From: 2ftqkiln@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.advocacy
Subject: Re: A3000T and Mac Quadra pricing
Date: 10 Sep 92 22:19:51 CDT
Organization: University of Kansas Academic Computing Services

In article <92254.145122MBS110@psuvm.psu.edu>, MBS110@psuvm.psu.edu (Norman St. John Polevaulter) writes:
> Well, I finally had a chance to try out the Quadras (mousing around the
> desktop, and running some QuickTime movies.) First impression: Finally,
> a Macintosh that's snappy to use! Windows and menus pop up instantly.
> Why, it's almost like using my old Amiga 500 :-)
> 
> QuickTime is kinda neat, but be warned that performance goes to hell with
> windows much larger than the teeny ones most of their movies seem to use.
> Well below 1 fps with a large window. When you get down to it, QT's really
> just an anim player with the feature that anims can be pasted (to what end,
> I'm not sure, but the ability's there) into applications that support it.
> Shrug. But it does look cool, playing anims in a window like that.
> 
> The prices, I thought people might find interesting. As you well know the
> A3000T/40 (68040, 68882, a reasonably big HD I believe, and a buncha slots)
> goes for the insane, ridiculous price of $5999 (I don't know what the educ.
> discount is, or even if there is one.)
> 
> There are two Mac Quadra models, both with 68040's but other than that fairly
> different. The Quadra 700 is the "stripped-down" model with 4 MB RAM, an
> "optional" HD of different sizes, and a couple slots; possibly comparable
> to the regular Amiga 3000, except of course that it has an '040. Anyway,
> its educational discount price is about $3500. I suppose that's good for
> a Macintosh, but note that non-tower A3000's are much cheaper (and so will
> the A4000 be if the recent post is any clue...)The list price of the Q700 is
> (hold on to your hats) $5995!! Thus making it a better deal than the A3000T/40,
> but not by very much!  Assuming decent 68040 cards come through for the regular
> A3000 models, however, the Q700 would suffer by comparison. Nevertheless the
> educational discount price is impressive.
> 
> TheQuadra 950 is the top-of-the-line Mac, with 8 MB RAM, huge HD, and about
> eight slots in a tower case. Educational price $4500, list price $7000. See
> above, really; the same thoughts apply to this model.


The thing you forgot to mention about the Quadras is that they have 
transparent 24bit graphics built in.  I've heard of only one way to
get transparent 24bit on the Amiga and its not even out yet.  Thats 
by using the new GVP 24bit card, what is it called the EGS or 
something.  But you can bet that this is going to cost an arm and 
a leg and you can only use it if you have a GVP accelerator!!!
Although i guess there is rumor they are developing a zorro III
version, but the price restrint is still there. 
> 
> In summary? I don't think Commodore has to look over their shoulder at Apple.
> As always, the PClones are our biggest competition.
> 
> Input is welcome.
> 
> [Your blood pressure just went up.]       Mark Sachs IS: mbs110@psuvm.psu.edu
>        DISCLAIMER: If it ain't money, Penn State doesn't care about it.
>    "Ladies and gentlemen, I've suffered for my music! Now it's your turn!"
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.advocacy