Re: So, what do you think? real IIgs or emulated IIgs?

[!smentzer@pacbell.net (Steve Mentzer)]

>
>        Given that I am expecting more--not just looking to play a game or 
two,
>but looking to get into the whole experience of using the IIgs--the feel
>all the way around, I must say that the thought of doing it with an
>emulator, even tho it is lots faster and costs way less, just has no
>appeal at all.  Something about the real machine, even if it is going to
>run way slower, places it worlds above an emulated experience.  And it's
>more than just the feel of a GS keyboard and mouse--it's just the whole
>"I'm sitting in front of this fine machine" thing.  Actually adding
>boards into it.  Maybe, say, the TransWarp I found will only run at 7MHz
>- but I am holding it in my hand and will place it in the machine and
>fire it up, etc.  Zen and the Art of Apple IIgs Maintenance, etc.  
>
>        I guess this explains why I spent ~$100 on a full IIgs system, and in
>less than two tweeks had gotten so carried away with the expansion thing
>that I've spent another $500 in adding everything to this machine.  But
>it's great fun, etc.  I just don't think I'd be spending most of my free
>time (these past few weeks, my wife could angrily vouch for this...)
>getting deep down into an emulated IIgs.
>


There is no substitute for the real thing. I have worked on XGS/32 for one 
reason. It is a geek thing. The tech aspects of being able to emulate a peice 
of silicon at a decent speed is pretty cool.

But, my interest diminishes every time I have to deal with a "disk image". 
Frankly, PC based IIgs emulation is going to die a slow death, unless we find a 
way to make the reading and writing of Apple formatted disks a reality.

I am going to be releasing the source code to XGS/32 sometime soon, and 
propably abandon the project. 

Response has been overwhelming, but there are some things that I cannot 
accomplish without help. Namely, hardware design. And frankly, no-one seems 
willing to help at all.... It sucks, but it is true.

The only way a IIgs emulator on a PC will become truly useful is if we develop 
some additional hardware that will overcome the major obstacles. 

Playing games is only 10% of the reason I love the IIgs. We need to bridge the 
gap to bring the other 90% home.


smentzer@pacbell.net