What an excellent lively discussion.
Another route for thoughts to go:
Look at the price (and I do believe that "price" will remain the ultimate guide line for some time!) of the entry level computer over the past 3 years and then look at the spec of the machine.
IF you have a hard working supplier that believes in what you are doing and is there to help and advise, you will find that the entry level price has fallen slowly but the specification has risen and stayed 6-9 months behind the technological edge.
I seriously envy every student that I make up a machine for, however much I love my 486DX66, and I probably will forever because of this forward movement in technology.
I agree that if all places of learning suddenly find the money to go to MMX and Windows NT AND are unable to support "old" software 'cos they've thrown away all the "old stuff" then questions have to be asked. ( I will still sleep solidly for 4hr each night for the time being.)
I really believe that a steady forward plod 6-9 months behind the "edge" or as the price drops to meet the budget is truly the way to go.
I can confirm from the front line that the "Computer Graveyard" cannot work for all the reasons brought up by Paul Dilley.
Peter Childs
Hi-Grade, Southampton
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