Jim G: Well, I suppose its time to begin.
Jim G: Goodevening and welcome to the Amiga forum.
Jim G: My name is Jim Gracely and I'll be your host……
Jim G: sorry, thought this was the love boat. Well, down to the first question of the evening. Starting stats: 14 guests, 4 questions.
QuestionWILL FOCUS WORK ON THE AMIGA AFTER YOU PURCHASE THE IBM EMULATOR FOR IT?????
Jim G: Apparently they aren't going to release the PC emulator until they succesfully can get it to run the 20 top Softsel pieces of software. I don't know if that includes FOCUS.
QuestionHi Jim! Thanks for talking to us tonight! I would like to know if the Amiga can support a networking package out to other Amigas (like PC-Link)??? Is this system available, and if so, is it viable at present. Would you say it might be cheaper than the same layout using IBM PC's networked to a PC/AT??? Please give us some dialogue on this? Thanks, Bill F
Jim G: Long question. I'll let you digest that for a moment.
Jim G: As designed, the Amiga does not directly support any kind of LAN. When running under the PC emulator however, it is capable of running a system like PC-Link.
Jim G: As far as classroom networking, well that's a little easier and will probably be around right the first hard drives are released. Supposedly, some developer is working on a LAN of some sort for the Amiga.
QuestionWILL HARD DRIVE BE AVAILABLE FOR THE AMIGA?? AND WILL IT BE IBM COMPATABLE LIKE THE 5 1/4 DISK DRIVE???
Jim G: The Tecmar hard drive should be available in about 30 days (problems with something). It is not IBM compatible as far as I've heard. Another company in Georgia called Micro-Forge has also been working on some hard drives (may even be released already). They also are working on a hard drive controller board which might open some new possiblities.
QuestionHow are Amiga sales (and software availability) doing to date?
Jim G: Sales are in their after-Christmas lull right now, however the software is starting to pick up.
Jim G: Including all the stuff from Infocom and a pile of titles from some educational software company there is a total of more than 40 packages right now with another 20-30 to be released for each of the next 3 months.
QuestionHow are you?
Jim G: so far so good.
QuestionHOW MUCH PERCENT OF IBM PROGRAMS WILL THE IBM EMULATOR RUN??
Jim G: Again they're shooting for the top 20 Softsel list. Anything beyond that we'll have to see.
QuestionWHAT LANGUAGES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE AMIGA???
Jim G: Currently there is BASIC, C, Assembly Language, and LISP. Coming are LOGO, Pascal, and Forth that I know of.
QuestionHow many things can Amiga do at once?
Jim G: It has a theoretical limit of something like 50. Don't expect to see that though. Once you get up in the 20 range memory gets pretty scarce.
QuestionHi Jim! When is the new Modem going to be out. Price? features ? thanks!
Jim G: The Amiga modem is expected to be out in the beginning of Feb. Hayes Smartmodem compatible, no info on pricing yet.
QuestionWhy are Amiga's being shipped with duplicate serial numbers?
Jim G: Hadn't heard about that one.
QuestionI thought you said the Amiga 1080 did not have a flicker problem.{ Mine flickers with the hi-res mode on Deluxe Paint. Well…?
Jim G: Lets get this straight once and for all. There is a flicker on the 1080. My original remark was based on a comparison of the 1070 and 1080. In that comprison the 1080 looked smooth. However, there is a flicker. Apparently when the Amiga is using interlace mode (640X400) it has to refresh the screen twice every 60th of a second. So the screen is changing every 30th of a second. This is slow enough to see a flicker. In Deluxe Paint you can decrease the amount by turning off the control panel. The only other fix is to go to a slow-phosphur screen (takes longer to fade and you don't see the flicker.) Sorry about misleading some of you on that one.
QuestionI am having trouble renumbering with ABasic. The program keeps crashing. Is this a hardware or software problem?
Jim G: It's not the first time I've heard the problem and first glance looks like its a Microsoft bug.
QuestionWhat is the status of new software for the AMIGA, and why is it so expensive??
Jim G: Pricing isn't that bad (Deluxe Paint is under $80). New software is coming out virtually every day. Keep your eyes open to catch what's new.
