Msg: 814 *Conference*

11-05-91 20:23:01

From: BARRY WAGNER

To : TRACY ALLEN

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #795 (FILE COMPRESSION)

I assume that TELCOM would have more versatile transfer programs available than
simply printing to screen. Besides these technical aspects, however, there is
an important philosophical point that shouldn't be overlooked: simplicity. That
is, not simplistic, but simple: i.e. not having something it needs vs. only
having what it is absolutely necessary. If you need 2400, then maybe you should
be looking at MS-DOS. Part of the charm of the 102 is that it is like driving a
Model T. However, being primative also means that it is simple: one is reduced
to only having the barest of tools necessary to do the job. Thus one is forced
into the essence of computing without all the luxurious frills. The Model 100
has, because of this, spawned all sorts of innovative thinking, products, uses,
and programs because it has started out with so little. Surely we don't want to
forget this aspect in the rush towards progress. Afterall, with all the modern
conveniences that I use, I have less time today than I did yesterday, partly
because time has been speede up by the new technology. There - NOW you need a
2400 modem to download this letter. -Barry.