From: bjgrier@bnr.ca (Brian Grier)
Subject: Re: Yes, SXs are dogs
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1993 15:53:45 GMT
Organization: Bell Northern Research

In article <18JAN93.17454267@cc4.crl.aecl.ca> csullogg@cc4.crl.aecl.ca writes:
> >I have a 386 @ 40 MHz with an AMAZING SVGA monitor - it sits idle
> >while I run Pagestream or Calamus on my 8 MHz MegaST. Why, because
> >I have struggled to find well priced, easy to use PC software with
> >a consistent user interface that does not consume 200 MBytes of
> >disk space to do the type of work I do on my ST so effortlessly
> >and I could not.


darekm@microsoft.com (Darek Mihocka) responds with :
> So bag the ST altogether and spend $229 on the Gemulator. It will
> allow you to run your Pagestream and take advantage of the VGA
> graphics as well. You can't do that on an ST at any cost other than
> of course blowing more bucks on a Falcon or TT just to get better
> graphics.

> - Darek

FLAME ON!

Yep then you to can use a reasonable poor interface (windows) to run a 
reasonably good inteface (GEM). Obviously Gemulator must improve the
graphics of ST-LOW resolution. Isn't the monochrome 640x400 (EGA resolution)
close enough to VGA for most people. This person is happy with their ST why
should they spend $229 for your product? Is it increasing their productivity,
their self esteem, or should they do it only so you can make more money?
If they want more speed then an AdSpeed-ST is in order, not the trashing
of their ST.

If they want to do Midi stuff do they have to buy more equipment for 
Gemulator? If they want to run MAC programs won't they have to buy
a MAC if they dump their ST. If they buy Gemulator and want to get a 
serious throughput improvement, with regards to their ST software, 
won't they have to buy a TT, a Falcon, or keep their ST and add and
AdSpeed-ST board?

FLAME OFF!

(If you can not tell I took offense at the wording in Dareks reply)


Since I own an ST, a TT, and a IBM clone, 386DX-25, I would recommend 
that this person review why they own a computer, and what they want 
to do with it. My PC has not been turned on since I moved to NC, over
a year ago. I like the TT best and use it most. I keep the ST because
my favorite word processor, WORDUP, does not print on my TT, or in any
ST equipped with a 68030. So my ST is basically my print server. I haven't
sold the clone because it HURTS TO LOOSE OVER $1500 on a computer, two
years ago I paid $2700, including the monitor, and now could only sell 
it for around $800. The only thing I use from that machine is the monitor.
I bought it because I had the need, Ok I it was a desire, at the time to 
be able to go anywhere and get a program. This is not as big a deal, for
me, as I thought it would be. One of my wifes favorite things to point
out is how well that 386 keeps the stuff it's on top of in the garage
from blowing around when the door is open. (She feels a couple of
cinder blocks could do the job just as well.)

If you only use a computer for word processing and spreadsheets then
getting a clone with Gemulator MAY be the best thing. But as I tried to
point out, it MAY NOT be the best thing. If the Atari line of computers
does what you need best, then stick with it, otherwise get what you need.

What ever anyone decides with regards to their computing needs is a 
personal decision. If Darek had just pointed out that his product was
a POSSIBLE solution I would not have objected.

Brian, WS1S (ST/TT user)
Bell Northern Research
Research Triangle Park, NC
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st