Hi all, Here are the survey results as promised. I have added some commentary in GREEN. Some surveys had blank lines submitted so I have indicated those in RED. I have deleted entries from the right column of the option tables to protect privacy: I have retained this info and will be happy to dig deeper upon request: for example, in the question about desire for new types of hardware, this can be related to amounts people are willing to pay so I can give a separate chart for each category.
I am very impressed with the results, and they show some clear patterns I would not have guessed existed. I hope they inform you and give rise to new questions and discussions. I will be running a new survey on 1st - 31st April - if new questions arise from these answers, I will include them in that survey. Discuss! Dave Survey Answers Total Unique Responses Received:*74* Question 1**What is your primary QL system?* 128K or 640K QL 2 3% QL with expansion card (eg: Floppy Parallel TK2) 9 12% QL with Gold Card 5 7% QL with Super Gold Card 3 4% QXL 3 4% Aurora 3 4% Q40/Q60 7 9% Free software emulator 4 5% Commercial software emulator 33 45% Other: 5 7% *ID**Other:* 4302368Aurora+Super Gold Card+Qbide 4312335QPC 4323266QL2K : As I'm the main author. 4379480Don't really have a "primary" system any more. Last used was QPC on eeepc running wine 4414132QPCII on W98; QL w/ SGC, more. In this question, some answers fit in the categories above. I have not corrected or moved these answers for transparency. I found it interesting there is a near precise 50/50 split between hardware users and emulators. It will be interesting to repeat the question in a year and see how the balance changes. Combining these answers with others, it seems reasonable to conclude that the single largest QL platform is QPC at around 40% of total primary machines. The Qx0 is the dominant replacement hardware platform = limited I suspect only by quantity made. Very impressive. I neglected to include the Amiga and ST - my bad! Also interesting to note that it's likely only 3% of users don't have access to floppies on their "QL"... Question 2*Which other systems do you own? (Please mark all that apply)* 128K or 640K QL 44 18% QL with expansion card (eg: Floppy Parallel TK2) 41 17% QL with Gold Card 26 11% QL with Super Gold Card 21 9% QXL 15 6% Aurora 17 7% Q40/Q60 5 2% Free software emulator 38 16% Commercial software emulator 31 13% *ID**Other:* 4302001Note - invalid question - I have no other. 4302278Atari ST/E with hardware QL emulators 4303208Atari STe + SMS2 4304124QDOS on Amiga (no emulator) SMSQ/E on Atari (no emulator) experimental 68060 self-built QL 4307955Also Thor and OPD 4309788A non functioning Thor F2, waiting for repair. 4312335Q-Emulator 4347254QXL card 4303858I regret I put my QL in a heavy DEC case (monitor + keyboard + floppy) and it's not portable anymore (seemed like a good idea at the time, to get better keyboard and monitor instead of TV). Result is it's boxed and I don't use it anymore. 4414132Mini-tower w/ 4x floppies and who knows what else (Aurora, Qbide?) whose details I don't know, it having been put together by my dad before he died. This question was optional. Question 3*How many different QL systems, hardware and emulators, do you own?* No others 3 4% 1 2 3% 2 16 22% 3 16 22% 4 9 12% 5+ 27 37% 93% of QLers have two or more QLs! Question 4*On your primary system, what is the main OS you use? * QDOS 21 28% Minerva 9 12% SMSQ/E 42 57% Other 2 3% *ID**Other* 4379480use all three from time to time 4414132SMSQ on QPC, QDOS on SGC. Question 5*On your primary system, how much memory do you normally have installed or configured?* 128 KB 3 4% 384 - 640 KB 6 9% 896 KB 3 4% 1 MB 4 6% 2 MB 7 10% 4 MB or more 47 67% *ID**Please describe anything about your system not covered above?* 4300920I have a plug-in Romdisk in the top edge extra slot. Loads Xchange (optional) spellcheck (optional) and any of my little facilities that I need for the job, all from memory. Marvelous! 4301197Q-emuLator 1 for Mac set to 4Mb with JS ROM 430227816 or 24 Mb, depending on usage My ST..QPC systems all have HDDs 4303809Running QPC2 configured with 16MB under Windows XP. 4304548I am not sure how much memory was provided in an original Q40 (two DIY boards to be installed in a case and peripherals added) 4314351Standard for QXL 4406414I run QPC configured to use 4 MB RAM. 4414132512MB QPC / W98; 4MB SGC / QDOS. Question 6*On average, how often do you use your QL(s)?* All day every day! 2 3% Daily 19 26% Weekly 23 32% Monthly 11 15% A few times a year 12 16% Not much anymore 6 8% Never 0 0% I find this answer impressive. 