Re: A2GS Accelerator Thoughts

["Ronin Hyde" <ronin@inna.spamspam.net>]

Rubywand wrote in message <35A807CC.8EAEC38@swbell.net>...

>     Unlike an all-in-one design, the cards in a separate GS expansion
>box can be dedicated to a few simple functions (e.g. Microprocessor,
>Memory, etc.) with corresponding low development cost.

  I seem to remember a computer like the TI99/4A had a *huge* (compared to
the computer) hulking expansion box which would allow a full height 5.25"
floppy to be used. Perhaps a nicer, somewhat cleaner (but probably not
feasible) approach is to start with the deficiencies of the GS as is..
  The case: How about finding how much it would cost to make cases for the
IIGS? Have a few drive bays that will hold the 3.5" or 5.25" drives..
expansion cables or cutout connector areas on back.. Maybe have Buggie make
some connectors to use a PC power supply (so ya don't have to desolder all
them extra wires ;). A decent air circulation system would be nice as well..
fan w/ filter up front sucking air in and a fan blowing air out the back.
Something so a drop-in motherboard idea isn't too far off the mark.
  Memory: Design a cheapo card which uses 72pin SIMMS, if possible. There
are a crapload of cheap memory modules out there right now. A memory board
that took non-Edo (or EDO, dunno) simms, maybe cost $30 unpopulated, would
be pretty spiffo. Either way, it'd be nice if the card was cheap while the
memory is.
  Storage space: Actually, with the Focus and other IDE or SCSI cards, this
is kinda answered already.