Re: Question on ProDOS SmartPort drive remapping

[mdj <mdj.mdj@gmail.com>]

On Dec 17, 2:01 pm, David Wilson <mcs6...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I am making progress on the Smartport Remapper program. Here is a
> question about the user interface:
>
> What platform do I need to write it for?
>
> Obviously, as it requires ProDOS 8 v2.0.3, it must be running on a
> 65C02/65802/65816. In Apple's eyes this means it is on an Enhanced
> IIe, IIc, IIc+ or IIgs and has lowercase but not necessarily 80
> columns (a IIe might not have a card in the Aux slot). On the other
> hand, a II+ user with an 65C02 equipped accelerator card could
> potentially run P8 v2.0.3 which means I should stick to 40 columns and
> Uppercase only.
>
> Any thoughts?

I would skip worrying about uppercase, since ProDOS 2.0.3 assumes a
65C02 or better Apple II supports lowercase; the splash screen shows
lowercase characters. It's reasonable to assume a II+ with that degree
of expansion also has a lowercase character mod.

Beyond that, if the user experience would be compromised by 40 column
display, then demand 80. If not, do it in 40. It's hard to imagine
such an app struggling to provide a decent UI in 40 columns.

It's also hard to imagine a II+ user who has this problem who doesn't
have an 80 column card parked in slot 3 anyway :-)

I'd aim for 6502 64k machines with lowercase support, and try to be
compatible with ProDOS v1.9 as well.

Matt