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From: jack@boring.uucp (Jack Jansen)
Newsgroups: net.arch
Subject: Re: Mips / MHz
Message-ID: <6911@boring.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 16-May-86 09:26:23 EDT
Article-I.D.: boring.6911
Posted: Fri May 16 09:26:23 1986
Date-Received: Sun, 18-May-86 14:56:41 EDT
References: <1363@unc.unc.UUCP> <467@cit-vax.Caltech.Edu> <384@astroatc.UUCP> <1774@gitpyr.UUCP>
Reply-To: jack@mcvax.UUCP (Jack Jansen)
Distribution: net
Organization: AMOEBA project, CWI, Amsterdam
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The horsepower analogy shows exactly what is wrong with the approach
of trying to compare machines: It doesn't give you *any* information,
except for the fact that the engine, when taken out and attached to a
winch, will be able to lift so many pounds so high in so many minutes.

Frankly, when I buy a boat, I couldn't care less.

When I want to buy a boat, there are zillions of factors that are
of importance: how fast does it go, how much cargo can I put in it,
can it make sharp turns, how far will it go without refuelling, etc.

The horsepower of the engine influences a lot of these things, but
is useless as a measure of them.

In my opinion, the same holds for Mips or Mips/Mhz or whatever measure
you try to invent for comparing computers. Computers are just too versatile
to be catched in a single performance-figure.
-- 
	Jack Jansen, jack@mcvax.UUCP
	The shell is my oyster.