QuestionWELL FOCUS IS A LANGUAGE THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT, SO I DON'T KNOW IF THEY ARE GOING TO TEST IT,AND WAS WONDERING IF YOU WOULD KNOW,CAUSE IF I BUY THE AMIGA,I WOULD REALLY WANT TO RUN FOCUS ON IT!!!! FOCUS NEEDS AT LEAST 512K AND AT LEAST 5 MEGS!!
Jim G: I honestly don't have any idea. If anyone does, let me know and I'll pass it along.
QuestionWhat is the status of the WACK disk?
Jim G: I assume you are refering to updates of the current version?*
Jim G: I'm not currently aware of any new updates to the existing version of WACK.
QuestionThe Amiga is sometimes known as the Amiga 1000 does that mean the will Be other AMIGAS with greater capabilities?
Jim G: The WACK disk for the public has yet to be released (so far only the developers have received).
Jim G: Sorry, back to the 1000. The official company line is that the "Amiga is the first in the line of a family of products". You figure out the rest.
QuestionI think the Amiga will do good in "86"
Jim G: Glad to hear it.
QuestionDo you know if the EPSON LQ-800 will interface with the AMIGA? (Including graphics)
Jim G: I would guess that using the MPS-1000 as your printer choice would give you pretty good results with the LQ-80. Or you could try the Epson generic.
QuestionWILL COMMODORE BE MAKING A HARD DRIVE FOR THE AMIGA OR ONLY OTHER COMPANIES?
Jim G: Currently the closest Commodore is coming to making a hard drive is in assisting Tecmar.
Jim G: I flew by a question on the 5 1/4 inch drive. You must use a Commodore-Amiga 5 1/4 inch drive for IBM compatibility. Any PC compatible won't work.
QuestionAny word on when the developer updates will be mailed out?
Jim G: Nothing I've heard. For information sake I'm listed as a developer, and I haven't heard anything.
QuestionIs there a Modula-2 available or in the works for the Amiga?
Jim G: Sorry for my ignorance but define Modula-2
QuestionHow many have been sold so far?
Jim G: 30-50K as far as I can figure.
Jim G: Just a follow-up on the developers updates. The kits should go out once the new ROM kernal manual is completed (all 1600 pages of it). They are hoping for sometime late Jan.
Jim G: The 30-50K figure given is worldwide. The Amiga is currently only available in the US and Canada.
QuestionIn BASIC, what is the easiest way to get a directory from a disk you just put in to the drive? It just keeps giving me the Workbench directory? Thanx.
Jim G: Unless you have a DIR command on the disk to be read, BASIC can't read the directory. Assuming you do, try either specifying the name of the disk or using a CD df0: to redefine the disk in df0: as default.
QuestionAre any relational databases on the horizon (not spreadsheet)?
Jim G: Just yesterday I heard the very first mention ofa Database for the Amiga. They seem to be the last package to arrive for some reason. No details at all at this time, other than it should be ready before the end of January.
QuestionWhy did Commodore include a 3 inch disk drive instead of a 5 inch??? I mean 5 inch are more common then 3 inch.
Jim G: We want to be inovative not common.
QuestionWill graphics and color be supported by the first release version of the emulator (Transformer)?
Jim G: No. Programs using the IBM graphics card won't be supported until the Accelerator comes along.
Jim G: By-the-way, the most current release date I've heard for the Transformer is mid-feb.
QuestionIn the light of Atari's decision to Mass Market the ST520, do you think there might be some response by C= with Amiga going that way?
Jim G: They are cutting the throats of their dealers. Hopefully we won't{ make that mistake again.
QuestionThe rule in the past has been that dealers of the AMIGA cannot sell the system for less than the retail price. Has this rule changed and if so what is it running for these days?
Jim G: That rule officially says that the dealers can't ADVERTISE a price below retail. The Amiga itself has kept steady at $1295 but some dealers are discounting peripherals if you buy the Amiga.
QuestionWhen will the Amiga Modem be available?
Jim G: Latest dates put it somewhere in Feb.
QuestionDo you see the price on the Amiga dropping in the near (1 yr.) future to pull in anymore of the home market? What do you think of your company deciding that it would be best for their sales to release the Amiga and the 128 at the same time? Do you think that this blunder has affected sales very adversely?
