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- Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.misc
- Path: sparky!uunet!comp.vuw.ac.nz!actrix!Steve.Withers
- From: Steve.Withers@bbs.actrix.gen.nz
- Subject: Re: Desktop workspace size, ie VGA etc.
- Organization: Actrix Information Exchange
- Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1992 11:18:05 GMT
- Message-ID: <1992Aug27.111805.19255@actrix.gen.nz>
- References: <1992Aug26.223047.15311@msuinfo.cl.msu.edu>
- Sender: Steve.Withers@actrix.gen.nz (Steve Withers)
- Lines: 52
-
- In article <1992Aug26.223047.15311@msuinfo.cl.msu.edu> vaitkus@oyster.cps.msu.edu (Keith P Vaitkus) writes:
- > I need some advice. I am looking to buy a PC-compatible computer, namely a 486SX
- > or DX, but I get the shakes when I think of that much hardware being controlled
- > by MS DOS. I have used pc's but most of my experience has been on sun
- > workstations with Xwindows and a very *large* color workspace. I don't care a
- > whit for MSwindows or running their programs, if that will affect any of the
- > questions below.
- >
- > Now for my questions:
- > [Please keep your answers sorta untechnical. Im not a hardware guru.]
- >
- > 1) How large can the desktop be in OS2? Im not real familiar with all these
- > resolution buzzwords, SVGA, S3, XGA, etc. In laymans terms, what kind of
- > resolutions can I get? 1000x1000? The VGA 640x480 is far too small for me, but I
- > have heard about problems os2 has supporting video cards.
-
- Low end...Trident 8900c video card. Cheap and great for OS/2. Supports
- 800x600x16 seamless windows. This resolution is about the most you want to use
- on a 14" monitor. I consider 1024x768 on a 14" to be the preserve of the
- bloody-minded. Things are just too small.
-
- Upmarket - the ATI Ultra in 8514/a mode. Very nice, though pricey.
-
- >
- > (Having looked at this newsgroup I can seen that there still are a number of
- > problems in this area.)
- >
- > 2) I am looking at a Gateway 2000 system and a Dell system. Can anyone tell me if
- > there are any problems with these and high graphics resolutions? The Dell has a
- > built in video driver, I believe, Is this going to cause me problems?
-
- No Dell's in New Zealand, so I have no idea.
-
- >
- > 3) Lastly, does anyone have advice about whether I ought to get a SX or DX? Now,
- > I know this is a sore issue for many people, (the SX is just a brain-dead DX,
- > etc) but Im not a 'power user' and an SX seems like it will be powerfull enough
- > for me, (I still have to use a 286 at work!) unless there is some great advantage
- > at having the co-processor built in. It was my understanding that the
- > co-processor had to be addressed directly to be used, ie it has special code
- > requirements and is not automatically used by all programs. Is this still true?
- > Will the DX rapidly increase my everyday general graphics performance?
-
- A 486SX/25 will be great! Anything slower than that and you are better off to
- get a 386DX/40. Cheaper and faster than the 486sx/20.
-
- Steve
- --
- Steve Withers - Wellington, New Zealand | If you don't vote for MMP on
- Steve.Withers@bbs.actrix.gen.nz | September 19, 1992, then you
- withers_s@kosmos.wcc.govt.nz | must like things the way they
- **** Happy user of OS/2 v2!! **** | are.....can I live with YOU?
-