Conference 7.286::atarist

    
    Now, in 1985 when the ST came out, the actual MS-DOS computer was
    a XT, and the ATs were just about starting. The ST was sensational
    at that time. Then I had the feeling that they fell asleep, compared
    to other brands. They announced the TT two years before that machine
    really could be bought and kicked away some users with such a habit.
    Meanwhile, with the new machines they showed at CeBit, I think they
    woke up and presented computers they didn't announce before and 
    instantly cought everybody's attention like 6 years ago. Take a
    look at the TT topic in this conference to see that this thing *can*
    compete with actual machines on the market. And still they are cheaper
    than other machines with the same performance (see also the Stacy,
    ST-Pad and the Notebook). If you want to compare STs with other
    machines you have to take XTs or early '286. If you need to compare
    to '386, take the TT. You're definitely right about the lack of screen
    resolutions (and sound) compared to a Amiga. But, you also can upgrade 
    your machine (like MS-DOS users have to, also). Recently I've seen 
    an ad about a super-VGA like graphics card for *every* ST for about 
    300.-$. With a ST you have a relatively cheap base product and with some
    additional money you can upgrade this thing to almost every performance
    you like (graphic cards, excelerator boards, SCSI adaptors, '286 boards
    a.s.o). As you see by now, I do not always agree with Atari's service
    but I like my computer and it's fun. I sometimes have my problems,
    though, but that's part of the hobby. 
    
    Now that I decided for the ST I hope Atari does give me some rebate
    on a TT :-)
    
    Bernd
    (not completely uncritical...)
            
    

I won't argue that the old "Power Without The Price" slogan is a bit tarnished
today in light of the faster and cheaper machines from other makers.  However,
there is much more than meets the eye here.  True enough, Amiga graphics are
enticing and for certain applications, that may indeed be the best machine for
the price.  But keep in mind they still *cheat* by using interlaced video which
results in an annoying screen flicker and sore eyes under some lighting.  Even
so, I admit Atari's ST limit of 16 simultaneous colors regardless of the number
of colors on the palette is woefully behind the times.

But in my mind, the ST outshines any Amiga where it counts most, in its
operating system and desktop interface.  Ask any user who owns or frequently
uses both machines and he'll explain in no uncertain terms how he feels about
the Amiga's oft seen "guru meditation" alert box!

As mentioned in .2, the range of 3rd party add-ons make the ST line a very
attractive and indeed, FUN choice.  Consider the Spectre GCR, SST 68030, Turbo
16 and now Turbo20, etc.  These are *great* products that really bring back that
"Power Without The Price" idea.

As in life, "you pays your money and you takes your choice".  Different machines
have different strengths and weaknesses but I strongly believe Atari still gives
you more bang per buck than any other make.  The TT is in another class
altogether and will face stiff competition from other mid-range machines but
watch the new MegaSTe's.  Once prices come down a little they could very well
be killers in their price range!

Hutch

All these add ons for the ST are great.  But where do you put them?  I know
my ST doesn't have alot of room inside.  A PC however has abundant multipurpose
exansion slots, some even have 32 bit slots.  Maybe the TT or STE has more 
expansion capabilities, but I know my 520 doesn't.

-andrew

    
    I hate to mention it... but that same "asleep" concept is popular
    in the Amiga market too.  At one time they were worried about competition
    from Atari in the low end.  Now Atari is the least of their worries - 
    both the ibmpc clones and the Macs are moving into the low end of 
    the market.
    
    Try comparing the TT to a 386/SuperVGA/Windows 3.0 system, the price on 
    386 systems has recently dropped into the under $2000 range.
    
    re: the Guru, it's a lot better than the hangs I get on the Compaq in
    my office, at least it tells you why it died, after you decode the
    numbers.  Useful on a multitasking OS to figure out who's not playing 
    according to the rules.
    
    Dave

    
    re .3
    
    you'll gain space for your add-ons with another add-on, let's say
    a tower case or any cheap clone box. I have all my stuff in a BA23 
    tower... (construction finished last weekend)
    
    Bernd
                           

re .5

Reminds me of a Dilbert cartoon where he is showing off his new computer to his
dinosaur friends:

DILBERT:  You dinosaurs have probably never seen a computer.  This makes me so
	  efficient I can save hours every day.

DINOSAURS:  What do you do with all your spare time?

DILBERT:  I work on the computer.

DINOSAURS:  Wow!  Then you can save even *more* time!

re .5
	you have an atari in a tower?

    
    re .6
    
    Right! Whenever I have to explain to someone for what I need a
    computer at home, I start thinking and then answer: for
    making backups of my disks, for reorganizing, installing SW,
    add some new HW features...  ;-)
    
    
    re .7
    
    By chance I got the BA23 from a customer who moved the microVAX
    into a rack and therefor didn't need the box anymore. I designed
    a good fitting housing where I can fix the boards in and which I
    can slide in and out. A nice looking front panel with square LEDs
    and the neccessary switches did the rest.
    
    Bernd
    
    
    

    
    Hi,
    
    Re refitting ST's in cases tower or otherwise.
    
    There is a firm in Germany who provide kits to put any Atari in a
    tower, a company in the UK also import this and sell it here.
    
    I am half way to installing my ST in an old DEMSA chassis and skins
    that was chucked out.
    Cheers
    
    Pat K.