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From: ericmcg@pro-generic.cts.com (Eric Mcgillicuddy)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple
Subject: Re: Educomputing 2000
Message-ID: <9142.infoapple.net@pro-generic>
Date: 1 Jan 90 04:23:13 GMT
Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
Organization: The Internet
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In-Reply-To: message from erickson@mfgmem.dec.com

In general, all computers will be networked, inside the classroom, with other
classrooms and WANed to other schools (similiar to bitnet). There will be very
few Macs, except as servers. Boards with money will have IBM EDNET (PS/30 then
later PS/30 286), boards with less money will have Apple //'s (GS's) and
boards with no money will have whatever boards with money are finished with
(Apple II's (pluses and e's) and C64's). I have seen EDNET running PORT, it
works, but the interface is retarded, it is too easy to get lost and even
easier to hang the machine. Not just yours, but the server as well. I
understand IBM is going with a different interface in the future though. Mac's
are too expensive and not cost effective for most programs, particularly
technical ones where mechanical add-ons are used. This could change IF a low
cost Mac comes out with colour and slots.

Apple does not realize that it has its answer already installed. The GS
provides just about all the functionallity needed. A clean interface, good
graphics (although VGA wll be minimum by 2000), excellent sound (for true
voice and real music), easy LANability, installed base, and thousands of
education specific programs. it is also competant at business level functions
although a good database and spreadsheet (scripting languages needed) is
needed. A GS can easily take us to 2000 with creative application of software
ideas. I wouldn't say no to hardware speed ups though.