Re: A2 Users: Endanged Species? I think not.

[sara2gs@aol.com (Sara2GS)]

The problem with older Apple II hardware is the same as that faced by older
video games.  Since the hardware units are no longer in production, it is true
that when the last board dies, that's it.  Emulation will never replace the
original system.  I view it as a necessary supplement.

Consider MAME (multi-arcade machine emulator).  As a result of circuit
degradation, and in some cases, simple neglect or abuse, the original console
systems will no longer function properly.  Certain arcade classics can now be
run only via emulation.  Hardware will eventually fail.  And the Apple II is no
exception.  While I prefer the real thing, I'm glad that emulators exist. 
Without them, there would eventually come a day when I could never run
AppleWorks or GS/OS again.  And for a loyal ][ user, this would be a tragic
fate.

While I would love to see the ]['s revive themselves, even a redesigned
successor to the IIgs based on the (apparently mythical) 65832 would be doomed
to a niche market.  Half of classic computing is based in a market of people
that refuse to let go of their favourite old systems.  And more power to them. 
The other half is comprised of new or first-time users who learn to appreciate
where their desktop PC came from (and usually through emulation).  But I doubt
seriously that anyone with a PIII-500 would replace that system with a 32-bit,
50 MHz IIgs, were it available.

The power in older computers is necessarily limited.  With the ingenuity and
labour born of love for a computer, the Apple II will continue to evolve.  Look
at Wolfenstein IIgs and GS-AIM for examples.  But without the widespread
popularity the Macintosh and Wintel platforms enjoy, our older systems will
never reach out to new users again.  At least, not in numbers large enough to
ensure the evolution of the platform.

While the RamFAST is beautiful, look at the Second Sight video card for a
different example.  Enhanced graphics capability has been a long-time
shortcoming of the IIgs.  And yet, of all the users on csa2, very few seem to
have the SS card.  Why?  Even in this most loyal of customer bases, with so few
new products being released, it simply doesn't make sense to invest in hardware
for a dying (or dead -- it's really just semantics) platform.  There are few
programs for the SS card, and, seeing none coming, the cards remain unsold,
collecting dust on warehouse shelves.  If the Apple II community itself itself
is reluctant to embrace new technologies for their own platform, how can we
expect to reach out to new users?  Without the nostalgic appeal the computer
has for those who remember it, there is almost certainly no chance to
proselytise members into our ranks.  Let a 12-year-old play a couple rounds of
Quake 3 over the Internet, and then show him Little Brickout on the IIe. 
Realistically, which platform would he choose?

The idea of implementing a FSF/GNU-style method of software development has its
merits.  Current ][ products, like ProDOS and GS/OS, could evolve.  New
products would be made possible by documenting all system calls and entry
points.  More efficient code would lead to better programs.  But new, better
software wouldn't bring in new users.  At best, it would increase the amount of
time current users spend on their Apples.

I've had a dream for a long time of winning the state lottery, and using the
winnings to make a Super IIgs available.  You know, buy the rights from Apple,
rewrite the OS, add TCP/IP support, a good FPU... breathe some life back into
my baby, and haul 'em all up to Kansasfest for distribution.  But even if I
gave them away, I'm afraid that would be the full extent of the market.

I was naive enough to believe the "Apple II Forever" slogan when I first heard
it.  But Apple has abandoned us, and new members are not forthcoming to our
community.  The last major enhancement to the Apple II was almost 13 years ago,
since the IIgs was introduced.  The ]['s growth has been stunted by
malnutrition.

I must agree with the original sentiment of this thread.  The Apple II will not
last forever.  It's more a case of "Apple II... for now."