#New Silicon Graphics
13 messages in this thread
Hey, folks,
I though youmay be wowed by this. It may even bring tears to some
people's eyes.
Here's a summary of a PR from Silicon Graphics.
Silicon Graphics anounces the unveiling of the SGI Indy – a MIPS 40000
desktop top multimedia/teleconfrencing wor station starting at $4,995. The
machine is runs Indigo software, Apple, and PC. It has a built in video and
audio subsystems. The video, including a color digital camera, can do realtime
30fps and S-Video input and component. The system also does six-channel audio.
Multimedia production tools are included, with non-liner video and audio
editing. 24bit 1,024 by 768 or 1280 by 1024 graphics monitors. 267MB/sec GIO
system bus, 400MB.sec memory bs, and 10MB/sec SCSI-2 bus. The base system comes
with 16MB RAM, 15 monitor, software like multimedia and Indigo Magic.
There are more goodies, but I got to run. Tommorrow, I'll find out more about
this machine.
Martin,
The INDY base price is for no hard drive, though, and 3D only through
software (no hardware Z-buffer). Primarily, it seems targeted to in-house
corporate videoconferencing networking (thus the bundled camera). For 2D
design, it should definitely be the fastest thing going. But then, I doubt
they're going to replace Macintoshes. Factors such as software availability
(not too likely at Egghead) and people's comfort level with Unix will probably
slow acceptance in other environments. The class act is still the Indigo2
Extreme ($35-41k).
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
I think that the primary importance of the INDY is what it will do to the
market. Even without a drive $4995 is a phenomenal price for this kind of
package. Nothing on the market today comes close. 100 MIPS, 61SPECfp92, 26K
triangles/sec (thats dithered 8bit, expandable to true 24bit with MANY more
t/s)… plus an unparalelled level of integration.. Built-in microphone and
camera, support for stereo viewing with port for 3d glasses, digital video
port, composite and S-video inputs, 6-channel digital audio processing…
support for non-linear editing, video mail, and desktop conferencing. GAWD.
What platform on earth gives that level of performance with all this good
stuff? Did I mention a 400MB/sec memory bus and 10MB/sec Fast narrow SCSI-2
bus?
I think that this machine is nothing short of phenomenal. Even if you add $1000
for a big (but not big enough!) drive.
DannO
Dan,
I agree that the engineering of the Indy seems very good. I just don't
expect it to be all that successful in finding a market. If people want to buy
'em though, I'll be glad to sell them, though I think I'll do more business
with the Extreme.
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
Boy howdy is that machine (the Extreme) an unbeliveable package. We have one at
work…. not that I can use it of course. There is absolutely no question that
SGI has the best line of machines on the planet, I'd take any one of them (I'm
holding out for an Onyx, though <G>)… my amazement with the Indy is the price
point… it may not sell many, but I feel very strongly that the market will
undergo a shakedown.
Seen the specs on that Kubota Kenai? ZOWEE!
Dan
>>>I agree that the engineering of the Indy seems very good. I just don't
expect it to be all that successful in finding a market.<<<<
Hi Kevin!
I am really hoping the Indy will suceed and that more and more Mac and PC apps
will be ported over to SGI, thus forcing the software prices down. As a Mac
user frustrated with CPU speed, the Indy and the DEC AXP are a dream come true.
The price is the same as a Quadra yet they are orders of magnitude faster
(particularly for CAD & rendering which is what I do). These machines could be
viable alternatives for people interested in moving up from Macs and PCs.
You may be right and the market may never materialize, but I think it could if
SGI really makes this machine visible. A lot of Mac and PC people know almost
nothing about SGI. Much as I hate the word "Multimedia" (painfully
overused!!!) if SGI can use it sell this machine, then more power to them!
Charles Brush
>You may be right and the market may never materialize, but I think >it could
if SGI really makes this machine visible. A lot of Mac and >PC people know
almost nothing about SGI.
You stand to win even if the SGI machine doesn't go off like a rocket. It will,
in any case, scare the price point out of Apple!
>Much as I hate the word "Multimedia" (painfully overused!!!) if SGI >can use
it sell this machine, then more power to them!
Gotta agree with ya on this one… the only word I hate more than Multimedia
(what the hell is it, anyway?!) is _VIRTUAL REALITY_! The media is again doing
its best to misinform us all.
Dan
Did I mention that it also runs Windows and DOS apps via software emulation (by
Insignia Systems). Yes, software emulation is slow on slow computers, but this
a 100MIPS box we are talking about.
DannO
Sure Dan, but how about the software? What is the hide side of all this story
<g>?
Ana
What about the software?! The best rendering and animation software around is
available for Unix platforms. This machine is binary compatable with all other
SGI boxes… over 1800 apps! Plus Insignia Solutions has made software
emulators for it… runs windows and dos apps. Kinda blows the whole idea
though, 8 and 16bit apps on a 64 bit machine. Gag.
Oh… well, the Unix apps are rather expensive these days. That is the major
problem. No competition in that market.
Dan
That's what I've refered to (on ironic tone): the price! It's a great box for
its price but then you have to get the software… and it has a (BIG) price.
Before buy, I allways ask twice about the price of the complete solution. I
know how greats Unix programs are, and how great unix is, a how great motif is,
and how great animation packages are in Unix workstations. Probably if the Yost
Group make a 3ds for SGI I'll buy it <g>. I'm on the opinon that you have to
buy the hardware for your software, not viceversa.
Probably when we see r4 for NT, all of us will connect CompuServe from AXPs
computers 🙂
Ana
>That's what I've refered to (on ironic tone): the price! It's a >great box for
its price but then you have to get the software… and >it has a (BIG) price.
Before buy, I allways ask twice about the >price of the complete solution. I
know how greats Unix programs are, >and how great unix is, a how great motif
is, and how great animation >packages are in Unix workstations. Probably if the
Yost Group make a >3ds for SGI I'll buy it <g>. I'm on the opinon that you have
to buy >the hardware for your software, not viceversa.
I completely agree… first determine your needs, then choose the software
based upon those needs – the hardware is just a matter of coincidence. One
thing to consider… Alias Research recently dropped the price of its software
from $22,000 (yes, 22 _THOUSAND_ dollars) to $6,000. Still not cheap, but an
incredible drop… one that I feel signals the nearing end of high-dollar Unix
warez.
As far as waiting for r4 on NT and AXPs….. if you wait that long, I fear you
might be passed by.
Dan
ps – This is not intended, in any way, to knock 3ds. It is a fantastic product.
But this is a very turbulent industry.
>As far as waiting for r4 on NT and AXPs….. if you wait that long, I fear
>you might be passed by.
Probably I can pass the long wait with a pair of Pentium machines and 3dsR3 <g>
(or probably the NT AXP version of r3 will follow shortly the DOS version,
uhm…naaaahh 🙂
Ana