[comp.sys.next] Perceptions on Next HW/SW

elston@edwards-saftd-2.af.mil (Mark Elston, NSI Inc., Edwards AFB CA) (04/02/91)

I have been subscribing to this newsgroup for a couple of weeks now and have
not seen any traffic.  Maybe that is a partial answer to my questions.  Anyway,
for those with opinions (preferably based on experience :-) ) please read on and
reply as you feel led.

I am considering purchasing a Next Workstation.  I have quite a few questions
concerning what those of you who have been using the Next system feel to be the
advantages and disadvantages concerning the system.  

As a user, how does the system respond?  How well does it meet your needs?  Is
it as easy to use as the glossies would have you believe?  Is it utilitarian? 
How about performing day-to-day tasks?  Does the interface get in your way? 
Does it hide you from the power of the OS?  

My first uses would probably be academic since I am in a Master's degree
program (Systems Engineering) and that is foremost in my thoughts right now,
but I would like to know that this is a system that has the power to grow and
continue to be useful later.  I have already had several small-business owners
tell me that they would be interested in purchasing something like the Next if
they were 'sure' that it would last into the next decade and not just fade from
sight and that it could meet their needs.  What is your experiences in the
business world?

As developers and system administrators what are your perceptions?  Is the
system a joy or a pain to work with or somewhere in between?  How reliable is
the hardware?  Are repairs inordinately expensive?  What do you feel are the
strengths and weaknesses of the systems available now and those you have heard
about coming down the pike?  What about bugs in the OS?

I guess, when all is said and done, I am looking to see if a decision to go
with Next is a fairly safe and/or wise one, not just now for my immediate
needs but also for the future and those unexpected needs that ALWAYS crop up.

Any information, perceptions, hints, etc. will be appreciated.

Mark.
-- 
##############################################################################
# A mind is a terrible thing to waste -      elston@edwards-saftd-2.af.mil   #
#     Thank goodness mine's all used up.                                     #
#                                                                            #
# If the author has expressed any opinions here they are purely              #
#  accidental and should be ignored.                                         #
##############################################################################