🚀 go-pugleaf

Ok, lets try changing the approach to the TT subject. I own
a complete Mega ST4 with TOS 1.4, Turbo16, the SLM804 laser
printer, and a dual Seagte 65 meg (total = 130 megs) hard drive
from ABCO Computers, both Atari monitors (color and monochrome).
I  have used STs since 1986. I state these facts to show that I
am NOT an Atari Basher, rather that I am disappointed with Atari
The Company.

Also, I own Calamus and PageStream and Mark Williams C and a host
of other EXCELLENT software for the ST.

My point all along has been :

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And I mean the TT/Plastic as it is the most likely TT to make it 
to the USA. 

I get the following:

1) GDOS with ALL of its WARTS and faults

2) TOS 1.6, with only single tasking

3) An increase in speed

4) A higher rez color mode (640x480 in 16 colors)

Except for the higher color rez I don't see anything in the TT
that would make me want to dump my investment in my current ST
hardware.

What would make me buy an Atari computer:

1) A FAST CPU, at least a 25 Mhz 68030, with an option to go to
   33 Mhz or even 50 Mhz as Motorola releases the faster cpus.

2) ability to change to a 68040 CPU without buying a whole new
   computer. That is why I can Atari computers disposable. In order
   to upgrade to a different CPU you have to "dispose" of your older
   computer.

3) A true multi-tasking, multi-windowing OS. I mean, heck the Amiga
   has had multi-tasking since the first A1000 was released. 

4) An open buss so that 3rd party vendors can develop boards for the TT.

5) Better Developer support from Atari, with real discounts given to
   Developers for Atari hardware.

6) Real color graphics ala the Macintosh. 640x480 in 16 colors is a joke,
   and Atari should be ashamed for introducing a new machine with such
   limited grpahics?? The TT will be the Atari machine for the early 1990s
   and should be better then that!!

7) A replacement for GDOS. Something that uses outline fonts. The Mac system
   beats GDOS all the way to the North Pole!! GDOS is such a memory hog that
   even 4 megs in my ST is limiting!!

Sure these items all add to the cost of a computer but they should at least
be options. That way a Power User should spend the extra bucks a Home User
wouldn't have to. By the time the 16 Mhz TT/Plastic makes it to the USA 
Motorola will be selling 50 Mhz 68030 cpus. 

All in all, everything about the TT says if it had been released in Jan 1989
instead of July 1990 it MIGHT have been an acceptable computer. But by the
Summer of 1990, when we can reasonable expect to see the TT on USA shelves,
it will already be outdated by the Amiga A3000, and the Mac IIcx, Mac IIci.

What has happened to Atari Corp?? why can't they design and produce a new
machine as nice as the ST was back in 1985?? The ST beat other computers
hands down in 1985. I wish the TT could do the same in 1990!!

Richard (Tired of Bashing the TT) Covert