🚀 go-pugleaf

In a discussion on unexpandable mega ST's, kclenden@silver.bacs.indiana.edu
Kevin Clendenien states that Apple computers (he
also mentioned another brand) need Apple peripherals and that they cost much
more than Atari ST peripherals.  I don't know if you've looked at the Apple
side of things lately, but this just isn't true.

First of all, Apple computers (specifically Mac's) don't need to use Apple
peripherals.  Maybe you're not aware that there are more third party peripheral
suppliers for Macs than for ST.  Just look in any Mac specific magazine
and you'll be surprised to find how many brands of hard disks (internal and
external), back-up tape drives, graphics display cards and monitors and
floppy drives are available for the Mac.   There are also alternatives to
Apple Laserwriter and Imagewriter.

Second point.  Apple peripherals from third party suppliers are priced
at least the same as Atari ST peripherals.  In some cases, they are even
cheaper on the Mac than on the ST.  For example, look at hard drive prices.
Quantum has an ad for a 20 Meg hard disk for $499 (Atari Explorer).  You could
buy a larger drive for the Mac for the same price (Cutting Edge: 20 Meg - $439.
30 Meg - $499).  External floppy drive for the ST costs $149 (this is the
cheapest I've seen).  An equivalent Mac floppy drive costs the same.  Of course
memory is also cheaper on the Mac.

It seems to me that the only thing cheaper on the Atari ST is the computer
itself. I have a bare 1040STF at home and a new Mac IIci with loads of stuff
at work.

Regards,
Marcelino Bernardo
mbernar@erenj.bitnet