Yep, some underlying native code all done through standard Java interfaces
would allow maximum flexibility. That way you can have Java interfaces
dealing with native formats via native code (i.e. add support for gpsim
format etc). Then the *nix people can write C DLLs, the M$ people can write
ActiveX DLLs (thus they can use VB etc) or Active Script, the Mac people can
write Hypercard addins or everyone can write Java.

I think it's better to limit it to any 32bit 32meg machine than only
PC\Mac\Unix. Upgrading your machine doesn't change the way things work,
upgrading your OS does.

Tom.
----- Original Message -----
From: Dan Creagan <dcreagan@SCHOLARS.BELLEVUE.EDU>
Subject: Re: MPLAB desires


> I like the idea of doing it with Java since I'm a Java supporter. The idea
> of doing it in ActiveX or in MS DLLs locks everyone into MS and there's no
> reason to exclude the MAC users (both of them ;) ) or the Linux folks.
Java
> applications should run smoothly and fast enough even without native code
<SNIP>
> Unfortunately, it would lock everyone into a 32 bit machine with 32 meg+
of
> memory, many megs of hard drive space for the runtime, etc. Trade offs can
> be difficult.
>
> Dan