geller@rlgvax.UUCP (David Geller) (02/10/84)
--------------------------------------------------Feb 10, 1984----------
We have all read the news reports, the reviews, the interviews. Most of
us have even seen the Macintosh in real life. It's a wonderful machine,
a monument to American technology and inovative design of both hardware
and software - but is it useful to any of us?
In one word I would say YES. I wouldn't even hesitate. It's simplicity of
design and function makes it one of the shining stars in the microcomputer
field. I have never read any of the Mac documentation, although I'm told that
it is quite good. Yet I was able to use the Mac without any problems - able
to use the word processor, the drawing program, etc. I'm even convinced that
my parents would be able to use it within one half-hour period. Bravo for
Apple and the Mac design team. There is, however, the question of the
machine being useful - I mean really useful.
Software is this machines failing - at least for now. The Macwrite program
is cute but it would be no good for me. I write long papers - I mean real
long. I need a more industrial power wp - not a high school project preparer.
If you are considering the MAC for serious word processing than I strongly
suggest that you HOLD off for Microsoft's WORD for the MAC.
I think that the Mac will prove to be a popular machine. It's a bit pricey
for most people's personal budget, though. Although the MAC/LISA/STAR working
environment (icons, etc.) are attractive to many people, others, like myself,
find this method of communicating with the machine distracting.
Have my views been perplexing - confusing - probably. You see - I like the
Mac, but I don't think it could be a machine I could use a great deal of
work - for programming, etc. Perhaps in time the software support will prove
my point wrong - perhaps not. I would like to add that I don't think that
the Mac will pose a very strong threat to IBM's share of the market - and
certainly not to PCjr's - or Commodore's - or Atari's. Mac's too expensive
for the later three. As for the PC and XT - well they are good vanillia -
open-ended systems with a tremendous following - both in software and
hardware. That's alot to give up for a cute machine - even though it has a great
processor and nice graphics. I hope Apple fares well in the micro wars only
so that some of the minds behind some of Apple's most recent accomplishments
may have room to grow and produce more.
{seismo}!rlgvax!geller David Geller
Computer Consoles, Inc.
Office Systems Group
1760 Reston Avenue
Reston, VA 22090
703-471-6860elt@astrovax.UUCP (Ed Turner) (02/18/84)
To amplify this article's point: What is the real market for the Mac? I fear that it is to cutsy and of too limited a database capability (i.e., slow rates through the external ports) for the business market on the one hand and too expensive for the educational/home computing markets on the other. I hope I'm wrong. In many ways it is a rather beautiful machine.