Msg: 2219 *Conference*

04-01-92 14:34:12

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : LEX JENKINS

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #2217 (DISK-INTENSIVE PROGRAMS)

Good question.  I don't really know the answer but conclude that RAM based
programs are Model T staples due to the fact that the Model 100 started life as
a RAM based machines with tape storage.  Within a few years, Tandy presented
the DVI (disk video interface).  However, like most of their initial offerings,
high price ment low sales.  The DVI was capable of disk based programming but
again the DVI was not popular due to high price.    Tandy followed the DVI with
the TPDD (Tandy Portable Disk Drive).  However, the DOS (Disk Operating System)
sold with the TPDD did not allow drive access from within TEXT or BASIC.  And,
although the TPDD was reasonably priced, and more portable, and thus became
popular, it lacked a DOS with TEXT and BASIC access.  There were, however, 3rd
party DOSes, and many of those (like TS-DOS) became very popular. but the trend
in programming was set, i.e., RAM based or nothing.  A last angle to this
off-the-cuff analsys is the simple truth of marketing, i.e., you must have a
large enough market, or interested enough market to support the marketing,
production and support.
 
If the Model 100 came with a disk drive the story would be quite different.  It
didn't.  So there.  That's my best shot.  -Rick-