NeXT and the NeXT of us!
- To: mathgroup at yoda.physics.unc.edu
- Subject: NeXT and the NeXT of us!
- From: winkel at nextwork.rose-hulman.edu
- Date: Fri, 12 Feb 93 11:50:25 EST
Concerning Elias Saab's question: **** I would appreciate any comments about the recent news of NeXT selling its hardware to Cannon. Does this mean the beginning of the end of the NeXT machines? What is going to [happen to] all of us who invested in teaching classrooms that we equipped with NeXT machines to teach Calculus and Mathematica? ***** I for one do not know anything about the future of NeXT machines. We have some 225 or so on campus and for the most part enjoy using them, especially the operating system, the common features of and movement between applications, the mail, and Mathematica on the NeXT. However, we are most anxious about continuation, not of the machines, but of NeXTStep operating system. We are giving serious thought here to asking students (several years from now though) to have their own notebook computer, say 486, and we believe NeXTStep 486, would serve us very well on that platform. Thus while loving the NeXT machines, at those prices, say compared to a "bland" 486 DOS machine pumped up with all the goodies of NeXTStep, one may find better pricing. Certainly NeXTStep on 486 DOS machines may prove cheaper than having to purchase a 486 DOS machine AND all the goodies included in the NeXTStep for just plain old DOS machines. Of course one of the features of Mathematica is the transportability of notebooks so NeXT and Mathematica need not be the only wedding to attend. Frankly, if the company that brought you the NeXT machine and NeXTStep - both superb feats - is forced (why, I do not fully understand) to concentrate only on software, I would say they will do an even more impressive job in this regard. I do worry about the bundling aspect of the release though, e.g. will NeXTStep contain all the applications currently included in the operating system when one buys the machine, quotation source, dictionary, Mathematica, MonsterScope, etc.? I do not feel badly about the decision of NeXT to move out of a line (NeXT machines) in which they may not have been competing successfully and concentrate on what they can, clearly, succeed at - excellent interface software. But time will tell us more, will it not? Brian J. Winkel, Editor PRIMUS, Cryptologia, Collegiate Microcomputer Department of Mathematics Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Terre Haute IN 47803 USA PHONE: 812-877-8412: FAX 812-877-3198 email: winkel at nextwork.rose-hulman.edu