Re: Apple Drops Backward Compatibility for Next MacOS

[xyzzy@ponyexpress.net (Edward Franks)]

Randy Shackelford says...
> pubpc1@library.ucla.edu wrote:
[Snip]
> : Gee, IBM compats are doing pretty well and they still run PC/XT software.
> : They are doing better than Macs!
> 
> We're talking system software. Windows NT 4.0 doesn't run on less than a
> 386 but apps still run. That's how system 8 will work.
> 
> Marketing is the sole reason wintel sells more, it sure as hell isn't because
> it's better.
> 

	I doubt marketing is the sole reason.  I see it as more of a 
snowball effect.
	The PC market took off because it had better _business_ software 
(Lotus 1-2-3 v1 vs VisiCalc or MS Multiplan).  Since people used IBM 
PCs at work they wanted IBM PCs at home.  The cycle fed on itself.
	Also, at that time it was the business sector that drove the 
computer world.  Companies were the ones who had the money to spend on 
computers.  Remember the days when the computer setup you _really_ 
wanted cost about $5000?  (Nowadays the home market is at least, if 
not more, important than the business sector because of the saturation 
of PCs in businesses.)

	Also, the original IBM PC had several advantages over the 
original Apple ][ and ][+.  For example, a larger memory space and 
off-the-shelf component design.

	On the other hand the original Apple ][+ was, and still is, a 
more enjoyable machine to use for the hobbyist/home-user/hacker 
(original sense).  If I wanted to know _everything_ about a micro I 
would learn everything about an Apple2.  This is the micro that 
rewards you the best.

Edward

-- 

Edward Franks
efranks@msn.com
xyzzy@ponyexpress.net

-==(UDIC)==- Fortran Dragon

Microsoft Certified Product Specialist: Windows 3.1

"Ain't I a stinker?" - Bugs Bunny