Re: What if...

[Phoenyx <quazar@dcnet2000.com>]

Sorry, slight veering off of topic.....

It seems that most folks are following the market hype of bigger,
faster, more power. Practically every computer user believes they
need the biggest machine they can find. This in turn allows the
bloated software companies to create even more bloated software
which in turn requires more power. Man, what a vicious cycle.

Yes, it is true that many of the newest applications require this
type of hardware power. But do we really need a multi-purpose
application with every feature imaginable just so we don't have
to run another program. It's not like we have to stop one program
so we can start the other. Today's OS's have practically
eliminated the need for this.

I have used an Apple II for many years. For many of the programs
I run, the speed is quite acceptable. Advantages of hardware such
as a hard disk or other mass media device help to smooth the
execution of large programs. One of the few complaints I have ever
had about the II is the speed of the floppy. But IMHO, this is
trivial.

Now, I use other computers. I have a small home network for access
to the internet for several family members. For the most part I
really don't want to connect my II's to the internet. I don't want
to degrade them by turning them into another communication device.
I see this as the path that current computers are taking. Sure, I
like the 'net. It has many useful functions, but it is being used
as a force to change our computers. Businesses claims they are
molding the future. Many want to create a system which we can use
to control all of our communication/information exchanges.
Personally, I don't like this idea. I don't want a machine which
acts as my television control, telephone, information server, etc.
I like the fact that I can use my Apple II for different
functions.

Perhaps I bought into the sales pitch too hard. When I started
looking at computers one of the Apple rep's gave me the line about
the Apple II being anything I wanted it to be. The limits of it's
personality were my own limits. Yes, I know it's a machine and as
such has no personality. But to me, it does. It is an old friend
who can easily be a game machine, a business partner or even my
own personal diary. Sure, I can do these things on my PC, but then
they seem so impersonal, like some mass produced merchandise.

I have nothing against the evolution of computers. For the most
part, we need the advances that have been made. I don't think we
need these advances for all computers. Not everyone needs a home
desktop publishing system. Nor does everyone need the ability to
create videos or audio productions. Computers today are trying to
be the perfect multi-purpose device. This is totally impractical
and for the most part stems from the marketing point of view which
implies that the more features you add the more functionality you
give the device. The extra functionality is useless if it is too
complex to utilize.

As for the benefits of a revamped Apple II, I'm afraid it would
simply make the II more like the other systems on the market. One
of the things most of us like about our Apple II's is the
differences it has from other systems. It has always been unique
among computers.

Sorry for carrying on here, I just wanted to add my 2 cents worth.

-- 

Phoenyx

Have you fed your Apple II today?