#Is my amiga dead??
44 messages in this thread
I have an Amiga B2000 rev 4.3 upgraded to WB2.0, with the advent of the
new range of Amigas coming out I'm a bit worried that sooner or later the
software that will be released will no longer work on my machine due to
the new AGA graphics capabilities etc.
I have already come across a game that won't work on my machine under
WB2.0 but works on the new Amiga 600, why this is I have no idea.
So my question is this, can I upgrade my machine to be compatible with
the new forthcoming range of Amiga's.
The only way I would intend to expand my machine in the future would be
to add a HD and 2Meg of ram and possibly an accelartor card.
Any help on this would be greatly appreciated
Mark(UK)….am I a dieing breed ?
Mark;
There will be software that will not run on the "older" machines —
eventually.
Some software will not work with either 2.04, 2.1 or 3.0 but that is not
normally the case. Mostly there software author did something that was a
"no-no" or (in some cases) how to perform the operation that was wanted
was really not clear.
It is unlikely that the AGA chip will be fitted to an A3000 or earlier
machine by C=. There are already rumors of third party people looking at
the idea though.
-bill
Bill,
So should I be able to use my machine for a long time to come with regards
to possible software differences.
Mark(UK)
Mark;
Yes, it is likely that you will have little problem with being able to run
the "latest" software for some time to come.
There will be the ocassional AGA only item. Indeed, there is at least one
AGA only program already. No doubt written just because it IS an AGA only
program.
There will also be some programs written only for the AGA chips that
really need the capability. The vast majority of software developers are
unwilling to cut their potential market from near 4 million to a few
thousand unless it is really necessary.
-bill
potential market from near 4 million to a few thousand unless it is really
necessary.<<
I suppose so, it wouldn't make sense, but surley there will come a time
maybe 2 or 3 yrs from now when no software will work on my machine due to
changes in the system.
Mark(UK)
Mark;
My personal guess is that as long as you keep upgrading your OS when it is
possible, you will still be able to use the new software.
Initially some very few developers will write software that will only work
on the AGA machines — that is software that requires the extra features
to function.
Some developers are now writing software that will take advantage of the
AGA chip set if present, most will eventually. However, this software
does work on the "older" machines.
Each new release of the OS is making it easier and easier for a developer
to write software that "does not have to know what machine it is on."
If a developer really works at it, it is possible to write software that
will only run on one configuration of machine but it is getting harder and
harder to do so. And why would anyone want to?
The OS is getting so good at handling displays that most of the desire to
"roll your own" is getting pretty weak. This all means that the machines
are becomming MORE compatible rather than less.
-bill
Bill,
developer to write software that "does not have to know what machine it is
on."<<
How is that then?
Mark(UK)
Mark;
A slight over generalization there. One of the goals is to get the OS to
the point where the vast majority of software will not have to be
concerned with any options, accessories, or preferences established for
the target machine.
Currently, the software does have to concern itself with what kind of
display mode you are in, how much overscan you are using, how many bit
planes are in use and the like. It is all but impossible to not have to
know some of this information but most programs HAVE to know it and adjust
for how you have your machine set up.
-bill
Mark;
You might also want to consider that there are still quite a few folks
still running Amiga1000's from circa 1986 (nearly 13 years ago)! Some of
these do, of course, have additional RAM expansion, HD's and the like but
there are a few that do not. Naturally the ones that do not have the
expansion can not run programs that require greater than 512K.
-bill
"circa 1986 (nearly 13 years ago)!"
Bill… you obviously took the same math classes I did.
🙂
Well sometimes it sure feels like it must have been 13 years or more 🙂
I gotta stop doing this telcom stuff:
A) When I'm exhausted
B) 2 O'Clock in the morning regardless of A
-bill
Bill,
Having a great memory was never my strong point, but, if 1986 was nearly
13 years ago, what happened during the last 7 years? Is Clinton still
president?
-sja
Nope. Term Limits.
Unfortunately… yes but I don't know what happened to the other 7 years
either, they've taken their toll on me but as to where they went..?
-bill
13 years ago? Gee, I'd better update my resume.
Chris
Jeez….I past my mid life crisis and didn't even know it…..
Elite MicroComputers 908-541-4214 – via Whap!
Have you ever been "nailed to the wall?"
-bill 🙂
Well Bill,
If you look at the speed with which C= improved the basic box it
probably does add up to a 13 year period for the latest chipset to appear.
Physically its less, but to us it seems twice as long.
Prying you from the wall,
Chris
Looks like it owe you <grin>
-bill
My 1000 is 13 years old???? Just seems like 6 years ago, how time flies.