61% of QLers use their QLs at least weekly! 76% use them monthly or more. Question 7*Do you expect to buy new QL hardware, if something interesting was released?* No 11 15% Yes if it's under 100 euros 20 28% Yes if it's under 250 euros 11 15% Yes 29 41% *ID**Explain?* 4340156limited budget 4343455It would have to be something that made transferring files between PC & QL very easy - maybe a USB stick device (usb1_?). 4347254USB adapter-and-driver for the QL motherboard 4303858Possibly, if I get a new QL system (HW) 4353534New hardware drives forward new developments, interests and software, etc. 4379480would like to connect black box to my LCD-VGA monitor 4406414QPC is an emulator, so new QL Hardware won't "fit". (No expansion port!!) ;-) 4414132Ethernet would be a dream--on the net, local or otherwise, w/ a QL. 4414668an sd card reader 4419863if something interesting was released, I'd look seriously @ purchasing as long as it was < 500 euro Question 8*What about software?* I have all I need 15 13% I write all my own 30 27% I might buy some used software occasionally 27 24% I would like to see new software and would buy it 40 36% *ID**Explain?* 4309788I have most of what I want & is available, else I do it in W$ or Linux, or try to write my own (what started me computing in the first place). 4314351Emulators are people who use the QL 4321767The whole point about the QL now is not to try and become the next MAC, it is about computing and learning core programming and getting fun out of it. If you have all you need then your stagnant and a dinosaur, you will eventually die off. 4326336I use the QL for Programming 4340156most of all the software i will ever need now (which is free) i can get from various sites legally 4303858Software wish: free SMSQ/E (everything, not just sources) 4353534New software drives forward potential new hardware development, as well as maintaining interest, etc. 4379960Web browser 4414132Qemulator e.g., I am working on the Kennedy version of Tower of Hanoi. 4419863I would buy SMSQ/E (only have minerva), but would probably leave it at that, Iwrite what ever else i need + free software 60% of QLers (or more) are willing to buy new software! Question 9*When you look at the state of the community now, what do you think is MOSTneeded to revitalise the QL scene?**Text Answers (15)* Complete News system based on the QL designed around old PC cards GD2 graphics package, internet/email applications, screen dumps for GD2 systems Direction... does the community intend to provide an alternative to Linux/MacOS/Windows?? Or is it trying to cater for a retro computing scene?? It's hard to tell. If QDOS/SMSQE is to be a serious alternative then port it to x86, then hardware will not be an issue. Otherwise the community should pool it's resources and look at doing a QPC chip in FPGA, I believe that would be the best hope of maintaining a hardware line into the future. Just maintain the FPGA bitstream(code) and deploy it on modern chips(FPGA's); no need to re-engineer a super 68000. contacting retro computer magazines, advertising in 80's related websites / blogs Commitment/desire, not just s/w & h/w. I have the last few months seen 20 or 30 names on the list I have not seen before, and apparently serious talk of ethernet, USB, more, w/o the usual "I can't really do it." must someone to rebuild the olds hardware, as you can't find them anymore. [THIS LINE WAS SUBMITTED BLANK] Native Internet I don't think it can be revitalised. QLs are like Steam Trains (at least, in the UK) - they have had their day and are just interesting for old codgers to tinker with! Time new software - emulator for Android project coordination a new cheep hardware platform Developments that are easy to access by all users, whatever their own system. As well as specialist things, too. Generally some innovation, which stimulates interest. new pointer driven softwareDi Question 10*What would you most like to see as new hardware either for your QL or to replace it?* Small add-ons 2 3% Modern interfaces like USB or SDHC card readers 34 49% A new hardware platform 15 22% Something else? (Explain) 18 26% *ID**Something else? (Explain)* 4323266New platform, more information, more inovatives ?? 4326336Nothing as the future lies in emulation 4340156anything made will be useful short term but a new hardware platform will give some longevity 43038581. By far most important to me. Cheap, reliable interface QL monitor port DVI and/or HDMI (some exist, but some users seem to have problems, and I think you need to solder the right cable) 2. Flash-based storage 3. Perhaps newer Q60-like system at reasonable price (not necessarily 68000, could be SoC + emulator) 4. Not very useful, but cool: USB unit to access microdrives on my PC/Mac 4353534Integration with new portable devices, and new human interfaces. To keep in touch with the future. 