Just a comment on DEC Alpha chip:
Yes, it's fast, and yes, it runs Windows NT. But it does not run the same NT as an Intel/AMD/Cyrix chip, it is not an X86 chip, and it is not compatible at a binary level. So while you can run NT on it, when you go to run an application [Word, Corel Draw, etc.], you have to use the DEC Alpha version, it won't run the x86 version, regardless of what operating system the x86 version was written for.
Guess what ??? Alpha versions of most popular software products DON'T EXIST.
That's why I think it will stay a niche system, limited to customers who have an OVERWHELMING need to run one of the few applications that are offered for the DEC Alpha. There are some such applications, but they are not "mainstream". |