The new SLAPSTIC II IC's are currently being built by NCR. NCR has informed
us that, due to the small size of the die (and therefore long wire leads) and
the pinout arrangement, wire shorting during packaging will probably cost us
a minimum of 5-10% in bad parts.
  We can't do anything about the wire length but a new pinout would help some-
what.
  The implications of a new pinout are:

1) The new SLAPSTIC's would be incompatible with all existing cart boards so
   any kits to the field would need new cart boards. I believe this is usually
   the case anyway.

2) All current projects using a new SLAPSTIC would have to adjust to the new
   pinout. The change would consist of rotating the pins on the SLAPSTIC, 
   which would be fairly simple.

3) ?? 

 Please send me your opinions on this.
 In fact, the last time I sent mail to sys$mail:engineer I couldn't find
anyone who received it, so if you don't have anything to say, just reply with
a blank.
 Thanks,
  Don