Richterkessing, Frank H (GEA, 055132) wrote:<snip>

> How about USB floppy drives (that can operate in the
> background, instead of taking up most of the CPU time when active),

SMSC has a new chip just for this type of application: USB97C100. It
provides an USB to ISA interface. Their info packet includes schematics of a
design that includes a super I/O chip, floppy controller chip, and two ISA
slots. Great stuff if the software was ready! I tried, but could not find
any company that plans to do a USB floppy drive. IMO, a great product idea -
and there is a reference design already!

> USB ZIP drives, USB modems, USB to IR, USB to IRDA, USB game controllers.
> Useful things! I don't need my monitor "networked". I have seen a few
> USB monitors (and I ask myself "why?").

USB monitors are typically a monitor with a built-in USB hub. I suppose the
monitor brightness/contrast/etc could be controlled over USB. Here again,
the software doesn't seem to be ready.

> And I don't want my SCSI-2
> devices replaced by something 1/10 the speed! Heck, how about even being
> able to control my PC speakers from my keyboard (volume, bass, treble,
> 3D, etc.)?

I have a set of the Phillips USB speakers in front of me (non-production
Beta units). Real nice sound, but I have yet to get them working over USB.
At least they have analog audio inputs. Word is that digital audio over USB
will not be supported in Win95.

> How about a USB to RS232 or USB to ECP/EPP? Where are these
> things?

I got samples of these last month. Again the software is a royal pain in the
you-know-what to get working.

> In order for USB to take off, it needs creative peripherals that
> also fit the available bandwidth.
>
> -Frank

I feel that if USB is to succeed, there has to be full support in Windows
95. And not just OSR2.x but all versions of '95. Most industry experts
recognize that users are satisfied with '95. Win98 does not offer a huge
performance boost for the average user, and there are only a few brand-new
features not already available in Win95.

Of course, Microsoft will likely discontinue Win95 once Win98 is on the
store shelves. So maybe my argument is moot. OTOH, consider how many PC
users are still content with Win3.1!

Dave