Re: What if...

[supertimer@aol.com (Supertimer)]

Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net> wrote:

>> As for dual platform strategy, I still believe Apple could,
>> if they wanted, TODAY bring back a IIGS in an appliance
>> computer form and make it work.  Something like the
>> GeoBook but cheaper and bundled with AppleWorks GS
>> and Spectrum SIS with an integrated 20Mhz (or 14Mhz)
>> 65C816 and 4MB of memory.  Make it in a palmtop or a
>> laptop case and sell it for $99 or so and they will come.
>>
>
>     Something like this was Tiger's objective with the Tiger LC.
>Unfortunately, whoever designed the 'LC made enough errors to doom the
>machine and it was yanked from the stores.

The Tiger learning computer, unfortunately, was not entirely
complete.  Designed as a toy rather than a tool it had no
monitor and no disk drive (or provision for flash memory
card).  Those two factors doomed it.  It also did not have
fancy sound and graphics, two things that a Commodore 64
of any era needs.  ;-)  IIGS technology is still the best bet
for a low cost, capable, AND entertaining appliance
computer.

>     Apple could release a low cost palmtop version of the IIgs. But, then,
>they could release a low cost palmtop Mac just as easily.

Not really.  Mac hardware is more expensive for Apple to
make.  Modern Mac hardware, that is.  Just think how
much a G3 costs.  But do you really need a G3 in an
appliance computer?  The GeoBook uses something far
less powerful than the slowest Pentium ever made, after
all (or slowest 486 & 386 for that matter).  Apple also
would not want to base the technology on older Macs
such as the original Mac (128k) because, as mentioned
above, the IIGS has better media capabilities AND makes
more efficient use of its processor (thanks to efficient
coding).  This means that a 20Mhz palmtop or $99
laptop IIGS will seem a lot faster than a 20Mhz palmtop
version of the original Mac (128k).  Remember, IIGS
software was mostly designed with 2.8Mhz or 7Mhz
in mind (pre and post TWGS) so it will seem very very
fast on a 20Mhz unit.  And it can play music as well.
Plus, the IIGS can be configured with 4MB of memory
for a very neat appliance computer.

An appliance IIGS with 4MB of memory,
20Mhz 65C816, color LCD screen, and AppleWorks GS
plus Spectrum/SIS and music software built in for $99.
In a palmtop of laptop case.  Sell them at WalMart.

A new Commodore 64 is long overdue.