On Fri, 23 Feb 2001, Peter Liethen wrote:
> > The drive bays aren't such a big deal because of external firewire/USB
> > devices.
>
> It's a big deal for me. FireWire drives have dismal performance compaired to
> IDE, and LVD-SCSI leaves them both in the dust. USB is just an ADB replacment
> in my eyes, only good for keyboards and tablets and such.
I guess I wasn't aware of how much Firewire drives were lacking in
performance. Unfortunately, most powerbook buyers aren't looking for
LVD-SCSI, so Apple wouldn't be able to sell that many.
I see USB as a serial/ADB replacement, but definitely not for storage.
> > But then your TiBook ends up looking like the PC in the old
> > iMac commercial: Cables **EVERYWHERE!** I think that this would be too
> > much of a technical hassle for an admittedly small market.
>
> Uhhh, My 2400c has a load of big fat cables hanging out the end when I use
> it at home: SCSI, ADB, Power, ix3D Road Rocket video card, and an ethernet
> card. It annoying as all heck.
Definitely, so does my powertower and my Dock II. I was referring to
Apple's iMac commercial where the PC had a huge tangle of cords behind
it. A Powerbook with only USB/Firewire/PC card slots is a mess of
cables. One with an expansion chassis relegates the cables to the chassis,
leaving the PB with only one connector, a-la Duo.
> It would be marketed to the Mobile Professional that also spends alot of
> time working at a desk with equipment that isn't mobile. (And just because my
> half-rack of VTRs and patch bays has wheels dosn't meen it it's mobile :-)
The $1,000,000 question is "How big is this market?"
> > Basically, PCCard slots eliminate the problem of no PCI slots (more or
> > less...) An external firewire PC Card slot would be killer, though.
>
> Nope. One card slot is kinda usless when I'm at my desk. Just like with my 2400c
> I can either have fast video or ethernet or Fast SCSI. Very annoying.
I was thinking that the external PC-Card reader would have 3-4 type 2
slots in it. I imagine that Firewire wouldn't really allow for PC-Cards,
though. Not quick enough compared to direct connection to the system bus.
> > I think that the G4 cube would be on my desk if it had two PCMCIA
> > slots! My only qualm is that it has **zero** expansion options.
>
> The Cube need to drop in price more and become the monitorless high end
> iMac.
I think that the Cube would be better situated with a very fast G3 and
cheaper, like the "monitorless iMac" All of the small, expansion
limited PCs I have seen (ipaq, etc) are less expensive machines,
not "high-end executive machines." However, if they want to try to
make it a pricier item, then they need to put some expansion options in. I
think that the PC Cards would give the cube something it is really
lacking. That being said, one ***would** already be on my desk if it had a
G3 and cost the same or a little more as an iMac. Heck, I would own an
iMac if it didn't mean being locked into a 15" monitor with no expansion
options. (Not even dual monitors)
Tom
----------
Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net!
A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables.
FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml>
Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400>
To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Need help from a real person? Try. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
----------
Dr. Bott | 10/100 Ethernet for your 2400 is finally here!
MPC-100 | <http://www.drbott.com/prod/mpc100.html>
NineWire | If they are cool enough to host this list...
Digital Solutions | ...you should check them out! http://www.NineWire.com/
Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com>
After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][
MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only $879!
Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! <http://www.macresq.com>
