From: lishka@dxcern.cern.ch (Christopher Lishka)
Subject: Re: TECH: Amiga VR?
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1992 10:56:35 GMT
Organization: CERN European Lab for Particle Physics


Aren't Amiga computers used as part of the BattleTech simulators and
Virtuality games?  If memory serves, they are coupled with better
graphics cards to handle the faster graphics needed in the game.  I
believe the BattleTech system uses an IBM PC-based network file-server
as well.  I seem to remember articles on both systems saying that the
Amiga was used (a) because it is relatively inexpensive and (b)
because it has a multi-tasking operating system with cheap
inter-process communication.

Does anybody want clarify the above information?  It would be
interesting to know *why* each company chose the Amiga (if the above
is indeed true).

IMHO, the Amiga's multi-tasking operating system and fast IPC would
seem to be a big plus in writing VR applications.  Plus, the Amiga
operating system comes with REXX, which makes it easy to write scripts
and create multi-application "glue" to get different apps talking to
each other and share data (and which is a big improvement over the IBM
PCs scripting language).  Personally, I prefer the Amiga's shell and
file-system over the Mac and IBM PC.  And yes, I *have* used all three
(and indeed have managed both PCs on a Novell network and now Macs on
localtalk and ethenet networks).  Besides being relatively inexpensive
(so are PCs) and having decent fast low-end graphics, the Amiga offers
a very nice programming environment -- which can translate directly to
productivity.

Just my two cents.  It is nice to see an Amiga vs. IBM PC (or any
computer vs. any other) that hasn't yet erupted into a flame war.  A
good discussion of the merits of both machines is well appreciated
(flames are not).

							.oO Chris Oo.

-- 
                                                           Christopher Lishka
 Never drive a car when you're dead...			   PPE Division, CERN
				-- Tom Waits		  lishka@dxcern.cern.ch
							     vxaluw::lishka