Re: A new pseudo-disk for Apple 2.

["BLuRry" <brendan.robert@gmail.com>]

SbM wrote:
> Alex Freed <alexf@mirrow.com> wrote:
>
> > The big question is is there any interest in this device? If there is, I can
> > make a small production
> > run and offer for say $100. If not, I'll be the only owner of the only
> > prototype.
>
> I don't know much about electronics, and the only question I have about
> this kind of device, is : how come your device and Rick's CFFA cost
> about $100, when the MMC64 for Commodore 64 is readily available for
> EUR49 (incl. shipping) and the 1541-III is scheduled for released in
> september at an announced EUR50.

I'm not much of an expert in electronics, but these sorts of prices
aren't too unusual.  This is very specialty hardware and in relatively
low demand and rare.  Look up "catweasel mk4" on eBay, for example.
(it's a apple/c64/amiga disk drive controller + sid chip soundcard for
a pc -- CRAZY custom hardware in that thing)

You can only lower cost if you go into full mass-production.  I'd
imagine that you'd have to order the parts by more than a few hundred
to get significantly reduced prices (even if the lower prices are not
listed, you can negotiate for lower if you're placing a huge order.)
Convert some of those crazy C64 users to be rapid apple // lunatics and
maybe we'll get cheaper parts. :-D  Plus, using a FPGA increases the
cost but is upgradable, which is very nice.

-B