Re: C64/128 Wolf and GS upgrade support

[pubpc1@library.ucla.edu]

Kirk Deven Lenigan wrote:
> 
> Supertimer (supertimer@aol.com) wrote:
> : Mike Morton <mdragon@eagle.ptialaska.net> wrote:
> 
> : >Why not just make a new OS?
> 
> : GS/OS is a very good OS.  The sad part of is that what is holding
> : back the continued evolution of this OS is...no new GS hardware.
> : It is actually my favorite OS on any computer.  Things are laid out
> : so logically.  There is no reason to try to replace it.  It is flexible
> : enough that new hardware could be supported through drivers and
> : patches.
> 
> What sorts of hardware conformity would a "Non-Apple 4GS" need?  I have
> a great interest in orphans stemming from my obstinate use of a C64 and
> Atari 600XL.  When I graduate, I have toyed with the idea of starting a
> company to update the hardware of defunct computer lines.  I mean, the
> code and worldwide "fan base" of these orphans are amazing.  I always
> wonder whether the fans could support enough of a production run to
> keep me in bread (no offense, but I need a living).  Also, what are
> the chances that Apple, Tulip (Commodore's current holders), Atari,
> foo..., would license their intellectual rights to the legacy chips,
> ROMs, etc.  please follow up to this or flood shredkdl@umd.umich.edu with
> mail. l8r y'all

Apple is intent on keeping the GS dead.  _Many_ groups of people
and companies have tried to get them to see the rights to it, but
they apparently fear an upgraded GS will compete against the Mac.
If you think about it, the ROM 3 contains a large part of System
5.  An updated, fast, modern computer with a derived, updated
GS/OS will possess the "Macintosh" desktop interface, Apple's
crown jewels.  Apple is also as stubborn as an ass.  You can't
even get them to license the IIe.  You'd have better luck with
Laser, which is still in business and owns the rights to an Apple
compatible ROM.

I believe Gateway 2000 now owns the rights to the C64/128 and
Amiga.  Atari gone out of business long ago, so I don't know
how you would go about reviving the Atari ST or 8-bitters.

-Scott G.