Author: Dark Willow (host81-154-143-204.range81-154.btcentralplus.com)
Date: 03-09-2005 19:01
I think the ACP approach is sensible. I don't really think that an embedded solution aiming to appeal to non Atari users will really appeal, there are already plenty of tablet/PDA machines that are quite simple to use and are quick enough. The Atari these days is a system for the people who love it, not beacause it can realistically hold it's own against the PC march. OK yes, it can be quick and responsive to use, but most people see many many Ghz processors, and think Ghz = Good and that's as far as it goes, to convince them otherwise will take a far better marketing budget than any developer group will have.
I think incorporating the SuperVidel into the ColdFire is useful in that it will make it more comptable, save doubling up development work, and also mean that you won't be dependent on a commerical board that may well suddenly dissappear from the market.
I thinkt he biggest issue for making a new Atari machine isn't so much about the relative power of the hardware compared to modern systems (For most Atari users now I don't think that's a huge concern, Atari software doesn't demand gigahertz of power and gigabytes of HD space) but rather the availability of drivers for new add on's that it can accept (PCI and AGP slots are all very well, as long as there are drivers available for the cards you fill them with) and new, well written software to take advantage of the extra power but maintaining the simplcity and efficiency that makes Atari software so pleasing to use in the first place.
