From: rjung@aludra.usc.edu (Robert A. Jung)
Newsgroups: rec.games.video,alt.games.lynx
Subject: Re: Handheld Power
Date: 13 Aug 1992 21:36:58 -0700
Organization: Southern California Lynx Enthusiasts
NNTP-Posting-Host: aludra.usc.edu

In article <1992Aug12.141141.24340@news.stolaf.edu> Stuart Edeal <edeals@stolaf.edu> writes:
>The first machine was the LYNXS.  It was $129, and a very nice toy. 
>Color graphics, good sound, nice controls.  I was impressed. ...
>After this, I saw the SEGA GAME GEAR.  I think I liked this one even
>better.   It was a really really clear graphic, and from what I saw, the
>Sonic Game that comes with it is much more fun than California Games. 
>The sound and color are also fairly good on this machine.
>
>I just do not know enough about either of these things to buy them.

  You're the third person in two months to ask this question, so excuse me if
I just be very general and gloss over the answers.

  Bottom line, the rec.games.video preference (based on messages posted and
discussions running) is the Atari Lynx. It offers better graphics and
multiplayer ability that the 'Gear, and in other respects is equal to the Sega
machine.

  Yes, SONIC is more fun than CALIFORNIA GAMES. On the other hand, the GG
package only comes with the machine, the game, and a wrist strap. The $129
Lynx package comes with the machine, the game, a carrying case, and six AA
Alkaline batteries as well. If you want to save money, you can pay $89 for the
Lynx alone, and buy other components in the future as desired.

  You want technical specs? Here's the stats for the hand-held systems from
the rec.games.video FAQ file:
________________________________________________________
|          |  GameBoy |   Lynx   | GameGear | TExpress |
|-------------------------------------------------------
|Bits (CPU)|        8 |        8 |        8 |    8 + 8 |
|Bits (Gx) |        8 |       16 |        8 |       16 |
|CPU       |     6502 |     6502 |      Z80 | 6502 6502|
|MHz (CPU) |      2.2 |      4.0 |      3.6 |      7.2 |
|MHz (Gx)  |          |     16.0 |          |          |
|ScreenSize|     2.6" |     3.5" |     3.2" |     2.6" |
|Graphics  | 160 x 144| 160 x 102| 160 x 144| 256 x 216|
|Colors    | mono (14)|  16/4096 |  32/4096 |  482/512 |
|Sprites   |        8 |    unlim |       64 |       64 |
| - size   |    8 x 8 |    unlim |    8 x 8 |  32 x 64 |
|Audio     |    2-lyr |    4-lyr |    4-lyr |    6-lyr |
|RAM       |      16K |      64K |      24K |  8K+64Kgx|
|----------+----------+----------+----------+----------|

  Biggest difference between the two are in graphics and in multiplayer games.
The 'Gear has higher resolution and a few more colors. On the other hand, the
Lynx has a dedicated graphics coprocessor, which gives it unlimited sprites,
hardware scaling/shearing, and other effects. The Game Gear allows you to hook
up two machines for competitive play. The Lynx currently tops out at eight
(TODD'S ADVENTURES IN SLIME WORLD), though future games could conceivably be
written for 16 players at once...

  To be simplistic, the Game Gear is a recycled Sega Master System, and the
Lynx is a freshly-designed, currently-state-of-the-art-handheld console. It
sounds rude and biased, but it's also true.

>(also, what do you think about the Game Gear's Television Tuner adapter.)

  It's a joke. You'll never get a picture as clear as the one on the box;
instead, the TV picture will be only as good as the 'Gear's screen resolution.
And besides, would you rather watch TV or play a video game?

                                                --R.J.
                                                B-)

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