scott@mcs-server.gac.edu (Scott Hess) (06/15/91)
I've gotten some replies to posts of mine asking for advice on whether people should wait for the supposed 88110 machine (which I've _yet_ to hear about from any trustworthy sources, so who knows?) First answer: I can't really help - I'll probably buy it, when it comes out, anyhow. :-). [Well, I hope to be able to, at least.] Longer answer: Look at what you're spending on the system (.edu prices): Slab $2500 Monitor/keyboard$800 RAM (16M) $650 Disk (1Gig) $1800 Tape $1800 UPS $500 modem (fast) $750 Total $8800 Now, sure, you can skimp here and there - but if you're even considering any RISC machine, it's silly to work with much less than what I list - we're not talking about a Mac classic here, after all. Note that, in that list, the only component that changes when you move to a risc system is the Slab itself. Anything that talks to the machine through SCSI or serial can stay. The UPS can stay. The monitor and keyboard can stay. So, even if you do purchase a system right now, the only thing you need to change to upgrade (given that NeXT doesn't offer some awesome upgrade program) is the CPU itself, which is only a quarter of the total. More than likely, a RISC CPU will cost more, anyhow, so that makes any loss on the old CPU even less of a bother. Now, consider that most computers depreciate in about 3 years. In other words, in three years the machine you buy now will be obsolete - well, at least not cutting edge. Now, recall the number of months most of us waited between ordering and receiving our '040 systems. Given that we haven't seen any announcements from NeXT, and they are just now finishing clearing out their backlogs, I would suspect that the man on the street would not be able to have a RISC-based NeXT on their desk within 9 months or maybe a year, no matter what happens. So, if you bought an '040 machine now, in a year it's worth quite a bit less, anyhow, especially relative to any upgrade prices. So, what it comes down to is "What are those 9 months worth to you?" If you've got real work to do, they'll probably make a big difference. If you get your $800 in use out of it in that time, it's worth it. And, after all, there's nothing that says you have to have the mambo giant cutting edge machine all the time. If NeXT survives, there will certainly be another machine after the machines they are currently working on. A NextStation400/16 should be plenty of machine for most people, so you could keep it for 3 years until the next generation after the next one comes out, at which time it will probably be nearly useless, anyhow. Then, you can donate it to your church or local Boy Scout troop, or something. Lastly, an '040 would make a helluva print/UUCP/SLIP server. So, you could purchase a RISC system and run your old slab monitor-less. Presuming a $3500 price tag for a RISC slab, your system is now about $12,300 (not figuring inflation or anything), and has something like 50MIPs to throw around. I'd like it. [Disclaimer: I honestly have no idea what NeXT is doing WRT future machinery. I'm not non-disclosed, and haven't even spoken with a NeXT employee for 2 months or more. So, I'm probably not a good source for insider stuff. I'm just trying to call it like I see it . . .] Later, -- scott hess scott@gac.edu Independent NeXT Developer Graduated GAC Undergrad! <I still speak for nobody> Note: I have moved home for a time. My email address will still be valid. Any SnailMail should be redirected, along with phone calls. At the least, my parents can tell you how to get hold of me, or forward any mail . . . Old: PO 829, GAC, St. Peter, MN 56082 (507) 933-8466 New: RR#4 Box 227 Pipestone, MN 56164 (507) 825-2788