Jim G: As far as the price, well a year is a long time. If a drop occurs it will probably be to help promote some other product. The 128 was SUPPOSED to be released in April. That would have helped both of the machines in my opinion.
QuestionIs Commodore Planning a C64 Emulator? Or an Apple }{ one if so when?
Jim G: NO. WE ARE NOT PLANNING A 64 EMULATOR.
Jim G: This is one of the most re-occuring rumors around. I'll sell you one for about $700 (looks just like a 64).
Jim G: No plans for apple or trs or atari or ti either.
QuestionIn the beginning, we saw a large amount of advertising for the AMIGA, but in recent months, we haven't see much, how come??? Are the sales of AMIGA's going well??? Did Christmas sales help???
Jim G: Christmas sales are always expected. They helped to establish a base of amiga owners though. The advertising budget is spread across a number of months. Obviously Christmas is prime time.
QuestionThe 68000 processor runs at around 12 mega hertz, why does the amiga run at only 7.something??
Jim G: The three other VLSI chips in the Amiga all require timing also and when it was all put together the max they could run the 68000 at was probably 7.8
QuestionWhat's the ETA on a ROM-ed Operating System?
Jim G: We are planning no such thing. The operating system will remain on disk.
QuestionAny suggestions how to find out about the "40" software titles now available? Local dealers have about 10.
Jim G: My biggest source of information are the local BBS's. There are a couple for the Amiga. One in NY one in Denver, San Diego and San Francisco. On many a local dealer will go up and list everything he currently has. (sorry don't have numbers here). Also, we will be uploading complete lists of all currently available software for the amiga as well as future plans. Look for it in the User Group area. We are also doing the same thing for the 128.
QuestionWill the kickstart disk and the Workbench disk be combined to one disk in later updates? Will it be included in ROM?
Jim G: Don't think so. We are currently running with 31 guests and 61 questions. Expect a delay if you ask a question.
Jim G: I'm currently on questions from 9:13 EST
QuestionHi Jim: on the back of the first '86 issue of Amigaworld is a Commodore ad for the machine which says "It will also run IBM programs." Is this true. This ad implys that nothing else is needed ….. Whats the lowdown?
Jim G: To get IBM emulation you need the 256K expander, a 5 1/4 disk drive (special) and the Transformer software. You must use the 5.25 inch drive we make.
QuestionI heard rumors that the Amiga was recalled due to hardware crashing. Is this true, and if so, has it been fixed?
Jim G: No truth to this rumor.
QuestionIsnt there a newer version of an amiga coming out? (not sure)
Jim G: The operating system has been upgraded from 1.0 to 1.1 but thats it.
QuestionWill the Commodore 1670/1200 baud modem work on the Amiga with just the plugs adapted? What are the new features (if any!) of the Amiga 1200 baud modem?
Jim G: The only way to use the 1670 would be to build a small power supply with +/-9V and +5VDC. Then create an adaptor from the 1670 to the amiga rs232 port. The Amiga modem is an RS232 Hayes smartmodem compatible 1200 baud modem. (not much different.)
QuestionI heard that version 2.1 of the IBM emulator and it will run 100% of all the software,is that true???
Jim G: No.
QuestionDo you use all 4096 colors by windowing with graphics, using different colors in each?
Jim G: That is one way of doing it. The other is using what is called Hold and Modify (HAM as it is called on some demo disks).
QuestionIf there is a way to minimize flicker, (such as 1 color plane/color selection) please let us know. Thanks. I really think "monochrome" hires should not flicker but it DOES. Thanks.
Jim G: Again the problem is in the 30Hz refresh of the screen which is very visable. The number of colors really doesn't affect it.
QuestionWhen will the Amiga be available in more than a few select stores?
Jim G: Its mostly up to the stores to come and get it.
Questioninfo about ABasic crashing. Increase Stack to about 10000 and it will not crash. ABasic is not Microsoft.
Jim G: If you're still out there. This is in reference to crash on renumber.
QuestionWHACK DISK: Where is it? Any version?
Jim G: Again it only went out to developers. Public version release date – unknown.
