macs!  Really!  I own a IIci!  I
still think the Mac is the best machine available!  Really!  Ask my
friends--they'll tell you!

_________________________________________________________________________
Dave Hightower		|    opinion? I'm allowed to have an opinion?
dth@cis.ufl.edu		| well, if I DID have one, it'd be mine, all mine!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------