Aw come on guys! I was at least as close and as truthful as a politician.
I mean, what's an error of ONLY a little over a 100% or so? 🙂
-bill
Bill, you were using the base 4 numbering system, just that you and I were
the only ones to know!
Between you and Chris, I now have a chance for recovery! Tnx 73 <g>
-bill
Bill,
Darn! Let's see…1986 + 13 == 1999. Boy…those 7 years blew by
in the wink of an eye! Who am I? What am I doing here?
Hehehe…I think you meant that the A1000 had been out there for
about 7 years, not 13.
Don
Rote math is not one of my strong suits but I really don't know what I was
thinking when I came up with that one! 🙂
-bill
Bill,the math teacher in me is screaming! 13 years since 1986? I got my
A1000 in October of 1985, and I reckon I've had it about 7 years.
I know that you already saw Chris' and Kelly's postings. I needn't hang
my head in sham, thanks to them 🙂
-bill
I doubt A500, 1000, and 2000 owners will ever be able to use the AA
chipset. The 3000 might at some point have a card that uses the chipset,
but nothing has been said. The 600 is no different than the 2000, except in
size and the way you expand it.
Richard,
do you have any ideas why the game I bought wouldn't work on my machine
under WB2.0 yet works on an Amiga 600.
Mark(UK)
Mark,
Have you had any other programs that won't run? Does your 2000 have the
Enhanced Chip Set? The 600 runs with everything except the older 2000s do.
The 600 has a 68000 but has the Super Denise and the 2 meg Agnus.
Richard
Richard,
<Have you had any other programs that won't run?>>
No I've only come across the one so far. No I don't have the ECS and I
have ony the standard Denise and Agnus.
Mark(UK)
Mark,
It might be that the program requires at least 1 MB of chip ram. There are
programs coming out that require that. Since you upgraded to 2.0 it would
be a good idea to upgrade Agnus and Denise.
Richard
Richard,
MB of chip ram.<<
Your probably right there, I intend to upgrade my agnus chip. Will this
cause a prob with some of my older software ?
Mark(UK)
Mark,
No there shouldn't be any problems at all with the ECS Agnus and older
programs. You might have more of a problem running 2.0 and the older
software. Some of the older programs do break or don't run right with 2.0.
Richard
Richard;
Many of the older program that broke under the incarnations of 1.3 now
WORK under 2.x/3.0 too!
-bill
Richard,
Is it worth upgrading to the full ECS chip set as I have a standard 1084s
monitor. Would the extra screen modes be of any use.
Mark(UK)
Mark,
I am using the ECS Agnus and ECS Denise in my A1000. I have my original
1080 monitor. The extra screen resolutions look great. The 2 meg of chip
ram is by far the best reason to get the Agnus, and super hi-res is great
for titling. It is also a good idea when you upgrade one chip that you
upgrade the others. It gives you compatability with current models (except
the 4000 and 1200 of course).
Richard
Richard,
meg of chip ram is by far the best reason to get the Agnus<<
How many types of Agnus chips are there ?
Mark(UK)
Mark,
I don't think the new video modes are of much use from a practrical point
of view unless you use a multisynch monitor, and you don't. I have an A3000
and a multisynch and use and overscanned screen of 722 x 278. Of course the
big advantage with the A3000 and a multisynch is that all the scan lines
are used correctly whereas on your monitor every alternate scan line is
used and obviously doesn't look so good. If I were you I would consider
getting an A1200 as and when rather than upgrading an older model. That way
you get all the very latest stuff at avery very good price.
Pete from Dorset in Englands West Country – via Whap!
Pete,
as and when rather than
upgrading an older model.<<
The problem is Pete I'm rather attached to my 2000, besides I bought this
particular model because any expansions could be contained inside the
computer.
Mark(UK)
Nah, you're not a dying breed. <grin!> I've got a 2000, and I'm very
satisfied with it.
The new AGA chipset can't be used in existing Amigas though, and there is
no plan to get the AGA chips into the older machines. Those are only
going into the new machines.
Steve
Thanks for those words of comfort Steve. I was starting to get a bit
worried
Mark(UK)
Mark,
Considering that there's over 4 million Amiga's out there without
the AGA chipset…I'd seriously doubt there'll be much in the way of AGA
only software. There may be software that will use the AGA chipset IF it's
there, but will also work with the older chipset also.
Also, consider what you do with your Amiga, if it does everything
you want it to do now…there's no need to upgrade ever. If your needs
change, then that's the time to look at what's available to meet those new
needs.
Don
million Amiga's out there<<
Good point I hadn't thought about that.
Mark(UK)