CompuServe Messages

In defense of PCMCIA, I'd like to offer two points: XIP and combined hw/sw. PCMCIA allows for an eXecute In Place option which allows for a program to be run directly from the card without being loaded into memory (what CBM should have done with the RAM & RAD disks). Granted, memory is used for screens, fonts, etc. but the program itself isn't loaded. Saves lots of memory from being used. Second, PCMCIA allows for hardware and software to reside on one card. There is a prototype fax/modem card that not only had the fax/modem circuitry, but a PC compatible terminal/fax program as well. Combine this with XIP and you have a powerful addition to any computer. The possibility of: 1) true copy protection on games (built in dongle, like a cartridge); 2) plug and play hardware — put a fax/modem with a small PC, Mac and Amiga term prog on one card. Using CrossDOS the A1200 can read PC format cards and run the Amiga version of the program. One card work with almost all machines. I would *much* rather see IDE and PCMCIA on an A1200 as opposed to SCSI (or even SCSI-2) and no PCMCIA on an A1200/A600. Actually, I'd like to see an Amiga laptop with dual-PCMCIA slots and no floppy drive. PCMCIA is the way of the future and I'm glad Commodore stumbled on to it now. -Chas