mhorne@tekfdi.UUCP (01/27/87)
References:
Net-nuts,
I'm pondering on whether or not I should hold out for one of the new
'mega-STs' or just buy a 1040 now. I used to have a 1040 at my previous
place of work, but now I am STless (not for long!). Here is the $64
question:
Does the (1040) ST use CAS before RAS DRAM refresh, or does it use the
traditional 'external counter' method? One would hope that Atari
took advantage of this newly emerging DRAM refresh method in their
design, but no major loss if they didn't.
So, you say 'who the hell-o cares!' Well, I was considering loading up
a 1040 with 4 MB of ram using the new 1 MB DRAM chips commonly available.
Of course, the new chips are in an 18 pin package, so I would have to
rig up some sort of piggy back board or something, but no biggie. I
would also have to bring A9 up off of the main board (I hope Atari already
has one there!), but again, no biggie. And the final 'no biggie', I
am assuming the hardware can support this memory arrangement. All
indications point to the answer 'yes'. If I can get away with this, and
if the current hardware on a 1040 could be utilized, I just may end up
with a 1040 with 4 MB instead of waiting around for the next line. I
would much rather get one of the newer machines (if they end up all that
they are said to be), but I've got an itchy wallet!
And, yes, I know I would have to take the power supply current draw into
consideration. If anyone here (maybe Neil Harris, et. al., at Atari
could assist?!) could shed some light on the subject, I would appreciate
it greatly! The local dealers won't let me dig into their machines!
Oh, and when were these wonderful mega-STs supposed to be released?
Mike
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Horne - KA7AXD FDI group, Tektronix, Incorporated
Packet: KA7AXD@KA7AXD Phone: 503-626-2647 h, 627-6796 w
Local: mhorne@tekfdi
UUCP: {decvax,hplabs,hp-cd,reed,uw-beaver}!tektronix!tekfdi!mhorne
-----------------------------------------------------------------------grr@cbmvax.UUCP (01/29/87)
In article <742@tekfdi.UUCP> mhorne@tekfdi.UUCP (Mike Horne) writes: >Net-nuts, > >Oh, and when were these wonderful mega-STs supposed to be released? > > Michael Horne - KA7AXD FDI group, Tektronix, Incorporated The CES press releases specify "Spring Availablility" at Computer Speciality store for the Mega-ST and while the Comparison chart says "April Availability" for the PC clone... -- George Robbins - now working for, uucp: {ihnp4|seismo|rutgers}!cbmvax!grr but no way officially representing arpa: cbmvax!grr@seismo.css.GOV Commodore, Engineering Department fone: 215-431-9255 (only by moonlite)