ST Report December 06, 1991 No.7.48

  
 Questions about the math co-processor and socket in the Mega STe by 
 Allan Gus on CIS...
   Where can I find out the details of what the add ons will do for me? 
   For example, If I install the co-processor, what will that give me?  
   Faster? Can I get the co-processor anywhere? I would love to load up 
   my STe.
   
 Reply from Jim Ness on CIS...
   One of the reasons that the coprocessor is not very well-known is that 
   there is very little software written to use it.
  
   Mostly heavy-duty graphics/CAD stuff, where math speed is important. 
   If you run that type of software, you will notice a speed increase; 
   otherwise, no.
  
 Reply from Bob Retelle (sysop) on CIS...
   ...the "PAL" chip is just extra circuitry needed to make the co-
   processor work in the ST. I guess Atari figured there was no reason to 
   put it in ALL the STs if only a few people were going to need it for a 
   co-processor.
   
 Replies from Bob Brodie (Atari) on CIS...
   The math co-processor will only make a difference if the software that 
   you're using is written to take advantage of it. So far, only a hand-
   ful of programs do that: Most of the Lexicor Software, and DynaCadd. 
   Other than those products, having a co-processor will add ZERO to your 
   system.
  
   The socket that you've noticed is indeed for a math co-processor chip. 
   It also requires a separate PAL to go along with it. Your dealer can 
   order that as a part from Atari.
  
   The nice thing about the Mega STE is the expansion that it offers. You 
   can replace the HD with just about anything...I'm running a 60 meg 
   Seagate in mine. It's very fast, and super quiet. And the price was 
   right, too! (I was handy when the Seagate rep came schmoozing around 
   that day! :) )
  
   In addition, the VME bus will handle a whole new world of expansion 
   for you. There are graphics cards that will go into that bus that will 
   allow you to go to a higher rez with your Mega STE. Here at Atari, 
   we've gone to 640x480x256 on a Mega STE, using a TT color monitor. 
   Really nice looking!!
  
   Also, with modem prices as cheap as they are right now (2400 baud 
   <$100), it's possible to hook up more than one modem to your Mega STE 
   and using STalker 3 you can actually call two (or more) places at 
   once!! Really nifty!