1) There are a number of features within VRML (i.e. in-lines
and LOD) which are not widely used yet that significantly
improve performance of all VRML browsers. Once "smart" authoring
tools are available the conent will be "ready" for VRML. Today
most of the conent was not created for the Web (like the early days
of HTML and .GIF, when people posted huge, long docs versus
breaking them up into smaller, faster pages/images.
2) The lightscape models are probably the best example of content
not intended/created for the Web! Take a look at Clay Graham's
worlds (http://www.sdsc.edu/vrml, under example apps). Very robust
looking, very fast!
3) Remeber this is *beta*, with a focus on UI and features.
4) The approach TGS is taking on PC's *will* deliver a performance
solution with WebSpace, as will the UNIX/SGI effort. The
beta is intended to be robust and stable (which it is).
Robert
[email protected]