[comp.sys.atari.st] Magic Sac/Spectre 128

jriegel@polyslo.CalPoly.EDU (Jeff Riegel) (04/26/89)

  I've been toying with the idea of buying a Magic Sac or a Spectre 128,
but I'd like some information first.  Is it worth it to pay the extra
to get the Spectre?  I know you get to use the 128K ROMs, but is this
a big improvement over the 64K?  Especially considering how cheaply the
old Magic Sacs have been sold used lately.
  How much would I expect to pay for a new Spectre 128, including the
ROMs?  Also, how much would the Spectre GCR sell for if and when it
becomes available?

-Jeff Riegel
jriegel@polyslo.calpoly.edu

Xorg@cup.portal.com (Peter Ted Szymonik) (04/27/89)

Spectre is well worth the extra dough - it will run many many more
programs than Magic Sac and is *much* faster in all respects.  The
use of 128K over 64K ROMS is also an obvious improvement and results
in a much higher degree of compatibility - not to mention that the
128K ROMS are the largest installed base and will be the MAC standard
for years to come (at least as a base.)  ROMS can be had for around
$125-175 last time I checked - but be warned that Apple has sent notice
to dealers asking them not to sell ROMS - so buy now.  GCR is a very
REAL product and is being displayed at the World of Atari - advance orders
are being taken now and shipping will begin in late July - Early August.
I just received notice of the trade-in for GCR (now $100!)  GCR carries
a price of $299 sans ROMS.

Peter Szymonik
Xorg@cup.portal.com