hunter@oakhill.UUCP (Hunter Scales) (01/09/90)
I am looking for opinions on the RasterOps ClearVue SE high-res
Monochrome adapter and monitor.
This adapter has a high-res frame buffer, selectable for
1024x768 or 640x870 with an integral 16 MHz 68000 accelerator.
The RAM SIMMs reside on the adapter/simulator board and, they
claim, can use down to 75 ns RAMS for no-wait state operation.
There is even an optional 16 MHz 68881 FPU. They claim that
some included software lets applications use the FPU
transparently. With the 19" monitor, it lists for $1995 but
Software that Fits has it for $1379.
For any who has had experience with this board, I have some questions:
1) Is the RAM really no-wait states?
2) They claim that all applications run the same only faster.
Is this true? What about games and other software-timing-loop
programs? In general, what happens when applications run on a
2X speed processor?
3) They claim that their is a "special" sound RAM that allows
sampled sound to playback without distortion. How does this
work (does it work?).
4) The price includes a monitor (there own 19" 1024x768) or
Apples' 15" monochrome). This seems like a great deal. I plan
to get their monitor. Is it ok (no jitter etc)?
5) Has anyone had experience with Software that Fits? I
haven't seen them mentioned yet.
6) A general question: How are multiple-screened systems
handled on the Mac? Is this a function of the OS or does
application software have to be aware of this? RasterOps
bundles something called Stepping Out II with the system. What
does this do and how well does it do it?
7) Is this a reasonable way to accelerate or would a seperate
68030-based card be better?
Thanks for the help.
--
Motorola Semiconductor Inc. Hunter Scales
Austin, Texas {harvard,utah-cs,gatech}!cs.utexas.edu!oakhill!hunter
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