reggie@pdn.UUCP (George W. Leach) (10/15/87)
Hello Apple Users!
I do not own an Apple (nor any home system now that I think of it),
however I did try to help a friend out in determining what kind of system to
purchase for his children (two girls in 2nd and 7th grades). This was towards
the end of last year or so. Our conclusions were that the Apple //gs was the
best choice. One of the major reasons was to retain compatibility with the //
line of machines that were being used at school. Another was the macintosh-like
human interface.
Well due to many other issues the system was never purchased. Now
we are ready to go out and buy one. So I have some questions that need answers
from some knowledgeable people in this newsgroup:
1. Is the //gs still the best choice or will there be yet another
new product from Apple in the // product line in the near future that we
should wait for?
2. Given that the answer to 1. is yes: What changes in the product
or new developments have occurred now that the machine has been in use for some
time? What should we be aware of when buying this system to ensure that we
don't get suckered into buying a system that will then need an upgrade in order
to use the software we purchase for it?
3. Is there a list of Apple //e or //c programs that will *NOT* run
on the //gs machine? I understand that most should work. Also, any addresses,
phone numbers, etc... for software resources (eg. Scholastic - I need their's)
will be greatly appreciated.
4. I need to know what peripherals (monitor, hard disk, printer, mouse,
modem, etc....) are available, ball park pricing info and the manufacturers that
will be compatible with the //gs. Keep in mind that the people who will be
using this system have no computer background, so no hacking to get things
working can be tolerated by them.
5. I need recommendations on dealers in the NY/NJ/CT area, who offer
decent prices, wide selection of software, customer support services (eg.
maintenance contracts), possibly training, and a knowledgeable resource base
for the novice.
I know that I am asking a great deal, but I am not at all knowledgeable
in this area and I would be doing a disservice to my friend if I pretended to
be an expert. BTW: I have a 5 year old in kindergarden, so I am also starting
to think of purchasing a system for him to use.
--
George W. Leach Paradyne Corporation
{gatech,codas,ucf-cs}!usfvax2!pdn!reggie Mail stop LF-207
Phone: (813) 530-2376 P.O. Box 2826
Largo, FL 34649-2826