Conference hydra::amiga_v1

946.0. "Soon to own an Amiga" by MEO78B::MCGHIE (looking for a door...) Sun Dec 06 1987 22:04

    Hi,
    
    I've been reading this notes file for some time now, anticipating
    the time when I can purchase my own Amiga.
    
    Well that is only a month or so away now so I am looking at the
    various options and trying to determine which hardware and software
    to go for.
    
    So I figured the best way to get some decent input on the matter
    was to ask the people that frequent this conference.
    
1.  What Wordprocessor do people seem to recommend ? There was a note
    early (about 430 or so) but I figure the available options may have
    broadened since then. I'm used to Wordstar running under CP/M so
    would like to get a WYSIG type editor.
    
2.  Given the Amiga's brilliant graphic capabilities I would like to
    get hold of a PAINT program. I've used SIGHT (both the PRO and
    VAXstation versions). Is there anything comparable ? It would be
    nice if it wasn't hugely expensive either.
    
3.  Most of the magazines etc I've skimmed through concerning the Amiga
    seem to indicate that C is the 'prefered' language. Is this in fact
    correct ? If so which C compiler do people recommend ? In an earlier
    topic it seemed the Lattice C compiler was the prefered beast.
    
    Also is BASIC used for much ? I had a quick look through a manual
    and it seems reasonable, i.e. no line numbers, labels, structured
    programming capabilities, menu functions (I think) etc. Obviously
    at a disadvantage being an interpreter but... (it comes with the
    machine).
    
    Related to the question on languages, is there support for interrupts
    at the user level ? For example : timer, serial, keyboard or mouse
    interrupts ?
    
4.  Which machine ? 
    
    I've basically decided on a 500. I don't see a need for PC
    compatibility (horrible things anyway). Is there any reason why
    I should go up to a 2000 if I don't need the PC capability ? I have
    always liked the idea of being able to expand my machines though.
    But it seems the 500 is quite expandable. I was playing with one
    at a dealer and it had a meg and hard disk, and external 3 1/2.
    (I've totaly ruled out a 1000).
    
5.  Not really critical but I'm curious, about how you can digitize
    sound. I saw another demo which was playing back a digitized song
    (complete with vocals) of a popular tune. It was being played back
    by one of the Aegis packages. Typically, how much extra hardware
    is required for sound sampling ?
    

    
That's about it for now. I think I'll come up with some more questions
at a later date when I get to know more about the various options etc.

    
    Thanks in advance,
    
    	Mike McGhie
    	(Melbourne, Australia)

    Whew! Lots of questions.
    
    The A-2000 is a lot more money, and thus is not terribly cost effective
    at first, but memory expansion is easier (you don't have to power
    every device you hook on because the power supply can handle it).
    Hard disk, and indeed just about any expansion is cheaper, because
    you just plug in a board (and drive, in the case of a hard disk).
    A minor point, but detachable keyboards are nice things....
    
    Last, but by no means least, the bus is designed for easy expansion
    to a nicer processor board (ie, 68020).
    
    Dpaint II is a great program, but having seen the New Tek Demo,
    I'd have a look at their products when they hit the market.
    
    If possible, I'd get a second drive. The amiga has a way of driving
    you nuts if you only have one....
    
    dov

    Yes, the 2000 would be better for expansion. As far as cost effective
    goes...
    
    Downunder, the list price for the 500 is $999. You can pick it up
    for around $900 at some dealers.
    
    As far as I know the 2000 list price is $2999 !!!!!
    
    Just a 'slight' difference there.
    
    regards Mike