🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1993Jan28.212350.18897@njitgw.njit.edu>
dic5340@hertz.njit.edu (David Charlap) writes:
.... (deleted)
>A Microchannel device driver can not be the same as an ISA driver.
>That is, ISA drivers may work with MCA cards, due to general
... (etc)
 
THIS brings up an interesting point.  I'm sure I can get a lot of comments
from the net and unofficial ones from IBM 'netters' but I wonder if I-B-M
can respond ooooohh-fficially:
 
Question:  Since Radius licenses XGA-2 from IBM will IBM guarantee OS/2 support
for R's XGA-2 card as long as IBM supports its own XGA card?
 
IF the Radius card needs drivers beyond what IBM supplies with the OS (i.e
drivers from Radius,   then I'm no better off then I am with my
_________ (fill in the blank) __________   SVGA clone card.
 
I.E.  I'm still STUCK depending on the 3rd party vendor to supply drivers
for the latest / greatest version of my favorite O.S. every 6 months to a year.
Which then means a lot of waiting and catching up and 'sorry charlie' when new
versions of OS/2 (or applications) come out.
 
This is crazy!   Back when 8514 ISA clones were coming out it was real
important to ask if it was *REGISTER* compatible with IBM's 8514/A
and not just an 8514/a 'emulator' that required drivers.  That way you just
installed OS/2 or CAD/CAM and said its an 8514/A and it worked.  No drivers,
no hanging out on a limb etc. nothing!
 
I am getting a sense that things are changing in that even IBM equipment needs
device drivers these days but at least IBM keeps up the support for a year or
two before it gives you the kiss-off.   E.G.  Look at 8514/A its discontinued
about 1(+)years now but they still work and there's drivers coming for 2.1.
Eventually IBM will say 'support dropped' but by then it will pretty old stuff.
and who here could complain?
 
Whereas my favorite SVGA board maker tells me they don't support drivers for
the original, & to buy version II now, if I want OS/2 drivers and BTW they'll
be out 6 months after IBM gift wraps a development kit for them and sends them
a personal invitation to support their video cards in OS/2.  :-(
 
And to add insult to injury Radius is demanding double what IBM wants for the
MCA version.
             the world sure is changing! :-)  .. joe.f.
 
SPGJAF @ CMSA.Berkeley.Edu    also ... USUCA886 @ IBMMAIL via x.400