Re: USB input devices-- Second Sight

[Mike Kent <Mkent01@mariner.cris.com>]

Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net> wrote:
> Mike Kent writes ...

>> I'm afraid that when Sequential ends production of the Second Sight and
>> the RAMfast those cards will join the ranks of the Apple II historical
>> file.

> LOL! Not exactly a positive outlook.

I'm not *wishing* that to happen!  It's just that, based on prior
experience, it's what I'm afraid will happen.

>      For one thing, Sequential has already taken the big up-front cost
> hits for the boards. For another, SS will immediately become more
> attractive should the 'Face Lift' project succeed.

Agreed.  Facelift is one of the four or five "killer programs" of the last
five years.  Or, rather, it would be if it ever got released.  It corrects
one of the most serious shortcomings of GS/OS, which, in most respects, is
a darn good operating system.  Somehow we've got to find a way to get this
project finished!

>      The potential for good sales of both cards exists, though at lower
> prices. So, the challenge for Sequential is to find a way to cut
> manufacturing costs.

If Sequential has other, non-Apple II, revenue sources, I'm afraid they
may not pursue this with the enthusiasm of us evangelists.

>> Perhaps it's a chicken-and-egg scenario, but I just don't think there ever
>> was enough software waiting in the wings where Sequential could subsidize
>> its hardware with software sales.

[cut]

>      Sequential's decision was to spring the board on us and expect
> users to come up with games and other applications which would make
> 'everyone' want to own one.

Well, Sequential is a hardware company, not a software company.  But I
really am surprised that more software hasn't come out for the card.  If
for no other reason than to prove it could be done.  Return of Cogito is
cool.  Heck, even Pick 'n' Pile and The Tines would be cool with more
color, and Wolf-3D would kick butt with higher resolution!  

>      All of which is water under the bridge. Sequential has hung on to
> SS during the rough times; they might as well stick with it now that the
> situation seems to be improving.

Agreed.  But you and I are not the ones who need to be convinced.

Mike