"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.