4379480Ethernet, vga 4406414I honestly don't know. 4410994I think, all of these. 4414132E.g. ethernet, USB. 4419863As I commented in previously (Q9) i'd like to see a QPC chip it FPGA, perhaps with support x86 processor (something small as used in embedded devices) to allow the community to leverage off the extensive x86 opensource and enable the use of USB, SDHC etc .... Question 11*Given the answer to your previous question, how much would you be prepared to pay for that new product?* <20 euros 8 10% 20 - 49 euros 11 14% 50 - 99 euros 17 21% 100 - 199 euros 21 26% 200 - 299 euros 6 8% 300 - 499 euros 8 10% 500 euros + 9 11% 55% of QLers are willing to spend €100+. I wish I had phrased this question differently. It answers many price levels from many items in the previous question. I will tunnel the specific responses and provide more detail on this later. Question 12*Which QL website do you find most useful? **Text Answers (15)* www.dilwyn.me.uk various Dilwyn Jones Mainly the mailing list and http://www.dilwyn.me.uk/ http://www.dilwyn.me.uk/ http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk/ Dunno; wiki, Dilwyn, others. dilwyn [THIS LINE WAS SUBMITTED BLANK] Dilwin Dilwyn's http://www.dilwyn.me.uk/ Dilwyn's Dilwyn Jones Dilwyn Jones Sinclair QL Pages nothing Congratulations, Dilwyn! That's an impressive consensus. Question 13*Can you program in SuperBASIC?* Yes 69 95% No 4 5% Question 14*Can you program in Assembly Language?* Yes 32 44% No 40 56% Question 15*If you answered yes to either of the previous two questions, would you be interested in joining a small group to develop new QL software? * Yes 7 10% Probably 17 24% Maybe 29 41% No 17 24% 76% of QLers would at least consider helping write new software! Question 16*Do you subscribe to any of the following?* ql-users mailing list 59 34% ql-developers mailing list 22 13% QUANTA 26 15% QL Today 41 24% qlforum.co.uk 24 14% *ID**Other:* 4302001(I think the 2nd died some few years ago?) 4321767Older QL magazines now defunct 4340156no 4353534Organizer - London QL & Quanta Group 4357791none Question 17*Quanta membership: (please check all that apply)* I was never a member 23 25% Yes in the 80s 12 13% Yes in the 90s 17 19% Yes in the 00s 13 14% I am a current member 26 29% *ID**If not a current member, what could QUANTA do to gain your membership?* 4304696Funding QL related developments that would benefit the whole QL scene (like what QLCF did for the SMSQ/E GD2 driver) 4306030no idea. My father was(is?) a member 4321767Update their website on a regular basis, new blood in the committee, sort out their ridiculous constitional and contradictionary rules 4323266Difficult to be in touch with quanta. 4326336Contain interesting articles and listings on programming 4340156the sample shown on the website (QUANTA) is not very inspiring, there you go 4343455Direct debit for renewals... 4347254MY biggest complaint is the parochiality of the QUANTA Board which was consistently exhibited by their ridiculous belief that sending the newsletter to foreign countries should come AFTER all the domestic members received their and thus show an inability to factor in 10+ extra days of transit - THAT is symptomatic of how they view the World and/or the membership i.e., it's a local club that they allow others to contribute to, and, whatever hardware they have is good enough, so underwriting the efforts of hardware developers went for naught OR they seem to have been received unwarranted criticized ... I'm thinking specifically of Falkenberg whom I feel should have received more support while he was developing peripherals rather than only lauding (or, so it seems from this distant land) Miracle. QUANTA needs to understand that as wonderful as the original QL was, the strength (IMO) of the QL was it's OS & integrated SuperBASIC language. The blinders-on recurrent talk of underwriting new membranes (that seems to come from QUANTA members, but maybe it is a general, external projectd) never addresses the issue that the failure is due to virgin vinyl being susceptible to drying-and-cracking. Simply put, the membrane needs to be spec'd with different material ... BUT, that would involve the Board getting their head out of the 1984 AND understand physical materials. The current chatter about installing a C2032 battery for a Gold Card is also symptomatic - someone on the QL-User's List whose name eludes me at the moment addressed this last year where he simply installed a battery holder in the socket without any elaboration between the battery holder and the existing socket. 