Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!bellcore!decvax!ucbvax!agate!ig!uwmcsd1!bbn!husc6!mit-eddie!uw-beaver!cornell!batcomputer!itsgw!steinmetz!ge-dab!ge-rtp!edison!mfs
From: mfs@edison.GE.COM (Crispy @ Fried Brains and Snow Shoes)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga
Subject: New User Seeks the Straight Dope on the A500
Keywords: Disk drives, Memory Expansions, PD software and prices
Message-ID: <1326@edison.GE.COM>
Date: 9 Feb 88 22:15:00 GMT
Lines: 61

Yep, here it is again.... the same old questions from a new amiga
convert and crispy hacker!  Forgive me o' amiga.gods!


So, I posted here about 3 months ago with the age old question
of ST or AMIGA.  Needless to say, I was swamped with mail telling
me to BUY AMIGA!  Well, I finally saved my pennies and found a mail
order place that sells the A500 for $449.  Yee Ha!  So I picked up
that old fashioned analog communicator sitting on my desk and told
the guy at the other end to ship me one.  Now as I wait those eternal
hours until my Amy gets here, I have a few questions for all those
willing to listen (read?).  Anyhow, here dey is:

1) Monitors - I have decided to live with a monochrome monitor for
   a little while, but I eventually want to record stuff from my A500
   to my VCR (in color).  I seem to remember hearing about a device
   that will take the RGB output and convert it into composite video
   so I can go straight in the VCR.  What is this device, who makes it
   and how much does it cost ?  Also, I have heard of a GENLOCK thingie
   that has something to do with this process.  What is it for, do I need
   one to record simple animation sequences and how much does it cost ?

2) Memory vs Disk - Many folks said the A500 is a dog without another
   disk drive.  Just as many said it was a dog without at least 1Meg.
   Memory is cheaper (at least the 1/2 meg expansion ~$140) but not by
   much.  (disk drive is ~$195) So which should come first ? (no I can't
   afford both at one time)  Also, are there internal expansion RAMS with
   more than a 1/2 meg ?  How much do these go for ?

3) Public Domain Software - I have heard of Fred Fish, yes.  I know
   he is on the net.  How do I get some of this great software ?
   Can I order it thru (gag!) US mail ?  How much ?  Mail address ?
   List of what is available ?  Man from xanth offered to copy some
   for me (thanks Kent), but he is a 4 hrs away with a good tail wind.
   (maybe UPS, how about it Kent ?)

4) MIDI interface - Yep, I'm one of those nuts who wants to hook up
   some wierd sound boxes to my computer.  I saw plans in Electronic
   Musician for an A1000 interface, but the levels and pinouts on the
   A500 are different aren't they ?  Anybody know where plans (or
   cheap ready made version) for the A500 can be found ?

5) Wimpy power supply - Just what is the deal on the A500's power
   supply ?  How much stuff can I cram into or on top of my new toy
   before the supply can't take it ?  Are there other, beefier
   supplies around ?

6) Modems - Yes, I am a netnews addict.  There I said it.  At the
   risk of ruining my marriage and alienating my kid and the cats,
   what modems (1200 baud) and terminal software should I attempt
   to beg, borrow or steal so that I can feed my addiction at home ?

7) Just in case my grama suddenly kicks off and leaves me that big
   inheritance, how expanded can the A500 get ?  9meg ?  Hard disk ?
   extra floppy drives ?  68030 ? Kitchen Sink ?  All weather carpet ?


Thanks for the help and/or flames !

-- 
Mar Tan