Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Apple Inc. -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Robert Mayo who wrote (14038)	5/25/1998 1:25:00 PM
From: soup	Respond to of 213177

Reply to LaTimes on iMac Pan. latimes.com Mr. Piller; IMO, your article on the iMac is unfair and inaccurate. I'm a long time Mac-user and have sold and supported Macs to both professional and SoHo users, so I speak with some experience. >This wouldn't be a big deal except that the iMac renders previous Mac peripherals obsolete, not a small problem for the small fry.< Newer Technologies has already announced a multi-port USB adapter for old devices. Expect it to sell for well less than $100. And that price should come down. Also because it will be the new PC standard, prices for new peripherals should be significantly lower. >Instead the iMac goes to universal serial bus--the new PC standard, which does have advantages over SCSI. Unfortunately, USB works only sporadically due to rampant software-driver problems, and, pathetically enough, it's slower than SCSI. ... Windows 95 doesn't support USB effectively< There's nothing inherently wrong with USB. (Just because Win '98 is shipping with 3000 documented bugs, you shouldn't tar Macs with that brush.) No reason to expect the iMac wont retain Apple's famed plug-and-play. Yes, it's slower than SCSI but certainly adequate for Zip-type storage devices and scanners and its certainly faster than the serial/ADB ports. >The iMac gets rid of SCSI--a reliable, genuinely plug-and-play technology that supports many hundreds, if not thousands, of peripherals, from scanners to printers to storage drives.< SCSI is dated technology fairly finickly, with ID #conflicts, 7 device limit, 7' max length, all devices must be turned on before booting computer, no hot-swap-ability. My 9500 has a maze of SCSI, serial and adb cables in back. A single USB port is simpler. For a consumer level device like the iMac, the USB is a much better idea. (The new FireWire technology will become the standard for the high-end "Pro" line.) Note: For those with an investment in SCSI peripherals, Apple roadshow reps have said that the an adapter for the iMac's 100/10BASET ethernet connection would be available. macsonly.com >All this reminds me of my painful little modem experience. What small-business Mac user needs the potential hassle of setting up a USB floppy drive?< Current Macs that use external floppies - the Powerbook 2400 only need to be turned off to connect. USB devices wont even need that much consideration. Bottom Line, an iMac buyer's getting a 500 mhz Pentium II (equivalent), great 15" monitor, ATI Rage Pro graphics, SRS sound, 100BT and USB compatibility, 33.6 (highly likely 56K) modem top quality keyboard and mouse and to-die-for styling for $1300. In addition, the software will include Apple(nee-Claris)Works, Filemaker, Quicken, Explorer, AOL 4.1 and a games bundle. This is a very good deal. C'mon in the interests of balanced reporting you should be including this stuff. -------- I need a life. soup