graphics peripherals

[gwyn%brl-vld at sri-unix.UUCP]

From:      Doug Gwyn (VLD/VMB) <gwyn at brl-vld>

	1- What graphics peripherals have you used in a workstation environment
	and what is your opinion on them?
I've used all types of input and output peripherals.  In game theory parlance,
some peripherals are dominated by others (and should not be purchased):  light
pens are inferior to data tablets, for example.  However, most peripherals
have an application area where they are the right choice.  Some implementations
of each are worse than others; this is especially true of data tablets, several
of which are designed for point take-off, rather than cursor tracking.  A more
complete answer would be lengthy; what specific application do you have?

	4- Has anyone got any experience with BBN's Bitgraph? How programable
	are they?  Isn't the RS232 interface a bottleneck when displaying
	bitmaps?
I have heard, but do not know for certain, that the BitGraph is no longer
manufactured.  In any case, it is dominated by the Teletype 5620.  The RS232
interface could be a bottleneck for raster graphics, but if the terminal is
allowed to do most of the rasterizing, very little information needs to be sent
down the communication line.  For this type of terminal, therefore, one must be
able to download programs (or else it needs to have lots of smarts built-in).

	5- Has anyone seen in operation the new Teletype multi-window terminal?
	I read a review in Unix Review and it sounded somewhat bizarre.
I have seen the Teletype 5620 in operation and have talked with people who have
either this or the Blit prototype.  It would be an amazing terminal to own if
they would deliver sufficient software with it.  I wonder what the hold-up is.