Re: Why emulate?

["Richard Harvey" <rharvey@connect.net>]

I've been quietly watching this whole "emulation" debate for weeks now, and
I can't quite figure out why it's such a hot topic.  My first computer was a
II+ with 48K.  My parents spent about $500 for the Microsoft 16K language
card, which gave me so much RAM I was actually running a RAMdisk with my
favorite utilities on it.  Today I've got a Mac and Wintel box, as well as a
//c and IIe I picked up at auction.  Like many others here, there is nothing
really like having the original box at your fingertips to work with.

However, given that, I'm also a huge emulation fan.  One reason is the
ability for me to take my favorite Apple II games with me on the road on a
notebook; the //c is not quite what I'd call a "portable".  Anyway, I'm
curious what this debate will look like in about 40-50 years.  By then,
getting your hands on original equipment, or parts for repair, is probably
going to be next to impossible.  Unless you feel comfortable doing logic
level repairs yourself (which in the earlier Apple lines was definitely
approachable), you're only hope is that this wonderful architecture will
live on through emulation on modern processors.

On a side note, those who feel the Apple II is a viable operating platform
for the masses are not being very realistic.  Granted, there are and
probably will continue to be niche markets that the Apple II can tackle
greatly (BTW, I'm talking II/II+/IIe/IIc here, not necessarily IIGS).  There
are also many underprivileged youth out there making good grades, but having
no access to any computer technology at their homes.  If the Apple II can
ever makes a huge impact again, it will be through people like us providing
systems to people who otherwise would never have the opportunity.  I know
for myself the II+ introduced me to programming when I was about 13; now I'm
leading a development team writing 3D simulations.  But, if someone thinks
the average computer-illiterate Joe watching TV ads about the web, digital
video, DVD, etc. is ever going to want an Apple II, their wrong.  I also
doubt any corporations out there would revert to VisiCalc to run their
businesses just to save some $$$ on hardware.

Just my 2 cents.  Flame as necessary...

Rich