[plug] 64 bit machines

[James Devenish]

In message <20040124214720.4803045e.garbuck at westnet.com.au>
on Sat, Jan 24, 2004 at 09:47:20PM +0800, Garry wrote:
> Looking through today's West I didn't find any 64 bit hardware. I
> guess this is understandable when window$ isn't available yet to suit
> (ok, 'cept 32 bit mode on AMD64..).

I don't doubt what you say about Windows XP, but Windows NT ran on Alpha
machines in the 1990's.

> But are 64bit Linux servers or even desktops being sold in Perth to
> business by the more hard-core professionals?

64-bit machines are not new, though certain 64-bit architectures (esp.
those aimed at "desktops" rather than "workstations" or higher levels of
specialisation) are only recently available.

> Be interesting if "we" used the lag of M$ in the 64bit world to very
> publicly satisfy power users...

I wonder what sort of Windows power users could actually be attracted by
this? There are obviously those who need "large scale" or "high
precision" applications, but who would already be using or be aware of
64-bit options.

> A dual 64bit AMD machine running Gentoo optimised code might be able
> to generate some interesting numbers... And maybe, just maybe <flack
> jacket:ON> it wouldn't take so many days to get a fully optimised
> machine up.. ;^)==

Maybe hardware cost and application availability were the deciding
factors for those who have previously decided to stick with 32-bit
Windows solutions.