On 10/31/2010 10:14 AM, Geoffrey S. Mendelson wrote:
John Smith wrote:
See, you are still thinking in hardware, models, a "new one", etc., etc. ...

I'm thinking of radios. Boxes that play sounds from the air as it where.

Not computer add ons.

Most of the people who are still the target of SWBC don't have computers.

Geoff.

You are not aware that there are SDR's which can be controlled by
computer, as well as be stand alone?

They are stand alone with but the addition of a processor and some
memory ... but, why duplicate the sound card, the oscillator, etc. if
you are always going to have a computer present?

People still think in terms of stand alone, like you do. However, why
own a TV, a radio, a stereo, etc.? The computer is all of this, and
more ... usually a simple USB device is all which is necessary to make
the computer pretty much anything you wish ... however, manufacturers
would like to sell you a, stand alone, separate device for each and
every different task you wish to preform ... it is my opinion only
idiots will continue down that road ... a desktop controls most of all
this in my home ... my fondness for collectibles is only why I own so
many stand alone, and ancient, AM, FM, SW, ham, cb, etc. ... I prefer a
notebook with a small SDR even when I camp ... however, I do carry along
backup. A small inverter allows me to operate these in my vehicle and a
small generator supplies power at the camp sites ...

I strongly believe most will be heading in these directions ... it is
only salespeople in electronic stores who slow the upgrading ...

Regards,
JS