Re: AnyCard project

[obsbedia2@aol.com (Obsbedia2)]

The CF slot was a point of disagreement with Hans and Jeri.  Jeri's opinion
seemed to be, "It'd be easy to add, so why not do it?"  Hans felt that the USB
option opened the world of solid state memory to the A2, so "why have a CF slot
on top of that?"

Beside the little spacing problem with one of the prototypes (the CF would have
stuck up through the lid of the //e), the CF didn't seem to be a big issue or
stumbling block toward the completion of the AnyCard][.  There was some
scratching of heads concerning the idea of properly displaying the IIGS display
on modern monitors, though.  

Why isn't it here yet?  There's the time aspect--finding it to complete the
project.  And then there's the motivation:  The room was filled with hands of
people who would buy the AnyCard--even it's early beta version (yes, both my
hands were raised), and hardware needs were met (Hans has plenty of ][s and the
loan of my 8x ZipChip so he can have the card work correctly with 8-bit users
that use a ZipChip).  

What Hans was, and I'll assume still is, looking for are people to write the
drivers that will be needed for some of the neat toys that come with USB today.
 Someone wanted to finally have a flatbed scanner for their //gs.  Sure, he
said, but someone is going to have to write the driver.

The AnyCard][ will definitely change the look of the inside of the Apple II. 
Unlike the SlotBusterII, the AnyCard doesn't share slots.  Using a USB mouse? 
Say goodbye to the MouseCard in slot 4, but don't plan on installing another
card in slot 4--the AnyCard is using it.  Basically, picture your Apple II with
only the AnyCard in it (AnyCards, actually, the current design is for two cards
working together), running much cooler.

JaY


<< I was looking through the AnyCard project stuff and I'm wondering why it's 
going to have a Compact Flash slot?  There is already a product that does 
it, and if it's going to have USB you can buy a 8 in1 reader for like $20 to 
read Compact Flash.  I'm worried that this is going to turn into a Feature 
Creep project and never get released.... 
 >>