The Apple ][ wasn't crap!

[Jeff Thomas <a2forever@usa.net>]

I don�t want to get into the argument over which computer is best or
worse during the 1980s because every computer had strengths and
weaknesses. But merely reflect my personal opinions on the matter.

If I must chose a contender for the worse computer of the 1980s, it
would be the �IBM PC�. Reason�s being: poor graphics (Hercules
[2-colours B&W], CGA (the best available by 1987, 4-colours]).  Awful
Sound, internal speaker worse than an Apple II (Sound cards, never took
off till the early 1990s starting with �Adlib�). A rugged metal case
(weighing a ton) - taking up lots of desk space. Noisy power supplies
with fans. Clones were �unreliable� and �incompatible�. The first
software written were knock-offs of Apple II software.

The Apple II has changed the face of �personal computing� more than most
computers eg. With innovations like the first spreadsheet (VisiCalc),
graphic adventure (Mystery House), role-playing games (Ultima I, Might &
Magic), Speech in a computer game (Castle Wolfenstein), integrated
business package (AppleWorks), different programming languages, etc. On
the hardware front, Basic in ROM, 5.25� disk drives, 80-columns text,
sound card�s, joysticks, etc.

The Apple II was light at 7-pounds, had better graphics and sound than a
typical PC, slender disk drives (without a built-in power supply) and
�open� system allowing for expansion cards (later copied by IBM).

For pure gaming, the Commodore 64 rates at the top (until bettered by
the Commodore Amiga and eventually the PC). A 50/50 mixture of gaming
and home/business applications the Apple IIe (till the PC). And for
business applications either the Macintosh or IBM PC.  Most reviews of
that time supported that recommendation.

Commodore�s first computers were flops until the Commodore VIC 20 and
then 64.
The main reason for Commodore�s popularity were it�s cheap price and
were mostly used as �gaming machines� even the Commodore Amiga, lacked
the creditability as a �serious� business computer.

Dozens of companies have folded since then, including Commodore and
Atari, while Apple still is around and yes, still innovating! :-)

So, nope the Apple II wasn�t crap � its durability and reliability
proves that! The product range had a lifespan longer than most, which
reflects the genius of the two Steve�s, Jobs (the believer and
visionary) and Woznaik�s (feat of engineering). Besides, the company's
history is far more exciting than any other's - the number of books
published on the subject are huge! :-)

APPLE II FOREVER!