Mike Coslo wrote:
wrote:
http://www.getboost.com/dz/sienna.htm

My thoughts.

First, the unit has a lot of promise. While I think I prefer separate
components between the computer and the rig for flexibility, this setup
might just be fun to use.

Some folks might like the integrated internal computer. It's certainly
the first rig to offer it. My only concern is that a computer's life
cycle is much shorter than most ham rigs'.

Next, I don't buy the teeny florescent screen rationale. My idea of the
modern integrated rig is more along the line of looking like a laptop,
with a folding large screen on top of the RF portions of the box. But
that's just me.

You can plug an external VGA display into the rig.

Interesting that they chose an LDG autotuner. This is a concept that
might be expanded upon.

It would be wonderful if ham rigs were like desktop computers in the
form of standardization.

Don't like the computer interface screenshot.

I really hope that they do well. I do think the price point is too
high. I would be willing to pay extra for an American made unit, but 3K
for the entry level, and 6K for the works unit is pretty high.

Perhaps - but a lot depends on how well it really performs.

Unless of course, the rig has outstanding performance. I would love to
see some test results.

Mo bettah, some actual on-air performance. Somebody wins CQWW DX with
one, then watch the fireworks...

Or to really get to the bottom of it: Is it $6000 worth of fun?

Hoping that they can sell enough to expand the concept, because it is a
good one....

Expand which concept? Kits have been around a long time - curious that
they never mention Elecraft or any of the other kits...

Of course my entire main HF rig cost me less than one of their optional
filters, so I guess everything is relative....

One more observation on price:

Go to the local Home Depot, Lowes or similar outfit, as long as they
carry a full range of appliances and such. Look at the ranges,
refrigerators, countertops, etc.

You can get a nice range for $300-400, or spend double, triple,
quadruple that price for one with all the gizmos like self-cleaning,
stainless steel, high-capacity oven, dissimilar burners, etc. Same for
dishwashers, refrigerators, etc. Countertops? Granite seems to have
replaced Corian and similar materials around here, at $100 a square
foot, installed. Me, I prefer a nice laminate like
Formica, but apparently a lot of folks prefer fancier stuff.

Does a burger taste any better if it's made in such a kitchen? I dunno,
but they must be selling the fancy stuff because they continue to stock
it.

73 de Jim, N2EY