QuestionWill AMIGA users be able to access Quantum-Link when the modem is finally released??
Jim G: Only if lots of people complain to Quantum and tell them to create an amiga service. We've been trying without too much success. We'll be discussing it further with them tomorrow.
QuestionHow did CBM do in the 4th quarter of '85 in terms of profit? Like, did they make one?
Jim G: Apparently not (4th Q85 is our 2nd Q86). There was a profit announced and then pulled back.
QuestionWhat is the latest status of TRANSFORMER ?
Jim G: There are apparently 2 programs in the Softsel top 20 that are giving the programmers trouble -> Flight Simulator and I belive Symphony. Once those are running it will be released.
QuestionHow could the AMIGA emulate the IBM without adding a board or a card, its like playing a record on a taperecorder!
Jim G: Because the operating system is loaded into the computer, you can just load a new operating system in. The IBM emulator actually takes every machine language command from the IBM program and translates it to the 68000 code.
Jim G: A number of people are inquiring as to what the WACK disk is. This is a disk of routines for use in debugging programs both in C and assembly language. Not that useful to all but very to some.
QuestionMy area rep mentioned "a Big Brother" to the Amiga in the future. Any comments on what it may be?
Jim G: Use your imagination.
QuestionHow many developer kits have been sent out (ie. how many "developers" does C= have)? And, are developer kits still be sent out for $450 for manuals and soft- ware, and what does one get for that "investment"? Thanks.
Jim G: Kits sent out is somewhere in the 1000-1800 range. That includes everyone. The kits are still available and include the AmigaDOS manuals (3) and the Hardware, ROM kernal and another manual I can't remember right now. It also includes C, Assmebler, WACK, and a number of crossassemblers for IBM and Sun stations.
Jim G: (intuition manual is the third)
QuestionDo you think there is a market for a speech processor. It allow you to compose and edit text, and then talks to you. You have complete control over the voice settings. It can at least 15,000 words in memory (512K). What do you think.
Jim G: My general opinion is that if there isn't one yet there's at least a small market for it. I know no-one has done it yet.
QuestionHow can I pass CHR$(27) "escape" codes to an Epson printer through PRT: device? I haven't been able to get it to do it. I can through PAR:, however. Does Textcraft use PAR: since it will allow italics, etc. which are sent thru Chr$(27)?
Jim G: I have someone looking into that question for me right now. As soon as I get the answer I'll let you know.
Jim G: Here it is now -> Use the ISO codes found in the back of the ROM kernal manual.
QuestionWhat would be the best printer to buy to print out the Amiga's graphics in color?
Jim G: I like the Diablo C-150 (color inkjet) at $1295. It supports all 4096 colors and does a good job.
Jim G: Electronic Arts recommends the Okimate 20. For about $300. It uses a plastic type ribbon which actually is laid down onto the paper.
QuestionHow is the MIDI interface used on the amiga??
Jim G: You plug it in.
Jim G: NOTE: Guru Meditation -> Cherry Lane has released ConcertMaster, their keyboard and Midi interfac
QuestionBecause the Amiga does use the same 5 1/4 drive(1571) — Will we see it emulating the 128 or 64?
Jim G: The 5.25 drive for the Amiga is NOT the 1571. Just looks the same.
QuestionAny estimates on when the OS will be incorporated in ROM?
Jim G: Will not be.
QuestionWhat about an IBM or compatible 3-1/2" disk drive with the IBM Amiga Emulator?
Jim G: The 3.5 Amiga drive will also support the IBM emulation. The trick is to find the software on 3.5.
QuestionModula-2 is a computer language designed bye the creator of Pascal, intended to be the next step(as a computer language).
Jim G: Haven't heard any plans. You may want to contact the comapny who marketed it. We have "discovered" a number of Amiga packages that way.
QuestionJim: Is there any new word on the printing and release of technical manuals to the general public? – or the completion of other books on the Amiga?
Jim G: The Prerelease versions of the AmigaDOS manuals are available now through Bantam book for $49.95. The final versions should be ready in late feb. Same goes for the other 3 hardware manuals (from Addison-Wesley)
QuestionWill the amiga be selling in other countries like Germany???
