By Paul Somerfeldt, Contributing Editor, p.somerfeldt@genie.com
Well folks, here is the first update of the Amiga AOL poll. Not quite as many respondents as I had hoped for, but I suspect it had something to do with problems at the Amiga Web Directory over the last couple of weeks.
There were 12 replies.
A500 A2000 A3000 A1200 A4000 A4000T 1 1 1 3 5 1
68000 68020 68030 68040 68060 PPC 0 1 4 5 2 (1)
1.X 2.X 3.0 3.1 0 0 2 10
An average of just over 26 megs. Minimum 8 megs (2), Maximum 50 megs (1)
14.4 28.8 33.6 56K ISDN 10Base-T Cable 1 3 3 3 1 1 0
Canada Germany Japan UK USA 1 1 1 1 8
Yes No 2 10
Both use mac Emulation, One also uses an IBM clone
Yes No 4 6
Amiga IBM/clone Mac 11 1 0
Only 2 use any of the online services; both use CompuServe and Genie.
Yes No Don't Care 10 0 2
Yes No Don't Know 5 1 6
I will supply the comments in a future issue, as with so few responses, I would hate to influence anything. :)
More than one person listed all of the Amiga computers that they own. Although I find it interesting, it is rather difficult to incorporate it into the stats, particularly since I don't know whether you use all of the machines for telecommunications. Please just include your primary online Amiga.
One person stated that they used to subscribe to AOL, and would again if an Amiga version was released.
For the record, the two current AOL subscribers are Amiga Monitor staff members. :)
Since the only avenue for response to this poll was via e-mail, it really does not surprise me that all users are 3.0 or better. Since you basically need 3.x to run the popular browsers, to be online means you run 3.x.
I am amazed how much ram some folks have, and a bit jealous, only having 16 megs myself.
I am a bit surprised that no has a 68000 machine out there. But then, that system would be dog slow for browsing the web.
Connect speed is about what I expected.
Seems The Amiga Monitor has a world-wide readership. We thank all of you readers for your continued support.
40% of Amiga users would join AOL if AOL made an Amiga-ized version? If this stat remains constant, or increases, I don't see how AOL can lose. Especially if Gateway is able to revive some of the Amiga market.
An amazing thing is that even those who have bad things to say about AOL would like to see a version available for the Amiga. At least one person said that recognition on that scale would do wonders for the Amiga market. Since the advertising would include "Amiga" as one of the supported platforms, it would add some 'respectability' to the computer, and would help with advertising of the computer line, present and future. If that is the case, Gateway, you had better open the purse strings now, and give AOL some cash out of the advertising budget. What better way to advertise the Amiga than on those incessant commercials on late night TV, espousing the 3 'big' computers supported.
Will it be worthwhile for AOL to support the Amiga? As indicated, probably not in and of itself; however, if Gateway underwrites a portion of it, then it may be worthwhile for all involved in the long run.
Enough on me waxing philosophical. Thanks to all of you who have responded to this poll so far, and to all of you who will reply in the future.