Re: The software piracy issue

[dempson@atlantis.actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

In article <31BC41A2.1ABE@folio.com>, James R. Ivie <jivie@folio.com> wrote:
> RUBYWAND wrote:
> >      Regarding emulations of Apple II software, there is a mystery which
> > an emulation user may be able to clear up: Why bother?
>
> Why bother???!!?
> 	First, the Apple II is ugly.

The original machine, yes.  The IIe (especially the platinum model)
looks much nicer, and the IIgs is quite elegant (IMHO).

> It's 20 years old and looks it.

You must be talking about the original ][ (19 years).

> 	Second, It takes up too much room.

No argument there.

> 	Third, maintenance.  I happen to be an expert on Apple II 
> maintenance, but I don't have time to fix all the hardware glitches.  
> And they were frequent.  I had to reseat chips at least twice a year, 
> and replace bad chips at least every two years.  Those 5.25" floppies 
> don't last forever, either.

You _must_ be talking about the original ][.  One of the main benefits
of the IIe is that it is MUCH more reliable.

I have had a IIgs since 1987, and I have never had hardware problems
with it (except for a ZIP accelerator which developed a fault).

I have no argument with your other points (performance, backup, state
saving, hardware support), though the first is partially solved by
getting a IIgs or an accelerator (or both), the second is solved by
avoiding 5.25" disks, the third by software (for 8-bit programs which
don't lock out interrupts, on a IIgs only) and the fourth is less of
an issue with newer machines such as the IIgs.
-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand