alexis@CCNYSCI.UUCP (03/05/86)
I recently posted a rather detailed survey dealing with what features
a future Macintosh might have. This survey is in net.micro.mac.
Since this survey is of interest to people who do not own a Mac, but
might buy one, I am posting an abbreviated copy of the survey to all
groups which would be interested. Please distribute copies to people
who might want to respond, and please take the time to answer it
yourself. The only way any company will build your dream machine is
if you tell them what you want. Apple will hear (though what they'll
do is anyone's guess...).
Survey follows-----
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The Mac Expo has come and gone, and while the Mac Plus is a nice
upgrade to the current Mac, it's nothing like the machine I (or many
other people) have hoped for. I am creating this survey in the hope
that if Apple has not finalized its "TurboMac" (or "Open Mac",
whatever), there may yet be some chance for us to have some say in
its design. At the very least, Apple will have some idea what
upgrades to build for THAT machine.
This survey is not addressed solely to Mac owners; If you own a Mac,
I want to hear from you, but if you don't, this is a good chance to
tell the world why you haven't bought a Mac yet, and what it would
take to change your mind, so for example:
1) Unix hackers would want an alternative (not "replacement") OS
2) Graphics people could ask for larger, High Resolution screens
3) etc... use your imagination!
After each question on the survey, I have given my own answer, as an
example. If you have a non-obvious reason for your non-obvious
answer, please write it in, don't just say "PAL compatible" (that one
would take some explaining...) In any event, don't flame me on the
net; if you disagree, put it on the survey!
Please send all replies to ...ihnp4!physics!ccnysci!alexis
or USMail to:
Alexis Rosen
110 Riverside Drive
New York, N.Y. 10024
(212) 877-4854
A summary will be posted to the net, as well as to all the people in
Apple who might be interested in this...
Thanks for responding...
/Alexis
----------------------------------Cut Here---------------------------
A Survey on Possible Future Macintosh Architectures
February 9, 1986
Section 1 -- The Hardware
1) What main processor chip should be used in the next Macintosh? If
*NOT* the 68020, why not? Would you be willing to pay for a
machine that cost $300 more than otherwise so as to have the
68020? If the 68000 or 68010 is used, should the 68020 be
available as an Apple-made upgrade?
2) What coprocessors, if any, should be supported? Should they come
with the machine? If none, why?
3) How much memory should be supported? How much standard?
4) What other special chips should be standard? Supported? Why?
5) In general, what kind of architecture (open, closed, in between)
should the new Mac have? If *NOT* open, why?
6) What I/O capabilities should be standard? Supported?
7) What peripherals should be standard? Supported? Should the
monitor have the same size as the current Mac? Why or why not?
7a) Does the Mac need Color? Why or why not? How should it be
implemented?
8) Please list any other requirements/suggestions for Mac HARDWARE.
Section 2 -- The Software
1) Should the Mac support any other operating system? UNIX? MS-DOS?
OS-9? Any other? Why or why not?
2) Should any major changes be made in the Mac ROMs or System File?
What?
3) What enhancements should be made to the current Finder?
4) How much concern should there be about compatibility with the old
Mac?
5) Should the new Mac be packaged with software?
6) Any other comments about software? What would you like to see for
the Mac?
7) Any last comments on Mac software?
--------------------------------Cut Here-----------------------------
Thanks for responding...
Alexis
...ihnp4!physics!ccnysci!alexis