#Upgrade
With the introduction of relatively cheap D-1, D-2 may be in for a very short
run. Rumor has it that Sony will discontinue it soon.
My concern for the Amiga market is its lackluster treatment of its parent
company. Had the Toaster not appeared when it did, the Amiga might be a thing
of the past. At least here in the states.
As a Toaster owner, but not a Toaster user, I am concerned about the return on
investment. An inline upgrade costing about a 1/3rd of the original investment
is disappointing. I beleive that it should have been closer to a charge for
administration of the distribution. Less than $100.00. By charging $800 amounts
reflects hostility to the existing customer base. And the reward will be
disenchantment in its product.
Most Toaster users IMHO are probably like yourself, Eric. Very talented and of
humble means. You work hard for your income. Yet, everyday you avoid using
entrenched systems on common adaptable platforms, you will accumulate distance
from the rest of the world.
Unless Commodore begins to aggresively enter into the broader marketplace, the
return on their investment will diminish as the other charge forward. Commodore
will not continue to invest in a base that does not expand. The ones that will
be hurt the most are those who where unprepared.
I used SGI as an example of a system that is going to soon be the system of
choice. At NAB, most graphic systems were adapting to the SGI environment. Sure
the prices are high now, but an INDIGO is not much more than $15,000. Add
software in a lease package and your ready to go. Beg, borrow or steal the
downpayment and with monthly payments of $500 – $800 you have a system that can
pay for itself with as little as 2-4 days of work a month. The rest is gravy.
See ya monday!