"Jeff Kell" <[log in to unmask]> wrote in message
news:39d27d0e$1_1@skycache-news.fidnet.com...
> AFAIK, the N-class and kindred are the *only* machines in either the
> 9000 or 3000 platform which will be "IA-64 ready".  There are internal
> bus, memory, and I/O issues unique to the IA-64 and related chipsets
> that cannot be expanded to pre-N-class hardware without some form of
> retrofit (which is unlikely).

Amongst the "IA-64 ready"  kindred is the "L Class" (L1000 & L2000) series.
 This great little machine would be a perfect upgrade for the "low end"
'3000 owners who find the "A Class" too little (and not IA-64 ready) and
the 'N' class too much.  I am in that category.  From what I can tell, the
"L"
class is extremely popular for the '9000 "low end" shops, and many have been
sold since introduction about a year ago.  Some of my customers have
purchased
them and are delighted with the value.   I believe that CSY would enjoy
some brisk sales of the "L" if it were offered as a low-end companion to the
"N".
I  also believe that any differences in the OS would be trivial, since the
hardware
is virtually the same as the "N" (smaller box with less I/O expandability).

"Build it and they will come" (I would anyway) ................

Winston K.