Re: What if...

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Gabriel Morales writes ...
> 
> Apple II folk,
> 
> I'm just curious- What would happen if Apple were to just start making
> new (modern and upgraded) Apple II(gs) computers, or have Apple II
> compatibility built-in to every new Mac?
> 
> What would be your reactions to these two scenarios?
 ....

     Were Apple to start building Apple II compatibility into every new Mac
it would have no impact on my feelings about Mac (except, I'd figure that Mac
was done for because Apple must be on the verge of cratering). Thanks to
extensive A2 software archives and emulators like Catakig and Bernie, Mac
users have pretty decent Apple II compatibility right now.

     Apple could, maybe, have won over II users by offering Apple II
compatibility in the first Mac. But, then, that would mean the first Mac
offered color and could run Apple II programs at full speed-- back in
1984-1985, you would have needed to add a 65C02 or 65C816 to do that. In
other words, if the first Mac had been an Apple II, it may have moved II
users to Mac.


     As for Apple bringing out a modern Apple II, it's a question that
relates to my pet theory about Microsoft's bailout of Apple a couple years
ago. The idea is that Apple was on the ropes and considering going for a new
Apple II. The notion of a modern Apple II totally incompatible with Windows
getting loose in the home market horrified Microsoft which, then, acted to
'help' Apple out of its financial bind.

     Since then, Apple has become fat and contented with a small but
reasonably stable piece of the market. The traditional motivation for some
new "commitment to our II series users" is lacking.

     By definition, an Apple II has to be based upon a processor which acts
like a 65xxxx in native mode. A new Apple II could not be a Mac. Sure, once
someone delivered internet software, a modern Apple II would be a PC killer.
Alas, it would kill off the Mac, too.




Rubywand