MLWLG@CUNYVM.BITNET (02/20/91)
I have heard that 'soon' there will be cheap MacIntosh *clones* available, is that true? For instance, just as I can buy an Intel based micro computer (e.g., 80286) that is like an AT, I can buy a generic Mac at 1/2 the Brand-Name cost. Thank you, Larry Muller mlwlg@cunyvm.cuny.edu
john@newave.UUCP (John A. Weeks III) (02/22/91)
In article <91050.153329MLWLG@CUNYVM.BITNET> MLWLG@CUNYVM.BITNET writes: > I have heard that 'soon' there will be cheap MacIntosh *clones* > available, is that true? Keep in mind that you generally get what you pay for. Do you think Apple will ever test its system software on a Mac clone? What if you have a problem...will a clone maker have access to Apple's technical information to insure that their machines run new systems as they are released? If you don't mind being several steps behind the state of the Mac, then you might be able to live with a clone. > For instance, just as I can buy an Intel based micro computer (e.g., 80286) > that is like an AT, I can buy a generic Mac at 1/2 the Brand-Name cost. You can already do better. Call Sun Remarketing and order a Mac Plus for 1/4 of the original retail price. Quite a deal considering that an equally priced PC clone would not have build in SCSI, high speed serial ports, a mouse, or a network adapter. Some PC clones even charge for the DOS boot disks! -john- -- =============================================================================== John A. Weeks III (612) 942-6969 john@newave.mn.org NeWave Communications ...uunet!rosevax!tcnet!wd0gol!newave!john ===============================================================================
carter@cat27.cs.wisc.edu (Gregory Carter) (03/03/91)
I could never, ever come close to affording ANY mac. Which brings me to the point, I have heard people say Apple's support could not be had without the current cost of MAC's, and the addage of course, that you get what you pay for. Well, thats true to a certain extent. But as I have read, most of the examples in comparison to IBM machines and the clones, I don't BUY IT. Sure you can buy a clone from a REAL LOSER dealer setup found in some abstract black and white add in Computer Shopper, but thats not the case at all in fact, you can get quite awesome support from clone manufactures, Vendex for one offers 386 machines for 33Mhz 1299.00 starting with 24-24 hour complete system turn around time if you have problems. I know, I had to help my sister, who is a complete KLUTZ, select a computer, because she couldn't mortgage her house, she had to go with a IBM CLONE, instead of an equivalent IIci, which is what she probably needs. The only way I can use MAC system software, is because I have a MAC EMULATION system on my Atari MEGA STe 4megs/50Meg hard drive 16Mhz for $990 bucks, the hard disk, and the hardware blow a Mac Classic out into the water and my hard drive outperforms a standard IIci by at least two times. The way Apple prices its hardware is a crime. I really need a 32 bit machine but I can't afford it even at student prices, which are still a joke. As it is I almost got kicked out of my dorm for not paying my housing just to get the setup... What is really amazing is that with Version 3.0 of Spectre GCR, I can run better than 99% of everything out there, and at a VERY nice pace. The screen is a plush 20% larger and Atari's 70Hz Monochrome is quite superior to the MACS display at 640x400. Very nice. Someday I will buy a MAC cause I believe in the philosophy of designing the software around the needs of the human who has to deal with it, but until then I have everything I need, except the MAC Logo on the BOX and of course I don't have monthly payments to deal with. I do have regret, in that I want color, and although I am the envy of my Mac Classic/+/SE friends, I still would like to see COLOR. --Gregory