Here are two messages on the request for info on the best computer platform
for CD-ROM applications for maps.   -----------------Johnnie
 
 
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              Mon, 03 May 93 10:09:38 EST
              David Cobb <DCOBB@HARVARDA>
              Re: CD-ROM Atlas Platform
 
I would agree with Prof. Marble that a 386 would be inadequate for your
applications. Many of the commercial "popular" mapping atlas programs
require little space (3-5MB) but do add up and your Windows and DOS software
will also take up space.
 
The 486 with a 200+ hard disk costs out much more efficiently when you consider
possible future applications and expandibility than almost any 386 configuratio
nAs for the printer, I would remind you that users are very unimpressed when
you view and color map on a color monitor and then offer them a black and white
copy from your printer. We are using a very basic HP 500C color printer which
has proved to be satisfactory for our current applications.
 
David A. Cobb
Harvard Map Collection
 
 
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          Mon, 3 May 1993 08:06 MST
      DEBBIE LORDS  <[log in to unmask]>
(806E2800: 80AD03155E)
          Re: CD-ROM Atlas Platform
 
I second the statement about the machine type posed in the first reply to
you.  Certainly the 2MB RAM limit would be begging for problems.  We have a
386 in our work area with 2MB RAM and we can't run our CD software AND the
mouse simultaneously.  For a geographic atlas, with features any mouse user
can imagine, to not plan on mouse support is insuring obsolesence and
dissatisfaction.
 
As far as RAM is concerned, I'd strongly urge you not to consider anything
below 8 meg.  I know memory is expensive, the most expensive part of the
machine, but so is upgrading that memory.  If you go with the machine you
have described, I can make you one guarantee.  You will spend a lot of more
money upgrading to what you really need than what you would have spent in the
first place.
 
My experience has shown that is it a too frequent mistake that librarians get
hardware which meets only "current need".  For the sake of your patrons,
consider your ability to meet "future need" if you get a "current need"
machine.  With computers, future needs can hit in just a few months.
 
Go with a:
     486 (33 or 50 megahertz)
     DOS 5.0 (DOS 6 is not as grand as promos pretend and 3.0 limits
          you too much)
     mouse support
     option for Windows 3.1 (for which you need 2 meg of RAM
          to BEGIN, forget any other application's needs)
     no less than 8 meg of memory and preferrably 16.
     COLOR printer
 
Also, if you are running stand-alone as you say, get enough disk space that
you can load the CD's information on the hard disk, if that is supported by
the CD provider.  As the other fellow said, CD access is far, far to slow if
other options are possible.
 
Bluntly, friend, it sounds like you are maybe being offered a gift computer.
Watch out against a Trojan horse.  Never downplay hardware needs.  Rather, be
honest about them.  Do you need the above?  Well, maybe you could fudge on
the color printer and possibly a 386 at 25 megahurtz won't cause too many
complaints.  But your patrons WILL notice the speed difference even if
computer gurus say they won't.  You will get complaints with a 386 pulling
directly from a CD.  Don't fudge on memory or disk space on a stand alone
machine.  Not ever.  You'll regret it if you do.
 
Advice is easy for those who don't have to pay the bill.
 
 
Debra Lords
[log in to unmask]
Marriott Library
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah  84112