[comp.sys.atari.8bit] 256k upgrade and the future of the 8-bit

jerrym@mmintl.UUCP (03/31/87)

I have seen on in the news here, talk of different memory upgrades but little
or no mention of the RAMBO XL from ICD.  I just installed it on my 800xl and 
it has given me 256k and 130xe compatibility as well.  It is quite inexpensive
and easy to install.  I am currently running the 130xe version of the
Paperclip word processor and have had no problems at all.  It gives me a
112k text buffer to work with and in addition I can load the spell checker in
memory as well.

Now my point,
this opens up a new arena for development for the 8-bits.  With 4 times the
memory, a lot of things are possible:  mouse/window/gem environment, improved
graphics capabilities ( enhanced with the new 80 col card), "small monochrome"
versions of ST software ( highest color resolution on an ST is really graphics
8 on the 8bits) and the list could go on.  This would make the 8bits true 
home computers that could do some real work and a lot cheaper than buying a
IBM clone that costs more and have worse graphics and sound!

How does ATARI and the rest of you feel?
		
				Jerry.....

ses@oliveb.UUCP (04/04/87)

In article <2066@mmintl.UUCP>, jerrym@mmintl.UUCP (Jerry Martinez) writes:
> ...
> 
> Now my point,
> this opens up a new arena for development for the 8-bits.  With 4 times the
> memory, a lot of things are possible:  mouse/window/gem environment, improved
> graphics capabilities ( enhanced with the new 80 col card), "small monochrome"
> versions of ST software ( highest color resolution on an ST is really graphics
> 8 on the 8bits) and the list could go on.  This would make the 8bits true 
> home computers that could do some real work and a lot cheaper than buying a
> IBM clone that costs more and have worse graphics and sound!
> 		
> 				Jerry.....

LOWEST resolution on the ST is equivalent to the 8 bit's graphics 8.
That's why the 8 bit can only display 40 columns legibly (low res on the ST
is 40 columns).  I do agree that 80 columns on the 8 bit would make it a
worthy entry in competition with other home computer word processing/accounting
type machines.



-- 
Dean Brunette                          {ucbvax,etc.}!sun!oliveb!olivej!ses
Olivetti Advanced Technology Center     _____   _____   __|__   _____
20300 Stevens Creek Blvd.              |     |  _____|    |    |
Cupertino, CA 95014                    |_____| |_____|    |__  |_____

store2@ihuxi.UUCP (04/06/87)

In article <2066@mmintl.UUCP>, jerrym@mmintl.UUCP (Jerry Martinez) writes:
> Now my point,
> this opens up a new arena for development for the 8-bits.  With 4 times the
> memory, a lot of things are possible:  mouse/window/gem environment, 

There is (was?) a company called Zobian Controls that sold a mouse (they
call it a Rat) and an operating system to take advantage of it called
RAOS.  I have just recently gotten interested in trying to incorporate
a mouse for several applications and have tried calling their phone
number but do not get an answer.  I don't know if they take advantage
of extra memory upgrades but it shouldn't be too hard to do.  Anyone
know if they are still in business?  Has anyone tried or currently use
their mouse and operating system?


					Kit Kimes  
					AT&T--Information Systems Labs
					...ihnp4!iwvae!kimes

"I'm carrying the weight of all the useless junk a modern man accumulates.
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