Jim G: Eventually. Spring launch is expected in England and Germany. They will still be using the NTSC versions of the machine though.
QuestionI've experienced some problems with my printer and my Amiga(i.e. bus-lock ups). I know of at least one other owner who has suffered same problems. Is there a bug, or are we just unlucky? P.S. Both using Panasonic 1091's….
Jim G: What printer driver have you selected? There are so many combinations possible that there may still be some bugs around. Haven't heard of that one yet though.
Jim G: A little birdy told me that Version 1.1 of operating system should help and to double check your wiring.
QuestionWell i was thinking, if i have the amiga and i go to a different country,will i be able to work the amiga there even though the voltage is different??
Jim G: Yes. You'll just need a power transformer (like for hair dryers)
QuestionAre there any "professional" communication programs out for the AMIGA??
Jim G: There are two programs (professional?) Online! or Mterm or whatever they call it from Micro-System and MaxiComm from Maxi corp.
QuestionIs the graphics digitzer out for the Amiga yet?
Jim G: Amiga Live! is from A~2 and is not yet released. I played with one running under 1.1 the other day however, so it is just about finished (and a lot of fun!)
Questioncomment: 3.5 inch disks are much better in my opinion – more protected, etc. I used a Macintosh extensively last year and found the 3.5 inch disks to be much more reliable and durable than 5-1/4 inch.
Jim G: I agree. Plus you can toss them to your buddy across the room.
QuestionDo you know of a good BASIC compiler in the works?
Jim G: Yes. Hold on a minute and I'll get the info ….
Jim G: There is one from a company called True Basic and it is due out in Feb.
QuestionWill it be possible to have a multi-user BBS on the Amiga, if so, how hard would it be to do it?
Jim G: The Amiga is multi-tasking not multi-user. A multi-user BBS would be just as hard as on any other computer (the hard part is getting them all hooked into you computer)
Jim G: Quick stats ->21 guests, 64 questions. In order to finish this up in the next hour, please submit your last questions now.
QuestionHow about the great software swamp? Can we expect to be supported with at least something other than EA in the next few months??? (Vaporware!!!)
Jim G: The list I'm looking at goes into March and is over 4 pages long. Included are Borland, Broderbun Haydon, Kurta, Lattice, Manx, Microprose, Mindscape, Sublogic and Synapse.
QuestionIf I would go out right now and buy the 512K Amiga with montior how much would it cost me?
Jim G: $1295+$195+$495=$2000. (plus $295 for external 3.5 drive)
QuestionDoesn't requiring a minimum price amount to price-fixing?
Jim G: No its called survival.
QuestionThe ST VS. THE AMIGA has been a hot item! Though each computer came out about the same time the Software for the Amiga is small Compared to the ST Please explain Why?
Jim G: Probably GEM helped to both speed things up and make life easier.
QuestionIs there a DOS User's Manual available ( for ordinary layman type folks)?
Jim G: Yes. From Bantam books ($49.95)
QuestionI heard rumors of a faster 2nd gen. Amiga soon. Anything to them?
Jim G: Mostly rumors. there is a company called CSA in san diego which is creating supped-up versions of
Jim G: The amiga by adding a 68020 and math coprocessor on a little plug in board.
QuestionHow many Amigas is Commodore producing each month?
Jim G: Only as many as needed. We are basically producing them on an as-needed basis.
QuestionI have a PET emulator for you to unload too! 🙂
Jim G: How about a Plus/4 emulator? Everyone should own at least one.
QuestionDon't joke about a C64 emulator, many of us C64 owners would find it a GREAT reason to have an Amiga (to be able to run existing software faster).
Jim G: Agreed. But it won't happen (from Commodore)
QuestionAbout Emulators: Why not, it will increa se the software base so people would say hey it runs my Apple/64 software so I don't have to get rid of my favorite whatever… I belive it would help your sales immensly.
Jim G: How can I sell a Macintosh emulator without helping macintosh sales. It looks like we're saying "well no Amiga software around so we'll have to run all the good Macintosh stuff"
QuestionWhy doesn't the "option 1" parameter of the DIR command work in AmigaDOS?
Jim G: What is that option? I don't remember right off. I know E and A work.
