Patrick@ark.cs.vu.nl (Patrick van Kleef) (01/10/87)
Atari has announced four (4!) new computers on the CES this month.
In short, here is a description of the new models. In two weeks
I'll have news of a new Atari computer that is to be released in
Europe only (for the time being). I can't tell now, because the
magazine I work for would like to publish it first. Maybe Alan or
Neil can post the press-release they put in the Atari BBS?
Anyway:
1) Atari is to release a IBM-PC klone for abt. $500. The machine
includes 1 diskdrive (5,25"), serial port, parallel port, mouse port
(Microsoft compatible, with ST-mouse), disk port (for external 2nd drive,
be it another 5,25" or 3,5" ST drive).
The interesting thing about this machine is that it is supposed to support
Hercules, CGA *and* EGA video output. A special new intelligent monitor
can display all modes (it detects the output signal). The computer is
22 " in square, 2" high and will therefore probably lack extension ports
(my view).
2) There are 3 new ST-models to be released: the Mega ST's.They come in a
1, 2 and 4 megabyte version. The machines are upward compatible with
existing models, but have a completely new design. All connections of the
68000 microprocessor are available at a new extension port. If I read well,
there are one or more extension ports inside as well. The computers are
easily expandible to 16 megabytes and are prepared for network applications.
They come in a new cabinet (PC-like?) with a new keyboard (Ah, at last) that
is detachable. The 1-megabyte model will be priced like the current 1040STf,
so a price-fall for the current machines can be expected (again, my view).
3) The laserprinter was shown in a prototype version (do we know what that
means? Remember the IBM-Emulator box.... [which will be dropped? Neil, Alan,
shed some light, please]). A bundle, computer and laserprinter, is supposed
to be retailed for something like $3000 (a mini-revolution).
4) There is a new, slimmer, harddisk that will probably have a design
adjusted to the new models (the cabinet of these computers is meant to
carry both monitor and harddisk)~r.
In two weeks more information will come your way! (rumours, but} pretty
reliable){_bammi@cwruecmp.UUCP (Jwahar R. Bammi) (01/13/87)
The new MeagSt's supposedly allow you to address the full 16 Meg address space of the 68k( ie. the space between 4M and the I/O araea). Some one on the local boards here mentioned that Atari had re-designed the MM chip to allow this. Is this true?? Are the current St's upgradable? -- usenet: .....!decvax!cwruecmp!bammi jwahar r. bammi csnet: bammi@case arpa: bammi%case@csnet-relay compuServe: 71515,155
ian@umd5.umd.edu (Ian Blumgart) (07/30/88)
OK, I have a 1040ST and have had it for 2 years. It has served me very well in what I wanted to do - infact it was a quantum leep up from my old Apple ][+ system. But now I find that the computer arena feels stagnant, lacking in innovation and real growth. We have the PS/2, the Mac ][, and that's about it here in the US as new things go - and they aren't much better than their earlier ancestors. What is Atari gonna do? We all hear rumours about the new stuff from Commodore, and about new stuff from Atari - all the transputer stuff, the 68020 and 68030 stuff, but where is it and is it aimed at all of us 'under $1000' computer junkies? I am not gonna go out and pay $3000 for any system no matter how fancy while I can still do decent work on my ST. But I will admit that if anything spectacular breaks even the $1500 price line I will be tempted. Time for a change, you know. So what is coming around the mountain? What is on the horizon? When can we expect some 'new blood' in this slightly stale arena? Rick Random - a man for all reasons.... --------------------------------------- ian@umd5.umd.edu ---------------------------------------