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What's Up Doc?

It seems that a lot of what I have been doing lately involves multimedia. You may as well know (and probably already knew) that I was dragged kicking and screaming from my trusty old MS-DOS command line into the wonderful world of sound and light. I swore that I wouldn't like it even if I had to take the plunge in order to maintain skill levels at a somewhat current level. OK, so I was wrong. Sorry.

I like it now. I also eat brussel sprouts (with butter and salt). Maybe my tastes are maturing. Maybe it is good for me. Hmmm.

Although there are times I revert to MS-DOS mode to quickly accomplish some task, it is usually because I can't quickly find a way to do it in Windows 95. However, it is said that nothing stays the same except change.

MMX is Here

MMX (a.k.a. Multimedia Extensions) Pentium CPU's have landed. They are currently only available in 166 and 200 MHz configurations at a premium of about $100 or so over the corresponding non-MMX counterparts. What does MMX do? Well. In theory, once you buy a whole bunch of new software designed to take advantage of MMX facilities, your computer will handle multimedia faster and better because the MMX processing will take place within the speedy CPU rather that in the "slow" sub-70ns rated system memory, under software control. Yes, non-MMX enabled software works better on MMX CPU's. Internally the CPU cache size is doubled to 32K onboard, resulting in a 10%+ increase in throughput speed. Graphic applications do benefit as well.

So, what does that do for you, dear reader? Well, at the moment, MMX is still has one foot in the vaporware category. IF software developers come on board like the news releases hope they will, we could see some improvement in application speed. How much? Don't know yet (vaporware is difficult to test). Is it worthwhile to get now? That's up to you. For a mere $100 more, you can go to the one foot that is in the real world already - the MMX "standard". Who knows? In a month or two all Pentium systems may include this feature at no extra cost. Do you feel like a gambler today? Do I sound jaded? Disillusioned? Maybe. It just sounds at least partially like more hopeful advertising hype. Just like that 3D moniker (Like, just what is "3D sound" anyway?). All I am saying is let's look before we leap, check that horse's mouth, know where's the beef, and get one bird in our hand before we beat the bushes for those other two. I say that the jury's still out on this one.

How about a Video Conference?

In a more optimistic spirit, I would like to present more exciting news coming to us this month. What about this new video conferencing package at a great new pricing level?

ExpertColor DVC3610 Conference Solution
VIDEO CONFERENCE SOLUTION

• PC with Pentium processor and Windows 95 Operating System.
• To send audio: Microphone and 16-bit sound card.
• For full duplex audio: a full duplex capable, Sound Blaster compatible with drivers.
• For audio output: earphones or speakers
• Internet connection via modem, LAN or ISDN.

All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies. Specification and pricing subject to change without prior notice.

Star(price)Wars come to Town

IMHO: We are currently enjoying a price war. Big new Office Something superstore pushed its way into town. The other Future and Cost Guys are pushing back. I like all these guys. They buy big and can afford to sell at or below cost, for a while anyway. Right now that means printers for one. Great. That's one thing they can't really mess up. Hardly any technical support is required to sell you a box off the shelf. Most printer manufacturers provide better support and warranties than these guys can or will. I say, buy that printer and let me install it for you at a modest fee if you decide you can't handle it yourself. With a custom system purchase I will even install it for you for free, in your home (within the local Southern Alberta area, of course). You benefit by getting TLC service and installation from yours truly plus a great price. Those guys get a chance to sell you a box off their shelf while they sock it to the competition. Everybody is happy. Isn't that nice?

[ Mar 97 ] [ SSDirect Home ]

Please address comments to rdavies@ssdirect.com. Thanks!

Revised: June 23, 2001 Design Copyright 1996-2000 by Roger Davies for Soft Serve Direct (SSDirect - Computer Consulting, PC Sales, and Service). Permission is granted for individual use and reproduction provided that this document remains intact, with this copyright message clearly visible.

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