Re: Apple Drops Backward Compatibility for Next MacOS

[hansie@wantree.com.au (Hans Klarenbeek)]

On 26 Oct 1996 21:53:03 GMT, pubpc1@library.ucla.edu wrote:

>Randy, the Pentiums are based on 8-bit processors too, if you think about
>it that way!  Have you ever studied the architecture of the 8088/8086?

The instruction are based on the 8088.....


>They use a memory segmentation scheme with 64K banks.  This means that they
>were originally based on an 8-bit processor (the Intel 8080, I believe).

Dude that did originate from the 8088 but was perpetuated by DOS not
the CPU!

>There was no reason why Apple couldn't have come out with improved Apple IIGS
>models.  Remember, in its first year, the GS outsold the entire Mac line.
>Then a strange thing happened.  Apple *STOPPED* advertising the successful
>GS and started a blitz campaign to advertise the Mac.  The Mac of the time,
>the Mac Plus, was inferior to the GS in design.  It didn't even have an ADB
>port!  It had a 1-bit screen (black and white) while the GS could do
>16-grayscale and color.  It beeped while the GS had 32-oscillators for a
>sound chip.

Hmm didn't know that....

>
>The only real advatage the Mac had was a slightly faster CPU.  I say slightly
>faster because the 65816 is clocked differently from other designs.  It splits
>the clock cycle, using different parts for different tasks.  The Intel design
>uses one clock cycle per task.  The result is, based on benchmark tests, the
>original GS was actually about the speed of the original IBM AT (equivalent
>to 6MHz 80286 without the '287 math co-processor chip).  WDC already had
>65816 chips twice as fast, but Apple deliberately chose not to use them for
>fear of competing with the Mac!
>

Hmmm typical.... like those crippled DOS cards...


>>Apple was smart to make a clean break with the PPCs and provide 68K support
>>via software emulation. They can keep getting better without having compati-
>>bility holding them back.

Hmmmm it makes sense but I don't think it has worked we TELL people to
junk their old software those who don't usually trash their
machines...

>
>The Pentium is remarkable.  It is fast and compatible.  They will eventually
>migrate to RISC, but they will still maintain compatibility.

Agreed and INTEL will continue to dominate for the next few years
(2-5) yet....

>Apple should never have alienated much of its user base by chosing the
>incompatible Mac over the compatible GS.

I think the issue is moot now Mac people are obsessive about their
machines so I don;t think they have alienated anybody perhaps they
need to make a break with the past again - Mac OS has some very major
problems...

>Remember, the GS uses the same GUI as the Mac.  Apple's only real innovation
>was the GUI (and considering Windows 95 is pretty darn good even from this
>Apple GUI user's viewpoint, Apple is in deep shit).

Agreed exposure to both (admittedly not with an entirely open mind)
has convinced me of the same Apple's behaviour does not help..... 

>
>Well Randy, that's a circular argument!  My God, in its first year, the GS
>outsold the Mac!  Apple then repaid this strong sales showing with stopping
>advertisement and improvement of the GS, using the money to advertise and
>improve the Mac!

Sad that I loved my 64 also but then the Amiga was a huge step forward
doesn't sound like the first Mac was....

>>: When the GS came out, the Mac sucked.  It is better now, but what Mac are
>>: we talking about in '86?  The Mac Plus?  The GS was and is better than
>>: the Mac Plus.

I'd like to see one one day...

>>Depends on what you call better I suppose. You can run TCP client apps,
>>current system software, and new apps still on a Plus you know.

Yeah right........

>
>Have you ever used a Mac Plus?  I have.
>Have you ever used an Apple IIGS?  I have.
>The Apple IIGS was a better machine.
>
>Macs are fine machines today.  If a fine Mac could evolve from a sucky Mac

That's the problem it didn't it went up and then down the higlight was
probably system 6.08 and system 7.1...

>Plus, a GREAT Apple II could have evolved from the superior GS!
>
>

Hans Klarenbeek - Author Win-95-L FAQ