kek@mgweed.UUCP (Kit Kimes) (11/08/85)
>P.S. Have any of you necrophiliac 8-bit Atari users seen the latest >Lucasfilms software (Eidolon?) yet? Is it worth owning? I have not played this game personally but I saw the preliminary version running at the Consumer Electronic Show in June and all the reviews I have read have be good. They use fractals to generate the walls of tunnels (you are underground most of the time) and the animation is very good. If you like graphics adventure games with an arcade touch, you will like it. In regards to the 8-bit machines, I don't think they are dead. Atari is continuing to build them (at least the 130XE) and they are selling. Best of all software manufacturers are continuing to write products (both games and productive type) for them. Many of the hardware types are still actively involved (CDY Products, to name one good one) and many of the stores that carry them are run by Atari enthusiasts interested in more than just selling straight available products. One example is CAL COM INC., in Silver Springs, MD. I don't know them personally but a look at things they sell shows they are enthusiasts, not just a store. Where else can you buy a 130XE with an extra 128K installed (they call it the 327XE) or a 130XE with OMNIVIEW already installed? And there prices are very reasonable (520ST monochrome package = 699.95, color = 849.95 and the 130XE = 135.00). They even list the 1 MEG upgrade kit for the ST for $200. As long as places like this exist and User Groups keep spreading the word, the 8-bit machines will continue to be a viable product. We have at least 13 people here with Atari 8-bit machines, probably half of which bought them because of the first users talking them up. We can make a difference. If someone that doesn't have a computer starts asking questions, are you quick to point out the advantages of the 8-bit machines or do you say 'wait a while, the ST's are out and I'm sure the price will drop'? Face it, most home users don't need the capabilities of the ST. Sell them what they can use now, they may eventually want to move up. I didn't mean to carry on so long or preach but I hate to see comments like 'the 8-bit machines are dead or out-dated'. It simply isn't true. Kit Kimes AT&T Information Systems Montgomery Works Montgomery, Il. 60538-0305 ..!ihnp4!mgweed!kek "Power without the Price"