Subject: Escom and the future of the Amiga
Date: 22 Apr 1995 05:12:32 GMT

	It's official now, Escom, a German computer manufacturer, is the 
proud new owner of Commodore.  There are definately mixed feelings about 
Escom as the new owners.

	I'm sorry to say that I have seen some pretty sorry people 
whining about this development.  Before even giving Escom a chance to see 
where they are headed with the Amiga, they are being condemned.  

	The truth is, it takes very little imagination to see why that 
is.  Escom is a company which has been relatively unheard of in most 
countries, and what little of known of it is information linked to the 
distribution of PC Clones.  I can understand why people don't want a 
clone manufacturer "tainting" the Amiga, but nobody can afford to turn 
their back on Escom, a company which could possibly make the Amiga a 
household name... Aren't you tired of people saying, "Huh?  What's an 
Omega?" 

	There are several directions that Escom can go with the Amiga, 
but regardless of what THEY do, remember that there is an excellent 
chance that Escom will license the technology to other companys.  This 
means that Amiga clones are a very real possibility.  Also, Escom could 
put some money into R&D and begin to push the Amiga as a powerful and 
inexpensive multimedia system.  Right now the price point for a 
multimedia system sits around $1300 minimum.  An Amiga 4000/030 could 
easily be sold in a respectable configuration for $1100, giving Escom an 
edge in the multimedia market.

	What we need to do as faithful Amiga users is to be vocal in the 
direction which WE want the Amiga to go.  We need to write letters, raise 
awareness, and generally keep positive thoughts about the future of our 
beloved machine.

	So, in short... STOP YOUR WHINNING!!!! It's not that bad!  If 
things suck 6 months from now, please, send me as many "I Told You So" 
messages as you like, but until this company has a chance to prove 
themselves... STFU!!!!  Ahem.  Sorry.