QuestionWill we be seeing any major price cutdowns as have been seen with both the VIC and the 64 after their original debut… (Sorry if this has already been asked I just got here)
Jim G: Not very soon. (at least not in my opinion within the next 6 months)
QuestionDoes M/S Basic have most of the same features of PC Dos Basic? Files? Graphics? Anything new especially for the Amiga?
Jim G: It has graphics, sound and voice routines included.
Jim G: My little birdy tells me that option I (not 1) workd fine with DIR.
QuestionThe Amiga is only being sold at 3 locations in a city the size of Dallas will and will this change?
Jim G: We will not mass merchandise the Amiga. Its up to the smaller stores to decide to carry it. Also fewer dealers means better support and less price slashing since we have a group of people we know and can work with.
QuestionThere have been rumors of a board which combined the features of an answering machine and modem. Is this going to become available?
Jim G: That is the Answermate. I don't have any further specs on it just yet.
QuestionSince the Amiga's graphics rule, do you ever think there will be computer videos like music vidoes?
Jim G: Certainly. We have already seen the combination of Graphicraft and Musicraft to produce the Christmas demo disk. I'm sure that will exapnd and continue.
QuestionWhats the phone number to the AMIGA bbs in New York??
Jim G: (212) 269-4879 If you get some mad old lady don't tell her I gave it to you! I think thats correct
QuestionIs the Amiga's BASIC in ROM or loaded from a disk?
Jim G: Loaded from disk.
Questionare your questions backed up, or don't u want to talk about a 2nd gen. Amiga?
Jim G: Both.
Jim G: I'm about 1 hour behind now.
QuestionWhen the hard disk is available will you be able to boot kickstart from the hard drive?
Jim G: Yes.
QuestionWill C= make a 2400 baud modem available soon?
Jim G: Commodore doesn't have any plans but Tecmar does – avail. Feb.
QuestionWhat is the fastest possible baud on the Amiga?
Jim G: Midi is about 35K baud if you count that. Online! supports up to 19200 Baud
QuestionDear Jim. On certian bulliten boards in my area, People are comparing the Amiga to the 520 st from ATARI (YUCK…COMMODORE ALL THE WAY) I would like to know how the Amiga is better…So I can tell those people.
Jim G: My personal policy is to avoid comparing computers. However, the technical differences are in the color capabilities, the sound capabilities, the multi-tasking, the drive capacity and the president of the company making them.
QuestionWhat software comes with the Amiga when bought?
Jim G: Intuition, AmigaBasic, Amiga Tutor and Kickstart
QuestionI have already received versions 1.1 of the operating system and workbench. Is necessary to keep versions 1.0, or can I reuse the disks they were on for other data??
Jim G: Keep them for now. Some of the graphic stuff has changed a little and you may find someone with something to give you.
QuestionCan a window be ANY size?
Jim G: Up to the size of the display area. (640×400 or 320X200)
QuestionJim, When will more equipment me made for the amiga? (IE, Different disk drives,etc,etc)?
Jim G: We know of three companies making hard drives, two making keyboards, one, making graphic tablets and a couple others. Almost all the release dates are March or sooner.
QuestionIs the Amiga the best home computer you have ever used?
Jim G: I've never used it at home.
Jim G: I would probably own a 128 if I were in the "real" world. I can't afford an amiga, besides it doesn't run Wordpro or Superbase!
QuestionWill the Amiga end up like the Commodore 64? End up in every Consumers, Best in the country?
Jim G: We can only hope.
QuestionWILL YOU PLEASE ANSWER MY QUESTION?
Jim G: yes.
QuestionHIRES FLICKER: Use 640 x 200 mode. Gives you an 80×25 screen of 8×8 pixel chars. 640×400 is overkill.
Jim G: One man's opinion. It does eliminate flicker though.
QuestionThere is an Amiga BBS in my area. I would like to know if there are anymore. Because I hear the Amiga doesn't even have a modem.
Jim G: You can use any RS232 modem with the Amiga. I log onto the BBS's all the time with my Amiga.
QuestionHow long do you think it will take for the Amiga to be outdated like the VIC is now??
