Interesting timing on this topic, given this article:

	http://www.news.com/News/Item/0,4,17496,00.html?dtn.head

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	Low-cost Sun computers coming 
	By Michael Kanellos
	December 18, 1997, 12:45 p.m. PST 

	To counter the growing popularity of Windows NT workstations, Sun
	Microsystems (SUNW) will release two workstations next month that
	combine new processor technology and low prices. 

	The Ultra 5 and the Ultra 10 workstations will comprise Sun's new
	beachhead in the low-cost arena.  The Ultra 5 is expected to
	cost less than $5,000 and contain one processor, said sources close
	to Sun.  The Ultra 10 will cost under $10,000 but will contain
	two processors.  Earlier, the Ultra 5 was code-named Darwin. 

	The workstations are expected to be built around the "integrated"
	UltraSPARC-II(i) processor modules, said various sources.
	These combine a 64-bit UltraSPARC processor with other functions
	such as a memory controller onto a single piece of silicon, said a
	Sun spokesman. The UltraSPARC-II(i) processor runs at 270 MHz and
	contains a 66-MHz PCI (Peripheral Connect Interface) bus,
	according to Sun's Web site. 

	"It's aimed at mid-range workstations," said Linley Gwennap,
	editor-in-chief of The Microprocessor Report. "HP has a
	similar integrated part in their workstations." 

	Integrating components in this manner is expected to lower costs,
	and also increase availability of parts, Sun has said. 

[... Stupid "analyst" comparisons to NT boxes elided ...]

	Sun will formally unveil the workstations in San Francisco on
	January 13. 

	Sun declined to comment, stating that it is company policy not to
	discuss unannounced products. 

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I was hoping there might be some more life in the SPARCstation 5 family, but
if I can get an Ultra 5 running at 270 MHz (if that's not a typo) for under
$5k list (and I can get that nice whopping Category "A" discount through
JPL's hardware purchases plan, thank goodness), then I'll probably jump at
it.  (That's probably about in the 10.8-11.0 SPECint95 range, which puts it
right up there with a 266 MHz Pentium II PC and a 300 MHz PowerPC 604e Mac
I'd guess.)  It would be nice if somebody from Sun would help us get NetBSD
running on it (although I suspect graphics will be a problem, as there aren't
any PCI cgsix's  (-:  And I suspect the only PCI graphics that work in Ultra
30's right now are the built-in Creators, anyway).

	- Greg