Toaster Add-on Help
4 messages in this thread
I've been searching out quotes from some toast vendors, and I'm starting to
get a bit nervous. One guy says "Don't buy the workstation, let us CUSTOM
configure your toaster." Another says the workstation is great, but lets
add these other programs so you get more bang per buck. One says use a
68030 at 50mHz for compatibility, another says 68040 at 28mHz for better 3D
throughput. One says 2.0 is two weeks away, another says he's did beta
test on the original, and HE dosn't know when HIS 2.0 is coming.
Can anyone lend assistance? What fourth-party programs do I REALLY need?
Is the 28mHz 68040 really faster than a 50mHz 68030? And if I write a
check next week for $9,000 to $10,000, how long will I have to wait for
version 2.0?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
-Bruce.
The Toaster workstation is configured with stnadard Commodore parts, a
custom station might be better suited to your needs, depending on what they
are, of course. Same goes for what add-ons you'll need. If you're buying
a new Toaster today, I believe you get a little card that gives you a free
upgrade to 2.0, but I'd ask your dealer to be sure that's the case.
The 28mHz 68040 is faster than a 50 mHz '030 for 3d rendering. Something
like 1.5-2 times the speed according to the local animators. There is an
annoying consequence of using the '040. The 1.3 version of AmigaDOS is not
100% compatible with the '040. 1.3 doesn't like having the '040's copyback
cache turned on when loading programs. You have to use a little utility to
turn the cache off before loading and back on afterwards for maximum speed.
That will cease to be an issue when the 2.0 Toaster software is available.
The current Toaster software requires 1.3, the new version can run under
AmigaDOS 2.0 which is happy with the 68040.
Personally, I'd go with a custom configuration. Either the GVP 33 mHz '030
or the Progressive '040. If 3d animation isn't as important, the GVP is a
good choice, since it has a hard drive controller. Saves the cost of
another card.
I haven't heard anything solid about 2.0 Toasterware. Rumor says the first
batch will be out within two weeks and is already sold out.
-Jim
It depends on what your specific needs are. Are you planning on doing a
lot of 3D work? If so, you'll need to have an 030 or an 040 in the
machine, and a lot of memory.
You'll also need a hard disk…and as usual, the bigger the HD, the better.
Can you let us know what you're planning on doing with the Toaster?
Steve