Re: A2GS Accelerator Thoughts

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Ronin Hyde writes ...
> 
> 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 ;).

 ....

     Interesting idea-- I do not know how much it would cost to make a
new GS case with bays for drives and enough space for the current
motherboard plus an expansion board. Most likely, you would have to
forget about mounting any of the current A2 diskette drives in the case;
they would gobble humongous amounts of space. Stuff like a hard disk,
Zip Drive, and CD-ROM drive could fit, though.

     My guess is that, if you want to hold down costs of doing the
upgrade, then, it will be hard to beat keeping the current GS in it's
case and using a PC mid-tower case for a separate 'expansion box'.
Still, a new GS case might be a good selling point for the upgrade in
terms of user appeal.




Rubywand