thad@cup.portal.com (Thad P Floryan) (07/09/90)
Since I can type fast (and just cleaned off one computer after a fire here
and my fingers are itchin' to type "something"), here's the article in
question from the San Jose Mercury News, July 8, 1990, COMPUTING SECTION,
reprinted without permission from anyone:
``
UNLIKE NINTENDO, COMPUTERS AREN'T AT HOME IN LIVING ROOM
Rory J. O'Connor, Computing Editor
Home is where the heart is, goes the old saw, but computer makers desperately
wish home would be where the computer is (sic).
They aren't likely to get their wish any time soon.
It's true that there are more computers in homes now than there were when
the "home computer" rage was at its peak, in 1985. Of course, there are far
more computers in the workplace now than in 1985, too. Many home computers
today are just extensions of those workplace computers, used to extend their
owners' workday -- and stress levels -- into the night.
The true "home computer," though, is one that would be integral to home life,
rather than working life. Manufacturers envision it as a combination
education and entertainment center, to be used for the kids' schoolwork, as a
"smart" television (there's an oxymoron), as a limitless information resource
and a global communications tool to shame the telephone.
That would seem to be the prescription for an irresistible product. With
sales of computers to business growing more sluggishly than in the past, the
home computer appears to be a lucrative way for manufacturers to boost their
fortunes.
That's why IBM began hyping its new PS/1 computer line two weeks ago. Tandy
is expected to join the competition July 25. Apple is preparing a
less-expensive version of its Macintosh computer line, presumably with the
home market in mind. And everybody who is talking about making a "multimedia"
computer is talking about nothing more than a home computer that uses all the
color, sound and motion of television.
One of the real challenges to getting computers into the home is that the
machines are at once computers and consumer electronics equipment -- two
distinct and often opposing worlds. Two weeks ago, I listened to speakers
from both industries square off in a panel discussion during the Digital World
forum in Beverly Hills. It became easy to see why home computers will have
trouble cracking American living rooms soon.
Computer makers, noting the difficulty that most people seem to have
programming their VCRs, argued that consumer electronics companies have done
little more with computer chips than to apply a coat of digital paint to their
gear. In short, the "user interface" of VCRs, microwave ovens and so forth
stinks. And there's no way for you to write a better interface for a VCR
because its computer can't be modified.
Consumer electronics makers, however, argued that computer companies still
haven't figured out the psychology of the mass market. Consumers accustomed
to inexpensive color televisions, Hollywood production values and digital
audio from $150 compact disc players will expect far more from a $2,000 home
computer setup. They won't get it for a while.
As much as I hate to say it, the key seems to lie in the success of the
despicable Nintendo box. There's one of these dreadful things in 20 million
American homes. Why?
Because Nintendo machines are cheap, and (sadly for opponents of gratuitious
violence) the games are addictive to their target audience. What's more, they
operate within the familiar consumer electronics framework of the TV -- and
even a 6-year-old can shove a game cartridge in the slot and start killing
things without reading the manual.
Until you can buy a $1,000 home computer that's better than television and as
easy to use as Nintendo, the machines will have limited appeal. Mostly they'll
sell to a limited number of affluent parents. But with the sluggish economy
producing a slow-down in consumer spending, even those folks won't choose to
buy a home computer now.
------------------------------
Write to Rory J. O'Connor at 750 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose 95190, or
send electronic mail via MCI Mail at mailbox 361-2192. You can call him
at (408) 920-5019 or send a fax at (408) 920-5917.
''
FYI, San Jose (Calif.) is one of the 10 largest cities in the USA, is located
in the heart of Silicon Valley, and is served by only ONE newspaper.
One letter in the Amiga SIG on PORTAL sums this situation nicely (regarding
the {incompetence | bias} of the SJMN's Computing Editors during the past
several years):
I'd say Rory is more incompetent than biased. Bartimo was biased;
that's a given, but I get the impression Rory simply doesn't research
his articles well (I am of that opinion because I don't see stuff like
Bartimo's Desktop Video article being written by him; he may not pay
attention to/know much about the Amiga, but I don't see him telling
lies about it like Bartimo did). I think a letter that flames Rory
about his latest editorial will be dismissed as just more ravings by
Amiga fantatics (we have, after all, gotten a bit of a reputation :-)
On the other hand, a letter that points out that the _editor_ of
the _computing_ section of _the_ Silicon Valley newspaper called for
the creation of a machine that had already been designed, built, and
introduced will make him look like a fool. He, of all people, should
have known about it, and the fact that he didn't illustrates his
inability to research a subject properly.
-Dave
Thad Floryan [ thad@cup.portal.com (OR) ..!sun!portal!cup.portal.com!thad ]david@twg.com (David S. Herron) (07/16/90)
The main pont, as I read it, was that computers are hard to use Well ... he's got a point. Sorry.. -- <- David Herron, an MMDF weenie, <david@twg.com> <- Formerly: David Herron -- NonResident E-Mail Hack <david@ms.uky.edu> <- <- Sign me up for one "I survived Jaka's Story" T-shirt!