Re: Why emulate?

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Jim Pittman writes ...

 ....

> > From: brian.hammack@rook.wa.com (Brian Hammack)
> > Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2

 ....

> >
> > If you have the real computer, why would you need an emulator?  :)
> 
> 1. Bernie on a fast Power Mac is reputed to run Apple IIgs software
>    much faster than it runs on the fastest accelerated Apple IIgs.
> 
> 2. Bernie on a PowerBook gives you a fully portable Apple IIgs.
> 
> I might get a G3 PowerBook and install Bernie on it for both the
> above reasons. But if I do, will I discard my ROM 01 and ROM 3
> Apple IIgs systems? I doubt it. After all, I still occasionally
> use my 1980 (upgraded to 1984 technology) Apple II Plus.
> 


     Like, probably, most Apple II users, I think emulators are a great
way to spread interest in II computing. Sure, a few current II owners
will spend more time running an emulator than the real thing. But; a lot
of non-II-owner emu users will go in just the opposite direction. This
could be one explanation for the constant stream of new II owners.

     Can emulators keep up with the IIgs? For a time, they can,
certainly, do a decent job. However, quite a few users are very serious
about GS hardware upgrades. Once we get to something like 30-40MHz
equivalent main system speed with improved video, on-Mac and on-PC GS
emulators will be out of the ballgame.

   

Rubywand