Re: C64/128 vs. Apple2?

[ferdimh@gmx.de]

On Dec 30, 9:30 am, Harry Potter <maspethro...@aol.com> wrote:
> Someone just went on the comp.sys.cbm newsgroup, saying that the
> Sinclair Spectrum is better the the Commodore 64.  That gave me the
> idea to start a debate between Commodore fans and Apple 2 fans.  Which
> is better?  Why?  BTW, I may record responses.  Also, I'm publishing
> these messages on both computer newsgroups.

Well, IMO it depends on the application.
The C64 has the better graphical system with sprite capability and so
on. It has the better sound.
The Apple ][ has better expandability, and  better provisions for
assembly language programming (Monitor disassembler, BRK handler,
Miniassembler etc).
The expandability allows to have 80-col text, hard disks,
coprocessors, accelerators, real-time-clock, and many more.
The device select lines on the apple slots simplify the cards and the
ROM space on the card allows for software compatibility between
different cards. The PR# and IN# commands provide a standard interface
for all character devices although this was not always used to the
extent possible.
There are many programming languages available on the apple ][ (2
sorts of interpreted BASIC, compiled BASIC, PASCAL, and many
assemblers) and  a lot of application software for serious work.
And it is made of a lot of simple logic, which can be understood down
to the gate level. This allows for hardware modifications, which are
impossible with the  ASIC-based C64.
The C64 is intended to be a  "home computer". That means it is mainly
a gaming machine which can also be used for some programming. If
someone wants to play the C64 is better for him, but one can play on a
modern computer too.
The Apple ][ is the perfect machine for hardware and software hacking.
Its abilities for word processing and so on don't count any more,
because we have newer machines which can do it better. Who uses his
car made 1920 to go to work every day?

Please note that this only applies to the Apples before the //gs,
which has many features of the C64 and has higher hardware complexity.
I don't have any use for it.

Ferdinand