CompuServe Messages

Chuck, >> As one can start with a Pentium system now, and fly with the Alpha later when the Apps are there! << I've been following this thread for some time now and just have to put my 2 cents worth in <BG>. I've been in the Computer Hardware/Software business from day one, and it's been my personal experience that _ALL_ of these so called upgradable computers are _Never_ a good deal. Now If that's not strong enough let me put is this way…… Literally every so called upgradable computer manufacturer (I'll Use ALR as an Example Here) has not been able to provide the upgrade for a "reasonable cost" as opposed to the realworld cost of purchasing the system seperatly If and When it's time finally comes. My ALR Examples would be their 286 to SX to 16bit 486 machine. That was a major Joke! The SX upgrade cost $1900 at the time exactly what you could by an entire system mail order for!!! The upgrade board cost as much as an entirely new computer without the limitations when they became readily available through regular market channels. Plus the older motherboards were not taking 100% advantage of the new technology due to changes within intel's CPU Etc! Etc! I see no reason why this wouldn't happen with the DEC/RISC machines also. If you want and need an ALPHA/NT setup in it's current configuration then go for it but do not kid yourself in to beleiving that the technology is not going to change to the point where a simple upgrade is going to give you as much "Machine" as opposed to buying the "current" state of the art. The Hardware in this business seems to change every 6 months to a year while the software takes about 18 months to catch up. FWIW I'd be more interested in beta testing the latest software as opposed to spending time and money on "upgradable" hardware. <g> "Swappable" Processors alone IMHO is no real reason to purchase hardware. You can do that now with any intel system but most folks don't because the motherboards/BIOS's and in some cases Busses are not capable of giving you the full advantage of what that chip your plugging in to the old motherboard is capable of. Like I said this is my opinion. <g> Murph'