megabyte@chinet.chi.il.us (Dr. Megabyte) (07/20/90)
I'm finally about ready to give up on my Tandy Color Computer 3. While it's a fine machine, for an 8 bit machine, it seems that both Tandy and 3rd party support for it are dwindling. So, it's time for a new computer. Several of my friends have recomended the Atari ST line as an "Upgrade" path from the CoCo 3. The reasons: High Quality Graphics Mouse driven, graphic interface Ease of Use Cost effective Relative ease of finding software Good sound Good 'C' compilers available Lot's of PD code Can read those messy-DOS disks Runs OS-9 (My prefered OS) It almost sounds like the CoCo 4 Tandy never came out with. So here are my questions about the Atari ST line: 1. Cost - What do the 1040 and 520 ST systems cost? What is the used market like? Are there 3rd party disk drives, hard disks and etc for it? 2. Expandability - Does the ST have "standard" printer, RS-232 ports and other places to connect devices? 3. Monitor - Is the Atari monitors the only games in town? Should I go color or mono? 4. Software - I see LOTS of games for the ST in my local store, but few word wackers and other "user" programs. Do they exist, but just not retail? 5. OS-9 for the ST - What is the cost? Is there a windowing version of OS-9 for the ST? or it is strictly a "generic" implimentation? 6. Anything you might want to tell me as a potential ST owner, particulary if you used to be a Color Computer Owner. 7. What is the best ST magazine to get and read to become familair with the ST universe? Since all this is so basic, it can be emailed to me if you don't want to take up bandwidth in comp.sys.atari.st. With luck, I might get a new computer soon, but I want to be sure that what I might buy really is a good system that won't be deserted in a few years such as my CoCo has been. -- Mark E. Sunderlin: IRS Technocrat in Stephens City, VA aka Dr. Megabyte: megabyte@chinet.chi.il.us (703) TOY-DUDE "It is a pity that even the least drop of this noble gift of God should be spilled." - J.S. Bach on wine.