#A-5000
5 messages in this thread
OK, 5000 pounds, huh? That's 7500 dollars. Sounds INCREDIBLY expensive to me.
Distilling the specs John Chang wrote up, we get:
68040 or 68060
Zorro IV / PCI bus
24 bit graphics up to 1280×1024 (although probably not at 24 bit, my
guess)
8 voice 16 bit audio record/playback
EHD floppies
Proprietary high speed CD interface
From Gateway, TODAY, I can buy:
66MHz Pentium
16MB RAM / 528MB HD
PCI bus
24 bit graphics, resolutions up to 1280×1024 (though not in 24 bit)
16 bit audio record/playback (std 2 channel, plus normal FM synth,
etc.)
Speakers
Double speed CD-ROM drive included
For under 4000 dollars.
This is not a plug for PC's here, I'm just saying that at 7500 dollars an A5000
with those specs won't be competitive, I don't believe.
Other concerns: Operating system for an A5000? With that much horsepower,
Kickstart 3.0 or any minor upgrade ain't gonna cut it. As has been mentioned
over and over, things like retargetable graphics, virtual memory, true memory
protection, much greater multimedia support built into the OS (like animation –
what a concept), etc., will be required.
What are the chances that the prices we are seeing are a result of the "niche"
the high-end systems have built for themselves?
BUT!!! If that same machine could emulate a 586 and a Mac Quadra and
still be as friendly as the common or garden Amiga… I think people
might just pay up to start with… AND!!! all prototypes are
expensive, name one machine which after its release did not drop in
price… But I agree $7500 is kicking the a*$e out of the market. If
any of the commodore reps are reading this take note! If priced right
both apple and Intel may have to sit up and take note of the "Games
Machine" contender. STARFIRE cruising the stratosphere MOTOROLA 040
and AUTOPILOT ENGAGED!
Indeed the OS will have to be greatly upgraded in order to handle the new AAA.
As rumors go, the basics of the AAA OS has already been done. Tweeking and
other support modules still need to be done (eg. Put it altogether and make it
work!). RTG standards should be included with the AAA OS. Virtual memory –
Mmm, I think that should be an option still. Hey, maybe Commodor should
license our "SnapLoad" technology ;-} True memory protection? Why would you
need that?
I forgot to mention that Lew E. is working on real-time 3D rendering with AAA.
Let's try multimedia with a virtual reality twist!
Sincerely,
John Chang
Technical/Sales Support Manager
Scala, Inc.
> OK, 5000 pounds, huh? That's 7500 dollars. Sounds INCREDIBLY
> expensive to me.
Ordinary exchange rates don't seem to apply to computer equipment. They
usually just change the dollar sign to a pound sign.
Peter Wade
Autopiloting from London, England