From: seanmcd@ac.dal.ca
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware
Subject: Apple's product line: ideas for the future...
Date: 20 Dec 92 02:16:34 -0400
Organization: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

With the February release of five new Macs, the total of current boxes will be
15; 15 different Macs with differnt names. While I'm familiar with them all,
I don't really know if this is the sort of direction Apple should be taking
with its hardware. Below are a few ideas.

First, as seen on this newsgroup, people get anxious when they know a new
cpu will be released: should I buy? should I wait? I feel this anxiety too, but
it is less forceful for me since I only by VM's : virtual machines = $0. :-)
But seriously, with a new product comes a new name, and the impression that
you'll be missing out on something significant if you don't wait. Often, 
the differences may be only speed or some other options.

I've been thinking that, since Apple has declared that it needs to bring 
computers to market quickly to keep pace with advancing technology (e.g., the
IIvi/perf. 600/IIvx, and powerbooks) it should modularize its hardware
design. I see it as follows:

(1) A 1-slot pds/nubus Mac a la LCIII with 16 bit video for up to 16" monitors.
16Mhz, 25Mhz, 33Mhz, 40Mhz 68030 varieties.

(2) Three slot nubus Mac a la IIvx with same video as (1); 25Mhz; 33Mhz 68030;
20Mhz, 25Mhz, 33Mhz 68040 flavours; option for ethernet

(3) Five slot nubus Mac a la 950 with same video as the 950; 25Mhz, 33Mhz,
40Mhz 68040; option for ethernet, DSP and other goodies

(4) Powerbook; option of passive b&w (low end); passive grey; active grey; 
active colour; option for 16Mhz (low end, good for road machine); 25mhz;
33mhz; 40Mhz 68030 (if they can do it) + FPU for each; video out options
of: none; 13" 8 bit; 16" 16 bit

(5) Duo: same as for (4); we need a 16Mhz duo w. a b&w screen! Why? Apple's
talking about using these things in schools (students writing essays) and
business (doing whatever business people do) and linking up to a central
dock when needed. If you're trying to appeal to a market like this which is
supposed to capitalize on price savings, a cheap (let's say $1200) duo like
this is what is needed.

What's the point of this? An easy upgrade path through modularized components.
Want a colour screen? Take your PB to your dealer, who pops in a new rom and
clicks on the new screen. A faster Mac? Take 'er in for an upgrade. Plus
now you'd have to choose between five basic configurations instead of 15
separate products. There would be more flexibility for consumers; for example,
as a programmer, I might like the fastest (1) machine going but I don't really
need the NuBus for expansion. Or I might like to get a (3) machine but I
don't have the money right now for the top of the line speed; however, when
I do, I don't have to trash my machine.

Any ideas? I find this concept intriguing. I think consumers are more savvy
now than they used to be, or at least there is a significant minority who
would like the flexibility to customize their Mac instead of taking what
Apple puts forth. It would also allow Apple to bring out faster machines
more quickly, as well as allowing users to upgrade their machines more
economically.

Comments and other ideas about Apple's product line and how it should be
implemented or changed, if at all, are eagerly awaited.

Sean McDowell
(a happy classic user -- at least i've got a full page display!)
seanmcd@ac.dal.ca