Joseph K. Myers
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
If I needed an upgrade, or was going to buy a new computer, here is what I would want.
(Everybody hates Apple, so of course I'm going to talk about them first.)
The only value in the PowerMac lineup is the dual 1.25GHz. For an 11% enhancement in some critical components you may increase the price, but I think that this one is the only smart buy. The eMacs are wonderful, but the new iMacs are dumb. However, the old, turtle-shell iMacs are great. Actually, I can't recommend buying any computer; the time would be bad strategy (4-4-03).
I am waiting until they come out with a quad-processor G5, with 256-bit data paths, 6-step pipelines, and all those imaginative dreams. (Oh yes, and it must be in Rainy-Day Yellow.)
8-13-03. G5 is not a revolution. Don't buy one.
6-23-03: I agree with the CNN headline: "Apple: New Power Macs world's fastest PC." Get it: the Apple computers are PCs. "Doubles power" seems to be the hit word. They are tricky, however: "promised that G5s running at 3.0GHz are due out"--well, OK?--all you have done is tell us they are due, like "promising that it is supposed to happen..."
This should help the respectability of Apple, especially where they are trying to win the right to use Unix as a generic term--that belongs to them as much as it does to any other Unix manufacturer. How to define Unix seems to be the question: the short answer is the Unix shell, and the Unix file system.
Now they are trying to point out that this supercomputer is the personal computer. It's a good point. People who can buy the pretty personal computer will now enjoy the fashion of a supercomputer.
The product to recommend, of course, is the top of the line now. It is 50% more ($3000 to $2000) than the lowest end computer, but has two 2GHz "G5" processors, compared to one at only 1.6GHz. I would still recommend to wait--the next will be cheaper and better, and more mature.
(6-24-03: And I would also say the middle model is very recommendable. She shines.)
(11-30-03: Of course, I must say now that the middle Apple G5 model shines more, now with dual 1.8 GHz "G5" processors, the same beautiful graphics card [why do some people mistake the beauty?], and waiting if you want to.)
7-15-03: I changed my mind, or at least had an alternative changed mind idea. The lowest model is faster than the dual G4s because of the fact that one processor on a much faster bus and faster drives overpowers two processors which otherwise would have been faster, and because of the fact that two processors are more inefficient than one, so the speed does not add up as a factor of two. If you must, set up a work area with a $1999 1.6 GHz G5, a smart, cool speed for the computer, with the 5200 nVidia graphics card, a cool girl; and a $1099 eMac without a SuperDrive (the larger computer already has it, so save money). However, if you don't have plans to buy two computers together, I don't recommend buying yet.
And the little congregation...
...decided not to buy.
6-24-03: The biggest news is Qt/Mac. No one knows, silly folks. This means Qt (which is for Windows, Unix, and now native in Mac) is a better platform to develop in even than any of them.
6-26-03: Improvements
Pretty much all of my predictions were correct:
They are going to have to integrate Safari technology with help viewer, other parts of system; they will probably want to develop tabs in Aqua, especially for browsing components. (2-10-03). 2-14-03, this means they will probably release an updated system.
The things left to improve are to use DDR2 RAM, and have more than 8 GB of RAM, as well as cheaper. Also, 8X AGP graphics simply is stupid--it boils down still to 33 MHz. This is to be replaced by better technology--it must be replaced--just as PCI to PCI-X (which is still slow). The graphics cards are sweet, but low. The nv35 (nVidia FX5900 + Ultra) and the will-be nv40 are very high rate.
8-11-03. Actually, nVidia claims otherwise, even though I like them.
"Today, we see very few applications that are AGP-bandwidth-limited."
Well, all right. It's tomorrow already, duh.
7-15-03. They should use some of the XDR DRAM, that has been announced to deliver bandwidths of 6.4 to 12.8 GB/s, or 25 to 50 GB/s with a 64-bit interface. It is also to scale to double, allowing 50 or 100 GB/s transfer rates in 64 and 128-bit interfaces, respectively.
6-30-03. It seems that Apple has done some major cheating in their performance reports. With the Intel compiler, the results would have been greater than 50% in favor of the Pentium 4 or Xeon. The significant, even more significant, reason still in favor of Apple, IBM, and the G5 is that Intel, by no disregardable evidence, has specifically designed its processor, and compiler with it, for the publicly-known performance tests. That is cheating even more.
(It seems exactly like StuffIt products, which on the known test suites, Calgary corpus, etc., perform extremely well, almost unbearably so, beating everything. However, in real compression, those do not match results.)
Besides hating Windows, I have no recommendations to make.
See the next item.
The only real way to run Windows is on a discarded hard drive, left over from everything worth using. If you really want, you can add it to the computer I will describe.
Unix-variant computers all need to have a full-time-access shell. I hate GUI without a sticky shell to have around. It shouldn't be a separate thing.
I would have at least two; four or five is better. For my primary drive, I would have nothing to say. Most computer packages have one included. Use it for Windows or something. For my other drives, I do care. I like Seagate a lot. Seagate has invented something called Serial ATA which promises to do marvels for drive technology. Choose hard drives with at least 50 GB (like I said, don't worry about the one you have already). Of my two drives, one would be an organized disk with partitions and such, and the other simply a raw dumper place, which I could use either for backup or for RAID. (Use RAID 5.)
