Re: Apple II info please...

[tpe123@gaol.com (escobedo)]

In article <25JUN199819581274@vax2.concordia.ca>, spec@vax2.concordia.ca
(Mitchell Spector) wrote:


>     I completely agree with all of Nathan's points above. While maybe
> not all, the majority of Mac users operate their computers as simple
> appliances and known nothing about computers. In theory that is a good
> thing, since you want the average person capable of sitting down and
> using a computer without any previous training or experience. However,
> when something unexpected goes wrong, they freeze and become utterely
> helpless 

This is a fact of life for most PC users. I tend to believe most PC users
haven't a clue as to how a computer (or operating system) works. Ten years
ago, this wasn't the case, nor for most of the readers of this NG
(obviously, Apple II users!)

(just go ask anyone who's worked in tech support about Mac
> callers and you'll hear all sorts of interesting stories). The most
> unfortunate part is, whether inexperienced or experienced, the vast
> majority of Mac users are religious about their machines and cannot
> deal with criticisms. 

I'll agree with this. However, it seems many Mac users are a breed apart
from the usual "computer geek" (OK, I'll confess to being a geek). I
submit that these Mac users are people who would not be in computing were
it not for "The Mac Way". Belittle if you wish, but the Mac and its users
have fundamentally changed the way all computers work. 

Another simple observation of mine is that PC users tend to create for the
PC medium(programming, hardware hacking, etc.). Mac users tend to create
for other media(graphics, publishing, etc.).


>The largest ISP in this part of Canada actually
> had to issue a _written_ memo warning all technical support staff to
> *never* criticize Mac users' machines, or Apple Computer, because of
> negative reactions they'd been having. No such memo was issued about
> PC's, Amiga's or other machines. 

The only reason Amiga users weren't on the memo is because so few of them
use Amigas for TCP/IP internet access. In my own experience, the Amiga had
no shortage of zealots.


>     I assembled my PC myself, from a collection of hand picked parts.
> I had lots of fun doing it too, and still do whenever I have to open
> the machine and get my hands on the hardware. This is very much like
> it was (and still is) when I play with my IIgs and other Apple II's.
> 
>     With a few of obvious exceptions surrounding the IIgs, the Mac and
> the Apple II have _nothing_ in common. One is a appliance like a TV,
> VCR, microwave -- you turn it on, use it, and not worry about what
> it is doing or what's going on inside. The other is just the opposite.
> Also, one is entertaining and fun, while the other is rather dull and
> boring, though that is just my personal opinion working with both for
> many years. ;)

This is ridiculous. I don't know how a car works. I don't care. I just
want it to work. It's the same for most people when it comes to computers.

Strangely enough, for me, my PC is an appliance. Strictly an internet
machine. I use my Mac to create. And my Apple II to keep up on my
soldering skills.
 
>     The IIgs was never "ready to go" as shipped from Apple, unless you
> planned to use it as a glorified Apple IIe compatible. In order to be
> a useful machine, you _have_ to add a hardrive, additional memory and
> even an accelerator card.

I'll agree here. In fact, I'll be a heretic: the IIgs was a bad joke on
all of us.

>     Despite all my complaints about the Mac, I still wouldn't mind
> adding an older one to my collection. There certainly are a couple
> of interesting and appealing aspects about the machine 

I've heard it here before and I'll add: The best thing an Apple II can use
is a Mac SE/30. And SE/30s can be had for a song these days.

> At least
> we all share a fondness for the Apple II, whatever we may use today.

AMEN!

Back to the point, aside from some minor bits of hardware and some shared
computer terminology, the Mac and Apple II have almost nothing in common.