iris reliability...

[michael zyda]

     I have had IRISes continuously since Oct 1984. I have also had a lot
of other manufacturers' graphics systems. Hardware-wise, the IRIS has been
about as reliable as the other systems.

     We did find that the IRIS-2400, IRIS-2400 Turbo and IRIS-3120 systems
do require air conditioning and a clean room. We used to run them in an
office environment and had a down on 1 system per month (with 3 systems
in the room). We moved them to the air conditioned room and they have
been up with only one down in the year since.

     Our 4D/70G was turned on at New Years and has had no hardware problems
(knock on wood). We put our old buttons and dials on the system after
making the right cable and table entries. Most everything works fine.
There are obvious software problems that will probably be fixed in the
next release. Such problems are typical of leading edge graphics
hardware. The IRIS-3120 is relatively mature compared to the 4D and
most problems have been worked out. People with "work to get done"
will be very impatient with the 4D. People with leading edge things
to try out will have fun with the 4D. 

     A year from now, you can expect the 4D to be "better/more reliable".
But at that time, there will be a newer, faster, better piece of
graphics hardware. It will also require patience.

     Our mode of operation: air conditioned and clean room for the IRISes
and full maintenance. Volumes of patience and lots of fun.

     Michael Zyda