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From: burman@BRL-TBD.ARPA ("Norbert M. Burman", TBD-PMB-MRL)
Newsgroups: net.micro.atari16
Subject: What next for the ST?
Message-ID: <8603092319.AA12627@ucbvax.berkeley.edu>
Date: Fri, 7-Mar-86 14:16:44 EST
Article-I.D.: ucbvax.8603092319.AA12627
Posted: Fri Mar  7 14:16:44 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 12-Mar-86 01:53:08 EST
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Organization: The ARPA Internet
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	I read the March Byte article on the 1040ST and resulting info-atari16
questions on the future inclusion of a graphics processor with great interest.
From the comments made by Shiraz Shivji in the Byte interview and other Atari
personnel on info-atari16, I get the impression that we are in for a spate of
Atari machines based on the origonal 520ST architecture but incorporating ram
and peripheral improvements, built-in and add-on, ad nauseum.

 	The thing that worries me about this is that with all these models
stretching into the future how compatible will they all be? How will the
software houses write their programs if the target machines are constantly
changing. There are now two STs ( all within a few months ) on the market
with at least one (with more ram) and/or another (with graphics co-processor)
machine(s) in the wings ( that's what Atari have told us about anyway). I
believe in progress sure, but every time I go to order an ST there is
talk/rumour of a new model, ( Yes I have not purchased an ST yet! ).

	I am very keen to get my hands on an ST, I would love to get into some
real graphics work, but cannot see myself lashing out a hefty $1000 +/- $100
without knowing if I will be able to use the machine for at least a few months
before a new improved/updated model appears. Possibly others out there feel
the way I do, I gather from some of the info-atari16 mail that I am not
alone?? Maybe Atari would tell us how many models the ST family will have
by the end of '86? Orders of magnitude will do! 

	Until the whole business stabilizes, just a little, or Atari can
convince me it will slow down on the rate of new machine releases, I will hold
off and continue to use my old faithfull Z80 machine.

Norbert	Burman
Would-be ST User.