Computer memory goes well with itself. Two is better than one, and two thousand more is even better. Get at least twice the default amount. You can't appreciate how much good this will do.
All the good Unixes (I like FreeBSD) support multiple processors. I would take advantage of this. Apple does whatever it does (and I don't like it much). Other computer systems offer variety. I would defintely choose AMD processors over anything Pentium.
I don't see why networks are so far behind. Does someone think that wiring never needs an update? In any case, only Apple computers usually have 1000 mbps ethernet, which should be standard with everything. As far as I can tell, networks are cheap, until you get to the Internet connection. Someone needs to start a better phone company.
7-2-03. The very good (sounding) Linksys EtherFast Workgroup Gigabit 8-Port switch (EG008W) is available for $168.95 (datacomm warehouse, VW116889), also, 5-Port Gigabit switch (EG005W) for $131.95 (datacomm warehouse, VW116888). (Note: all the ports are 1000 Mbps, not just one or two of them.)
I am partial to NEC/Mitsubishi (like MultiSync FE700M+, MultiSync FE700+, AccuSync 70M; and hey, their slogan is "see more!"). I would not like to have more than a 17-inch screen. (I think 15 is my favorite, but it could be habit.) I despise LCDs. CRTs are color-superior, and superior to me as well. Does that settle it or what? (If you really want a bigger monitor, I think the NEC MultiSync FP955 19/18" is totally great.)
I have nothing to say. Buy cheap buy good. As for me, I turn them off, anyway. (Funny, because I have terribly good ears; maybe that is why they always offend me.)
As for keyboard, it is the opposite. The keyboard is my piano. It is my instrument for everything. I would buy the best--something from DataDesk, hopefully, like the SmartBoard (too bad, they have no USB). I must add that I am righteously upset that no one seems to care for this most important part of the computer.
Well, all right. You can get a mouse, too. Whatever.
48-bit color is the nice plateau, but really, do you want it in all your files, shown on 32-bit (24-bit) monitors, and scanned with a bad-quality scanner that isn't even accurate enough to hit 16-bits of colors truly? Well, try the Epson something or other (the Perfection 3200 w/ ColorTrue II) for $399. I would get it if ever I have money.
7-17-03. I heard about a 1670.
10-15-03. I like this one: Epson 3170, 3,200 x 6,400 dpi, 48 bit, 3.4 Dmax, Easy Photo Fix software, 35mm built-in film/slide and medium-format adapter, USB 2.0, PC and Mac, $200 (Amazon), $179 (lowest @ pricegrabber), $184.85 (Digital Foto), B11B161011, ASIN B0000C121R.
3-20-04. Perfection 4870, $449. #260109 @ MacMall. I still need to think about a good enough way to do scanning so that all the files aren't simply such bad quality that they need to be rescanned.
Get one black and white, and one color; one anything, and one Epson.
3-20-04. For a great new version of a tabloid printer, the Xerox Phaser 7750B is nice, at about $559998 - $679999, MacMall (#197258, 197259, respectively).
7-2-03. You've got to have the surge protection, and the backup power. At least five minutes of backup power is good (sometimes longer is worse, if someone is so stupid that they don't turn off their computer to begin with). Don't even think of anything else. Your power will go off with your computer. Surges will happen. The Belkin F6H350-SER seems like a cheaper, better one. It is $38.95 (DUP3116 from datacomm warehouse). It provides eight surge-protected outlets, four for the battery backup, which lasts 15 minutes generally. Don't worry about goofy shutdown software.
Of course, this is a very cheap deal for the expensive purpose. You could easily see getting the 300 watt or 360 watt model, (F6H500, F6H650, respectively) at $49.95 or $59.95 (DUP3134, DUP3135).
I would kinda recommend to have one for each computer: if you are going to be having a room full of computers, why not go to a generator? More than one computer's needing use probably is worth a generator, and then you have to have the whole set of other components to go with that, not little power supplies (you still need a strip plug-in or other kind of surge protector).
I'll be like other cool girls and make a list.
| System | FreeBSD |
|---|---|
| Hard Drive | dunno; I'd like a very good Seagate |
| Graphics (GPU) | nVidia FX 5200 (the girl one, with love) or nVidia FX 5900 Ultra, or (10-28-03) 5950 Ultra, 5700 Ultra. |
| RAM | 8-19-03. > 1 GB (e.g., default RAM + extra 1 GB). |
| Monitor | gimme one, too; I like NEC, and I like CRT (colors are better, and have the refresh rate at at least 85 Hz). |
| Apple | none currently good enough for me; I've heard of Panther. |
| Singer | Johnny Cash, Sunday... |
| Audio | Obviously, I'm bored. I'll wait a year and update my log. |
We like to make a girls' list of desires. Good girl!
