Hi Allen. I have been reading thru the recent posts and thought your comments on TEAC announcement using the USB port were good ones, but I wonder if USB may come into its own with the release of Windows 98. There isn't much out there now that uses the USB port. A few scanners maybe, but not sure of other applications available that use this. Maybe, with the trend of sub-$1000 systems increasing and the advent of set-top boxes and Web-TV type systems coming to market, the USB might be a simple way to daisy-chain various "after market" devices for use with these bargain basement computers and Internet boxes. I think that this trend to offer cheaper and cheaper computers to new users who mainly want a computer to do e-mail and surf the Internet will continue. I would look to Iomega to come out with some USB hookups for some of its products as an alternative to Parallel and SCSI when Win 98 becomes established, if that is what USB needs in order to finally be of use. A simple USB hookup for a Zip drive and/or the new Clik! system and Digital Cameras might be one way to provide an easy way to add these devices to these "stripped down" computers, etc. We are really into another shift in the computer marketplace, but if Iomega can come up with a way to easily add Zips, Jaz, Clik! and other products to these boxes, then maybe we will be happy to see the USB come into its own. Just my thoughts on this rather cryptic announcement.
PS. My new NEC computer came with 2 USB ports as standard. If they can be really used as a simple "plug n play" inputs, I would definitely be interested in trying them out.
Regarding IOM, I must say that if you plotted the number of posts per day against the price/volume figures of the stock you would have a very nice correlation... Can't say that I can see much change in both for the next several weeks until we get some news other than a who's who in the shyster lawyer hall of fame each day. Talk about a pile on. And of course they will now be on to sue bigger and better companies like INTC, CPQ and DELL when they miss their numbers... but the DID WARN US... %^)
My best to you and all on the thread... Mel |