Jim G: Good question. I like to compare computers to calculators. The first one were very basic and outdated very quickly. However once a certain peak was reached they have remained virtually the same except for price and therefore arre never outdated. Hopefully the same thing will be true of the Amiga.
QuestionWhere's the beef?
Jim G: Out with Herb
QuestionAnyway i can found out what IBM software will the amiga run??
Jim G: Keep your eyes and ears open. noone will no until the testing begins.
QuestionWhy is Commodore not doing as well as it should be? Everyone has a Commodore computer, but They keep loosing money…
Jim G: It costs a lot of money to pay for adds and keep research going. You have to keep trying new things to continue making money.
QuestionHow much does it actually cost to build/make an Amiga?
Jim G: Its a secret.
QuestionWhy not release the TRANSFORMER as is now and a free upgrade later. This is like the CPM cartrige for the 64! Promised many months before available. You got slapped on the wrist then.
Jim G: But we were mostly slapped because we "released it as is now" and it didn't work right.
QuestionWill the Amiga be able to use a modem faster than the 1200 bits/sec. modems?
Jim G: Yes. At least 2400. Thats about the max you can find right now.
QuestionCould the Amiga hold a full digitized song? Unlike the 64 which only hold a little excerp due to memory.
Jim G: Depends entirely on the software and the complexity of the waveforms. There is a package for the 64 which will hold entire fugues.
QuestionDo you get bored of answering these questions??
Jim G: What questions?
QuestionWhy didn't the Amiga come with good docs as in a good dos guide?
Jim G: The Amiga is intended for a person who wants to open the box and put in a piece of application software.
Jim G: Two problems with that idea. 1) none of those people have purchased it yet and 2) there is no application software.
QuestionIf you said all you have to do to emulate the IBM is load up another operating system, so then you can emulate other computers??
Jim G: Certainly. The Macintosh may be the first one attacked because it uses the same processor. (not from Commodore though)
QuestionJim, I am a game tester for SYNAPSE software, and we are in a debate there about which is a better computer. The Atari 520st or the Amiga. Which is your opinion? And Why?
Jim G: Rather not. I'm biased anyway
QuestionWill commodore be making a computer that uses the new 68020 chip in the future?
Jim G: The 1.1 version of kickstart will recognize a 68020 if its plugged in.
QuestionWhat is the resolution of the Hi-res screen for the amiga?
Jim G: 640X400
QuestionIf anyone is interested in the Speech Processor, see the classified section.
QuestionWhy is the amiga so expensive?
Jim G: Expensiveness is in the eye of the beholder. Why would someone charge $500 for a word processor??
QuestionWill there be upgrades to Abasic ? or will it get pushed aside for Amiga- Basic ?
Jim G: Good question. Don't know the answer.
QuestionWhy wasn't there an insert key on the Amiga keyboard? Why wont CLI let you use the cursor keys so you don't have to type similar commands?
Jim G: No idea. I've wondered that myself many times.
Jim G: Info on ABasic. -> Commodore won't be updating but Metacompco may.
QuestionWhy is there hardly any support (SOFTWARE SUPPORT) for the C128, Commodore 16, or the Commodore +4? I have a +4, but I can not find a single piece of software for it. Can you tell me where I can get some?
Jim G: Tri-Micro Software has a Plus/4 user group and has quite a few disks of software. They had about 3 or 4 games developed before deciding they would'nt sell.
Jim G: C128 software is also on the way. I have another 3 page list here of C128 software. No games though.
Jim G: Two other sources of info on software available for machines is through our customer support line and an outfit called the .MENU (1-800-THE-MENU)
QuestionI assume there's been a change since the Amiga came out re the ROM-ed OS. Initial information indicated the 'Writable Control Store' would be temporary until the O/S was solid enough to be put in ROM.
Jim G: Correct. It now will remain on disk
QuestionWhy did Commodore Make the 1541 disk drive so slow? And when/if at all Will Commodore release another type of drive for the Commodore 64?
Jim G: It was just what we did. At the time it was mighty fast compared to the Datassette. No plans of Commodore releasing a new drive for the 64.
QuestionHow does Commodore rank with other cmpanies? Like Atari, Apple, Tandy, etc?
Jim G: In home computers we are #1. In schools #3 and in business way down.
