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Springboard Concept with a twist


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Celchu19
Member

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 308

quote:
Originally posted by BEN

Well, I wouldn't go as far to say that apple has better hardware. The processor speed is no where near that of intel, and besides that, they use basically the same components. The only reason why software runs faster on the mac is because it was specifically written for the motorola processor, not because the hardware is better.

BEN

And I was trying to extend an olive branch. Mac's also use the processor is RISC bassed, that may have something to do with it.

sam

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03-05-2001 12:07 PM

dkessler
Member

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Plant City, FL
Posts: 385

quote:
Originally posted by Celchu19
it also hayes compatible like the HS modem so the drivers exist.

Not quite. "Hayes compatible" is the specification for a command set embedded in the data stream to the modem. It defines sequences of characters that when received by the modem from the host will cause the modem to do certain things (like dial or hang-up). With an external modem that connects to a serial port on the host, being Hayes compatible is enough since the host has driver software to run its own serial ports.

But with an internal modem (like a CF modem) there is a proprietary hardware interface to get characters from the host to the modem. Certain memory addresses in the CF card have to be accessed certain ways and this can be different for each brand and model of CF modem out there. A generic Hayes modem driver knows what characters to send to the modem, but you still need a modem specific driver that knows how to send them.

Can it be done ... could someone write such driver software? Yes. Is it practical? Not really. Not when you can pick up a true Springboard modem for $60. Keep in mind that a passive CF adapter can't work with a CF modem because the Springboard slot doesn't have all the signal lines that the modem needs. So to use your CF modem in your Visor would require an adapter that costs as much as a true Springboard modem. Believe me, if this could be done in a cost-effective way, Kopsis would be leading the charge

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03-05-2001 02:40 PM

lennonhead
Member

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: NJ
Posts: 517

quote:
Originally posted by BEN

Well, I wouldn't go as far to say that apple has better hardware. The processor speed is no where near that of intel, and besides that, they use basically the same components. The only reason why software runs faster on the mac is because it was specifically written for the motorola processor, not because the hardware is better.

BEN

Maybe more accurately put- they have better integration of hardware and software which is why they are more stable and run faster. You should be well aware of the fact that MHz isn't the deciding factor of the processors speed (can you say Pentium4?), this does not make Motorola processors inferior to Intel in any way. If a RISC G4 processor with Alti-vec capabilities that runs at 733 MHz can run things faster, then how is it inferior hardware? Just asking

.

I would also like to point out the fact that Apple designs and manufactures their own Mother Boards, so processors aren't the only hardware difference.

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03-05-2001 03:13 PM

potter
Member

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: SW Virginia
Posts: 290

quote:
Originally posted by raptor
But I thought I read that Handspring DID license the Springboard slot. I thought that a while ago Symbol announced that they were gonna start producing PDAs with Springboard slots or something.

Am I completely off my rocker on that one?

See news item Handspring licenses Springboard to Symbol.

03-05-2001 04:21 PM

dick-richardson
Member

Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Aberdeen, SD
Posts: 2531

quote:
Originally posted by BEN
The processor speed is no where near that of intel, and besides that

MHz is not a set standard like mph. A mac at 500MHz is quite a bit quicker than any Intel chip at 500MHz.You can't compare MHz ratings across chips (you can't even compare different chips from the same maker � as I'm sure you've seen with the Pentium4's vs. the III's).

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03-05-2001 04:53 PM

EricG
Member

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Alive and well on VisorCentral.com
Posts: 861

quote:
Originally posted by dick-richardson

MHz is not a set standard like mph. A mac at 500MHz is quite a bit quicker than any Intel chip at 500MHz.You can't compare MHz ratings across chips (you can't even compare different chips from the same maker � as I'm sure you've seen with the Pentium4's vs. the III's).

Funny you should mention this, as in some cases the P4 is actually slower clock-for-clock MHZ than a P3.

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