CSULLOGG@CRL.AECL.CA (05/31/91)
A fair comparison is made the same way a person compairs stereo systems. The manufacturer hits you with a lot of specs. However, the true test is to bring a favourite disc, play it on the new system and if it sounds great and is in your price range buy it. Same is true for buying a computer. Forget MIPS. Decide on the applications that you're interested in and see how similar apps perform on different platforms. For example, WINDOWS 3 may LOOK great on a superVGA monitor; however, just compare speed and easy of use of MS Word, EXCEL, PageMaker, etc on Macs and 386s/Windows running these apps and you'll see that for sheere productivity the Mac wins hands down (especially when it comes to getting your printed copy). Go ahead, spend some time in computer stores running apps on various platforms - that's the FAIR comparison!!! Computer loyalty runs deeper and stronger than car loyalty. Just because someone says he loves a Mac, Atari, Amiga or PC does not mean that the same system is good for you. I sell Atari computers but often recommend that the client get a Mac; sometimes even a PC if he/she HAS to run some specialized software for the PC (normally, though, I warn novices about the complications of setting up a PC - ever install PC codes???) Novices should be advised of one thing; often the seller has absolutely no ability to give you proper advice. Often he/she may be selling a system that he/she hates but the job calls for SELL, SELL, SELL. Do not be bullied into getting a system that suits someone else.