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Conference hydra::amiga_v1

Title:	AMIGA NOTES
Notice:	Join us in the NEW conference - HYDRA::AMIGA_V2
Moderator:	HYDRA::MOORE

Created:	Sat Apr 26 1986
Last Modified:	Wed Feb 05 1992
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	5378
Total number of notes:	38326

1526.0. "Advice needed in buying Amiga 500" by ROMULN::MYEE (weave it from moonbeams and starlight...) Mon Jul 11 1988 21:26


	    OK, I'm ready to take the plunge.  I'm goning to get an Amiga
	500.  After reading all these notes and articles on the Amiga, I am
	convinced that the 500 is the best bargain in personal computers
	this decade! But before I put $1000+ down on the computer of my
	dreams, I have a few questions (off the top of my head):

	1. First, Should I wait till WB v1.3?

	2. Where is the best place to buy (local Mass. or mail order)?
	    <Where is the "Software Shop", and how is Abel's service?>

	3. What hardware options, from what manufacturer should I buy?

	    a. 512k or 1meg memory expansion (CBM or Microbotics)
		<how much memory do I really need for most applications?>
	    b. color monitors (Sony, Electrohome, others)
		<is the "standard" Amiga monitor OK for most applications?>
	    c. hard disk (SCSI or others)
	    d. second floppy (do I need one if I get a hard drive?)

	4. Which C compiler is the best or best deal for the money?
	    <Interesting question: has GNU gcc been ported to the Amiga?>

	    Mine primary interest is to do animation, ray tracing, use and
	hack PD software (specifically Movie type programs), etc.  I am also
	thinking about porting some of the Amiga PD animation software to
	the VAXstation.  If anybody out there has any PD animation software,
	please let me know.  There is currently an effort to get a Digital
	film entry into the 1989 SIGGRAPH conference (held in Boston, MA).
    
Thanks to all,

-MikeYee

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
1526.1	Don't Wait	TLE::RMEYERS	Randy Meyers	`Tue Jul 12 1988 08:17`	9
	Re: .0 > 1. First, Should I wait till WB v1.3? No. The only new feature in the 1.3 ROM is booting from a hard disk. All the other 1.3 improvements and bug fixes are on the Workbench disk. So, unless you absolutely must shave that extra 10 seconds from your boot procedure, there is no reason to get 1.3 ROM.
1526.2	Get a MultiSync	LEDS::ACCIARDI	I Blit, therefore I am...	`Tue Jul 12 1988 09:46`	22
	My standard advice to all prospective Amiga buyers is get a multisync type monitor. The standard Amiga monitor isn't very good anyway, and definitely will NOT work with some new video modes that will be available in a year or so (with the Enhanced Chip Set). If you plan on doing video work, the Amiga monitor is fine, since it supports composite input as well as analog RGB. I don't know of any multisync monitors that accept composite input. This may not be an issue, since you could send the Amiga's anolog RGB signal to a multisync monitor, and send the composite (monochrome standard, color with a $50 adaptor) to a TV set. A good multisync monitor, such as the Princeton Ultrasync, can be had for as little as $500, mail order. Thompson sells a model that is even less expensive. Redmond Cable can build any custom cable that you might need. Don't cut corners on a monitor. It's the most important part of your system. Ed.
1526.3		PNO::SANDERSB	a belagana	`Tue Jul 12 1988 15:17`	6
	For more information on monitors that would be compatible with your system read note 137, relpies 9, 10, 11, and 13 in the Bolt::AtariST notes file. Bob
1526.4	These folks "did right by me."	WAV12::HICKS	Tim Hicks @BXO	`Tue Jul 12 1988 18:32`	16
	One source recommendation: I bought my 500 from Computer Mail Order (original name, huh?). You may have seen their ads with a big "CMO." I price shopped and found that although this place wasn't the lowest, they had very good, responsive service, including the return of my original monitor which was defective. I won't relive all the horror show I went through with another slimebag outfit. Computer Mail Order 477 East Third Street Williamsport, PA 17701 They have an "800" number which you can get by calling 800-555-1212.
1526.5	Spare floppies, GNU C	CRLVMS::TREESE	Use the Source, Luke	`Fri Jul 15 1988 14:28`	15
	You probably don't need the second floppy drive if you have a hard disk; about the only thing it's useful for is duplicating floppies. I haven't used my second floppy for months (actually, I loaned it to a friend without a hard disk), and haven't really missed it. C compilers: There has been discussion before here before, so I'll simply add that I have the Manx compiler and I'm pretty happy with it. GNU C has been ported by someone at SUNY/Stonybrook but there's no public domain C library to go with it. If someone provides one, the compiler will be made available. - Win
1526.6	heres what I did	DPDMAI::ANDERSONA		`Sun Jul 17 1988 21:30`	27
	I also bought mine from C.M.O. very easy to work with and I had no troubles. I bought all of my software from Abel supply again I had no trouble until I tried to by a SCSI Hard disk controller. I guess the secret from Abel is if they say they do not have it in stock but it should be arriving any day do not beleive them, Just order it elsewhere. The Supra SCSI interface was due to arrive "any day now" for a month and a half. Abel does have good prices but when I mentioned my problem in trying to purchase a Supra SCSI Controller from them to another mail order house they laughed and said thats Abel for you. So apparently they have a reputation for stringing people along. I bought my C.LTD SCSI controller from the Computer Mart in Texas. But I would suggest you buy it direct from C.LTD. They sell retail and will ship U.P.S. blue if you want them to. Their tech support is pretty good. For a monitor I am using a VR241 I am happy with it but someday I will have to get something better. I only have one floppy drive I spent the $90 - $130 I would have used for a second floppy on a hard disk. I built my own and got a 45MB subsystem for under $600. Alan