second thoughts on buying a 3000UX

[Robert Chesler]

I've been thinking about buying one of the 3000UX systems to develop an
X-based software system.  Commodore finally told me how much it would
cost me to get a system as a commercial developer, but hasn't been able
to answer fully.  I also realized that their idea of "X" might be different
than mine.

Please tell me why I shouldn't give in to my second thoughts against
buying one...



What is the software installation format that they use?  I know that
the systems come pre-loaded, but a reinstallation might become necessary
in the future, and I'll most likely reinstall it just to get rid of
the Amiga DOS stuff they seem to feel I'll want.

I'm pretty sure the installation media is a cartridge tape.  Is it a
quarter inch cartridge (QIC) or their own standard.  They couldn't even
tell me the price of a tape drive!  Anyone know the density or capacity,
or the price of the tape drives?

I've heard that additional memory chips must be surface-soldered to 
the main board.  I've also heard that memory is user upgradable, and that
expansion boards are available.  What really is the largest amount of
memory that I can cram into the system?  How much does it cost to get the
system with 16 Mb or more memory?  They could only tell me the price with 9Mb.


What does Commodore mean by "choice of monitors?"  The price CATS quoted me
allows for my choice of monitors.  Well I want to run an X server, and I'd
want color, and resolution greater than 1024 X 864.  I see 1280 X 400 listed
(I assume this isn't a joke) and I see an expansion graphics board listed as
1024 X 1024.  Well if I need to get that expansion board, so be it, but
how much does it cost?  How many of them can be put on a system?


Does the SCSI implementation allow for connecting and using:
	- scanners
	- fixed-block tapes
	- other tapes
	- disks (native scsi, or adaptec, OMTI, or other bridge boards)
	- CD-ROM's and other removable optical disks

Does the system truly come with ethernet?  Does the running system support
booting X terminals on the network?  Does it support all of the major booting
protocols?


What's the deal with getting a 50Mhz CPU clock speed?  What's the deal with 
getting a 68040 CPU?  Are they really available?  How much more cost? 

Could someone post the output of a recursive "ls" on a system?
Is there a comprehensive list of what UNIX software comes with it, or at least
is available to put on it?  I want some sort of database for example.

How will third party sotware products be distributed?  (see tape drive question
above!)


Please reply by email, and I'll post a summary.

Thanks in advance,
--Robert

rtc at westford.ccur.com  or  decvax!chesler!rob
w: (508) 392-2702          h: (603) 881-5456