Features of major operating systems:
| Apple Mac OS X | The NVIDIA platform, nForce 2, etc. |
|---|---|
| Nice software. If I didn't want to disappoint an ordinary user by telling them to get Unix, then I would say get this (which is really Unix). It is a whole lot friendier to tell people to get Unix, because then they can get help, and there's not a lot you can do to help someone with most other computers. | Really cheap, smart, good machines use the power of these chipsets. Good computers systems should have the good graphics platform. These are like IBM Intellisation workstations, HP Business Desktop d325, and the Medion AG. |
I'd like a computer with three (8-11-03. Or six.) of Seagate's new 2.5" disk drives in RAID 5, with four cool running 2 GHz SIMD 64-bit processors, in a 1000 Base-T ethernet, serving on the web with a redundant telco backbone.
Here's a really weird old computer purchase Christmas link.
8-11-03. Actually, I'd like 10 computers, and network attached storage.
I list some in my computer links.
7-23-03. nVidia has announced their Quadro FX 3000, 2000, 1000, and 500, a very good thing for a computer business.
9-25-03. Now when you design a computer for something real, what are you thinking? Where are all the mysterious bugs that do exist that you will have to cover for? You don't want them to exist. You can't be aware of them--they are accidents.
Now I know that if I were to design from end to beginning, I would never have a single mistake. The entire problem would be unitary--and perfectly solved.
That's what I want to do, but I'm practical to see I can't: I can do it, but, "I didn't have time."
Instead, I have to research the perfections of others, which are just as perfect as mine.
Here are the list of providers for nVidia motherboards:
Abit Albatron AOpen ASUS Biostar Chaintech Epox FIC Gigabyte JETWAY Leadtek MSI Shuttle Soltek
Here's the way I think a server would be set up:
Why do I do this, when I could set up equal for cheaper and less? I want everything I do to be an endorsement. I want to endorse the companies and products I use.
Epson Stylus CX5400
10-17-03. Note, FreeBSD can't run but on a single-processor Opteron system. Opteron is kind of like an Alpha. Prices: Opteron 2 GHz OSA246BOX newegg.com (from dealtime.com) five plus rating store, $810.00.
10-28-03. E-like-tric digicamys: Nikon 3700 ought to be good. I like Canon's models, too.
11-17-03. Make a lowest common denominator of criteria. Compare qualifying products.
11-18-03. I'm getting tired. I just need to do some things best of category. But I'm getting tired. Nothing is satisfying.
Interesting.
Try this. Asus SK8N. Opteron 140.
Vendor (rating), item, price, shipping.
Newegg.com, AMD Opteron Model 140 1.4GHz 64-bit processor, $175, Free FedEx Saver.
Monarchcomputer.com (9.86), Corsair 512 MB 2700 DDR REG ECC for AMD Opteron, $135, $5.90 FedEx.
(But you should buy memory from Kingston for AMD Opteron/Asus SK8N.
But you can't get that kind of memory with a 140 anyway. I would say that 1 GB of 266 MHz RAM goes with 1.4 GHz, so for two of these
AccuPC, Asus SK8N Mainboard for AMD Opteron, $197.65, $5, FedEx Saver. Sweet! They just lowered the price on it to $196.
But is that the latest model? Rev 1.03, AMI 1004.004, c. 11/19/2003?
Also, this might be good. Newegg.com, MSI Dual Opteron Processor Server Motherboard for Towers MODEL "K8D MASTER-F", or this, Tyan S2880GNR (Thunder K8S) AMD-8131 Opteron DDR ECC 333.
(Cost effective. Why? 4 of these will be 175*4 = 700. 4 of these will be 1.4 GHz * 4 = 5.6 GHz. 1 of an Opteron 148 would be $859 est, @ 2.2 GHz. price/performance ratio = 700/5.6 = 125 for Opteron 140, and 859/2.2 = 390 for Opteron 148, so 148 is less than half as good a value as four 140s.
Of course, you have to think about effective long-term cost of ownership, but don't you realize that 1.4 GHz processors will also be providing net 5.6 GHz in a much longer length of time, the same as in a shorter length of time?)
Total = $203 + 175 + 248 = $626.
Nikon D70 digital camera next spring, about $1000.
The Canon A60 is at Wal-Mart, and I very greatly recommend it. It has an f2.8-4.8 lens. To you
(Please buy it for me and give me the credit on my Amazon.com referral payment.)
12-11-03. Give me a list of girl's desires.
Here are all the motherboards for dual Opterons.
(Something is making me afraid I should go Intel.)
12-12-03. Go Segate Serial ATA
You should try the dynamic price for AMD Opteron Model 240, $192.
12-13-03. That cool new board needs 512MB 333MHz DDR PC2700 Reg ECC DIMM Double-Row.
Thankfully, new FreeBSD will have UFS2.
2-4-04. A new IWILL Opteron motherboard
^[>2-19-04. Tremendous. nVidia has made it to PCI Express.
(She's not human. Why is she a "she"; why do I want to kiss "her?" I don't think I like advertisements for sexuality when I love someone special. It is a confusion between sexual stimulation and love's stimulation, and it hurts.)
2-16-04. I'd like to run the M root server of the Internet. I would use my basic product strategy, and a Cheetah 10K.6 hard disk. I'm wondering whether djbdns would actually work.