This one really bugs me (PCI64).
The name implies that it's a PCI Soundblaster 64. I am very, very disappointed with CREAF for pulling such a sleazy move.
They stayed just barely on the honest side of a fine line in the past. For example, the Soundblaster-64. Yea, it's 64 voices, but half of them are done in software. You can get a Soundbaster-32 to do exactly the same thing, and CREAF will give you the software. (Or sell it to you cheap, forget which.)
Soundbaster-32, which the company never lied, they allowed the press the repeatedly make the assumption that the 32 meant 32 BIT (constantly comparing it like this "vs. 16 bit boards" when it, in fact, is a 16-bit board. OK, is it deceptive to not correct the press when they make a wrong assumption like this?
In both cases, the deception was somewhat mitigated by the fact that you really DID get a much better card than the previous generation.
But THIS one crosses the line. I hope it doesn't net them an FTC investigation, or the attention of that pesky Vacco guy in N.Y.
CREAF still has a chance to head this one off at the pass, before they are sued and/or create more consumer backlash. Pick a new name that somehow re-positions it at entry level, or re-christen it Ensoniq, print-up some stickers, and have the dealers paste-em-over. I hope they come clean and spare us shareholders the uncertainty, since we know what the market does with uncertainty. |