4406414Nothing. 4419863Not sure, I've been thing of joining for a while, just never got around to it. Question 18*QL Today: (please check all that apply)* I was never a subscriber or reader 15 13% Yes in the 80s 11 10% Yes in the 90s 23 20% Yes in the 00s 24 21% I am currently a subscriber 41 36% *ID**If not currently a subscriber, what could QL Today magazine do to gain your subscription?* 4300442The quality is just too low now, and the information parrots what is on the web. They need to do an active website. 4300920I don't do enough to warrant subscribing. I subscribe to Quanta because of the community it supports 4301692Nothing. I don't expect anything from such magazine. 4302001Be less esoteric. This is NOT any form of criticism - I understand why it is as it is and accept that without feeling left out 4302967I'm already thinking of subscribing. 4304429Fair coverage of QL hardware 4307955I gave up with all the sniping comments. I guess someone would have to show me a current copy that was interesting. 4340156do not no, never seen it but people seem to refer to it as ql toady which implies its full of mistakes 4343455Merge with QUANTA? 4419863Reduce the cost, it's much more expensive that QUANTA, I would be happy with a cheaper QL Today delivered in electronic format via email Question 19*What is your preferred method of storing software?* Microdrive cartridge 2 2% Floppies 25 22% Compact Flash card 12 10% Hard drive 41 36% QXL.WIN file or similar 35 30% Microdrives are effectively dead as a storage medium. Question 20*What is your preferred method for sharing software with other people?* Microdrive cartridge 0 0% Floppies 18 21% Compact Flash card 6 7% Hard drive 1 1% Emailed zip file 61 71% *ID**Other:* 4301065no other people within a 100 miles 4302278download from website 4304124ZIP-Cartridges CD-RW 4306030None - don't share 4326336SQLUG Site 4340156CD as it is cheap at the moment 4343455I don't think I've ever shared QL s/w with others. 4353534USB via Windows FAT32. Question 21*How would you say you use your QL most often?* Business use 3 2% Games 12 9% Programming 53 42% Using specific applications not covered above (like Quill etc.) 13 10% Personal use 46 36% *ID**Using specific programs: (please explain)* 4307955Answering q22 below. We do have Internet capabilities with qtpi and an ISPs shell account. We have been emailing and text browsing on QL hardware since the 90s. The only problem is it is dial up speed and too slow these days. 4309720Astronomy - solar system. See "Astro" in Quanta library. 4309788I like databases and use mostly my own SuQcess, Xchange/Archive or DATAdesign. QD for programming and Text87P4 for text stuff, LINEdesign for graphics. 4372370C68 4378266QSpread, XChange, Launchpad and its utilities 4379480trying out something that takes my attention from time to time. "tinkering" 4414668quill: correspondence abacus: book keeping, training schedules 4419863Mainly Quill to convert help documents 4427269Xchange, Launchpad, QLiberator 4536093developement of a QL base computer This is a tough one: either don't bother writing business software and games, or there is a desperate need for business software and games. Will dig deeper in the next survey. Question 22*How helpful would it be to have developed internet capabilities as part of QDOS or SMSQ/E?* I have no use for it 12 17% It might come in handy 12 17% I would definitely use it sometimes 28 39% I think it's critical 19 27% 66% would make regular use and 83% see use in developing the internet capabilities of the platform. Question 23*How would you describe the current health of your main QL system?* It's perfect 33 46% It's showing some signs of wear 21 30% It's heavily worn but going strong 11 15% It's on its last legs 4 6% It's dead. 2 3% Question 24*What is your modern day system? (If you use an emulator, please answer what the emulator runs on)* QDOS Minerva or SMSQ/E on native hardware 8 11% Windows 33 46% Mac OS X 8 11% Linux/Unix variant on x86 10 14% Linux/Unix variant on other architecture 0 0% Other: 13 18% *ID**Other:* 4302001Note: Excellent survey 4302565Linux on amd64 4309568windows and linux 4316889qpc2 on windows xp 4321767I use more than one 4326336QXL 4378266QPC2 running on Windows XP 4379480QPC on windows and Linux/wine 4410994windows, but I hate this. 4414132QPC on W98, QDOS on QL & SGC _______________________________________________ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