QuestionWhat is NTSC computers?
Jim G: That is the standard for television trnasmission in the US and Canada. Other parts of the world use what is called PAL.
QuestionI'm taking mine to Belgium, let you know how well it works at 50hZ…
Jim G: Have a good time. I'll be watching for my E-mail postcard
QuestionWhy did CBM buy AMIGA? And for how much ????
Jim G: Don't remember the price (25Million maybe?) and because we wanted those funny little Amiga joysticks. Really we knew about the Amiga and wanted it.
QuestionCan the amiga work with a REGULAR TV,like the C64 can?
Jim G: Certainly. Or a 1702 or a 1902
QuestionHow does the Amiga compare to the Mac? Whats better? Whats not as good?
Jim G: Color, graphics, sound, multitasking, expandability, operating systems are better. Software isn't yet.
Questionis it possible to have a multi-user (MORE THAN ONE USER ON AT ONE TIME) BBS ON A COMMODORE 64?
Jim G: Not that I know of.
QuestionWhy does CBM say "THE AMIGA…BY COMMODORE" instead of "COMMODORE'S AMIGA"? I hear they thought it would ruin thier image to say "COMMODORES AMIGA"
Jim G: Not ruin OUR image but rather the image of the Amiga itself. Didn't want people turning their noses up because Commodore the game machine people were coming out with a real computer.
QuestionWho is Amiga's biggest software supporter?
Jim G: Probably Electronic Arts.
QuestionI know this is a hard to believe question, but I hear Commodore and Apple may be Co-Producing a computer, which is Apple Compatible and C64 Compatible. (I HEAR IT HAS A SWITCH YOU CAN FLICK…to change which computer you waant to use…) IS THIS TRUE?
Jim G: Don't beleive everything you hear. Haven't heard it isn't true but seriously doubt it.
QuestionI keep hearing of a excellent Commodore 64 bbs called DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, (WHICH IS NOW "RED DAWN") (I THINK), Apperently, no one knows the #. Would you happen to?
Jim G: No. anyone out there?
QuestionComment: the Fido Amiga BBS in NY 269 4879 will be off line until at least Jan. 17 -because of an equipment breakdown ….
Jim G: Ok. Thought they would be back up already.
QuestionIs it true APPLE INC, may sue CBM for "VISUAL COPYRIGHT" on "windows"?
Jim G: No. They sued Digital not Commodore and not even Ataril
QuestionCoke A Cola paid millions for the slogan "Coke is it". I've got one. Amiga the knock you socks off computer . (I'll be waiting for my 1million steve f
Jim G: Was already used in Canada. They sent amiga socks out to developers and dealers with a note saying "The amiga will knock your socks off — so here's another pair"
QuestionIs Quantum link the only system to support Commodoree only?
Jim G: I think that Playnet is 64 only and there are a couple of smaller ones.
QuestionI work for Jack in the box….lets have no Herb comments please…
Jim G: Ok
QuestionWhat's the possibility of a 3 1/2 drive for the 128?
Jim G: Anything's possible. We were showing a 1541 compatible 3.5 with the LCD last year.
QuestionHas Commodore agreed with the other computer companies about "STANDARDIZATION"?
Jim G: No
QuestionHow many questions are there left?
Jim G: 3
QuestionI just bought a VIC-20, and I can't seem to find any software. HHHEEELLLLPPPPP!!
Jim G: Look at garage sales, sidewalk sales at Toys-r(backwards)-us, kiddie city etc… There's lots out there.
QuestionWhy has commodore not agreed to "STANDARDIZATION"? Apple has.
Jim G: Don't know the details. May not be right for us now. OK. I've managed to make it through another night of your questions. Thanks all for coming and I hope I haven't made too many errors. I'll be doing this all over again sometime next month (the 17th I believe) so stop by and say "hello" or "where the heck's the Transformer" or whatever. Until then…………..
QuestionAre there any plans to increase the price of the C64 or C128?
Jim G: No
QuestionI hate to bother you again, but is it possible they will make an Amiga emulator for the VIC?
Jim G: Unlikely.
QuestionIs CBM ahead of apple or atari Financially?
Jim G: Dunno. I work downstairs.