MRC@CAC.Washington.EDU (Mark Crispin) (06/19/91)
I have the opportunity to get a used Atari 1040ST for $350 -- monitor, computer, mouse, single floppy drive. I'm trying to decide if this is a worthwhile purchase or not. Part of the trouble is whether or not it can be put to use as a useful computing engine or, if it is is just a toy, is it at least viable as a toy. [Note: I have a NeXT, so where I draw the line between "toy" and "engine" may be different from you.] Specific questions (reflecting several possible uses): Is Atari still in business and making the 1040ST? Is it a 68000 or does it have something better (e.g. 68020)? Clock speed? Is there an Ethernet interface (preferably thinwire) and TCP/IP software for it? What software is bundled with it? What software is generally available? Is anyone doing software development for it any more? Is the available software real, or is it a just glorified game machine the way the 8-bit Atari was? What's the scoop on the Macintosh emulator, in particular how would a $450 1040ST plus the emulator compare to a Mac Classic for $800? What sort of educational software for it exists to teach children programming, e.g. is there a reasonable Logo? Has anyone had any experience using it as an educational tool for their children? Finally: Is $350 a reasonable price for a floppy-based 1040ST? Email please to the above address, since I don't read this newsgroup.