RESCUE
				
Looking at the Milan-2 desaster and the consequences, the Medusa Company
of COMPUTER SYSTEMS in Switzerland - Medusa and Hades are known to be noble
TOS computers - has started a cooperation with me to sketch a new TOS
computer based on the Motorola COLDFIRE (R) processor! The fundaments of
this computer are already done, however, its final configuration can only
be estimated after evaluating this poll which is taking place now.
That means that this computer can become the device you are desiring - 
arranged according to the statistical analysis of this poll partly taken
in Germany, partly taken in other countries relevant for Atari development.
This way, it is possible to address as many users as possible and to
receive a large extent of neutral results.

The best of all this is that the computer can be available in only a few
months - if certain conditions are given which justify the investements
necessary for the project. These conditions are described in the following
in detail.

				TECHNICAL
				
The final technical details in particular with respect to Interfaces and
such, are so far not specified. So far, it is quite sure that the computer
will be equipped with a COLDFIRE (R) as CCU clocked with 180 MHz (!).
The motherboard will also feature a Flash ROM to make future operating
system upgrades very easy.

You might have an impression about the sheer operating speed a 180 MHz
clocked COLDFIRE processor used natively with Atari Software can supply.
Since this ultramodern successor of the 68060, that is to a considerable
degree downwards compatible by hard- and software, will set new standards
for TOS computers that remained announced only or the ones to come.


                            CONDITIONS

The computer can only be planned in detail and produced if certain
conditions are met:

   1. There must be a guaranteed support from the programmer's side
   to support this project by new developments and adjustments (like
   drivers for plug-in cards). This is most urgent condition and it
   is essential for the project. No programmer is expected to work
   for free or by pay-per-sale.
   
   2. There must be certain interest in this machine, at least 500
   units must be sold. Without this minimum number, the planned
   investments are in no way justified. In the best case, a lot more
   than 500 units should be sold, possibly 500 to 1000, so the 
   project supports itself. Productions runs beyond 500 units are
   currently not being estimated, since the TOS market is in a
   decline and numbers larger than 500 would be senseless.
   If those numbers were met though, it would help the project a
   lot of course.
   
   In short: If the programmers announce their support, all we need
   is a certain amount of users willing to buy such a computer.
   
   3. The computer will be designed to meet the customers wishes - 
   according to the poll - but should stay in sensible measurements
   (NOT: "Colani-Designcase with goldeloxated DVD-ROM")! This way,
   the retail price can be lowered into a sensible region, on the
   other hand the well-known maxime "Power without the price" shall
   be met as well.
   


This call goes out to EVERY Atari, every TOS-user and every programmer
interested to take part in the poll on this website. This is the only
chance of getting this project started.
		Ulrich Goessel
		

Important: I strongly request everyone to send mails refering to this
project only to this mail-address. This of course only refers to
further enquiries in important matters.

General questions (like technical details) can not be answered due to
the lack of time. The coordination of this project is critical in time
and implies a lot of work. I hope you understand.

This website is information spreadpoint as well as publisher for this
new computer. The results of the poll, details and other news will be
featured here by a news-section and will be announced accordingly.

Also, i like to point out that the developer will not spread any 
rumours, estimations, expectations or theories! Only facts and 
definite decisions will be announced and spread. Should that be not 
possible out of various reasons, it will be mentioned.



    COLDFIRE(R) is copyright and trademark of Motorola INC.