UNIX-WIZARDS Digest V8#040

[Marshall Feldman]

RE. Suns vs '386

I recently purchased a network file server for a TCP/IP network.  My minimal
requirements were UNIX (sysV preferred), 4 MB RAM, Color graphics (medium
resolution, c. IBM EGA/VGA standards), cartridge tape backup (60 MB or more),
150 MB hard disk or larger, and the ability to run DOS programs.

I really wanted to buy a SUN 386i, but when I got done comparing prices, a
'386 clone was about $4,000 - $5,000 less expensive.  Maybe it was my specs,
but I needed to run DOS software, and the SUN could only do this gracefully
with a special board (@ c$1,000).  The color screen at the low-end was about
a megapixel -- nice, but more than I needed.  I wound up buying a Micro 1
25 MHz, w/ 160 MB Miniscribe HD, DPT intelligent controller, VGA, NEC 3D, and
Archive 125MB tape backup for under $9,000.

The important difference between the clone pricing and the SUN pricing seems to
be that the clones work their way up from the low end, while SUN is working
its way down from the high end.  Even a stripped down but functional SUN was
too rich for my blood, having some features I didn't need and other features
costing an arm and a leg as add-ons.  Maybe things are different with SPARCS.

In any case, the importance for the GNU debate is not what super gizmo do you
get with a SUN (no matter how nice the gizmo is or how reasonably priced).
Instead, the issue is what architecture allows the low-end user to get into
UNIX on a reasonable machine at the lowest price while still providing an
upgrade path for more power.  I submit that in today's market the answer
in overwhelmingly the '386 architecture.  For under $3,000 one can have a
viable UNIX machine (16 MHz, 2 MB, 40 MB, mono graphics).  If I can get
an equivalent 386i or SPARC for this price, then my point is moot.