Re: Apple's next move (was Apple II just won't die.)

[sheldon@netcom.com (Sheldon Simms)]

In article <4j8d8p$7mu@newsbf02.news.aol.com> rubywand@aol.com (RUBYWAND) writes:
>
>II. Assuming the II-GSX ("II-Omega", "Hydra", "II-Altair", etc.) 
>represents a significant performance boost over the current (accelerated,
>4MB) IIgs and is 65xxx-based, Apple could expect good support from II
>users. While being, perhaps, "troublesome", the II user base is also
>"activist" and very good at recruiting.

I think it's very unrealistic to expect Apple to have even the slightest
thought of something like this. As far as Apple is concerned, the Apple
II is dead and buried. The most that might happen is some decision maker
at Apple thinks "well too bad the II is so far gone, or we could have...".
Even if Apple decides to come out with a non-Mac machine (itself highly
unlikely) it wouldn't be Apple II compatible in the least.

>    Today's home user would welcome a machine that
>(1) does not become obsolete every two years
yes

>(2) does not require re-configuration for each new entertainment software
>    release
yes

>(3) is _not_ PC compatible

no. The home user want to be able to run all that PC stuff, they don't
want to have to deal with all the crap that along with a PC. They
don't understand that PC compatible and PC crap are inextricably linked.

>(4) offers built-in user-friendly programmability

I think users only care about this after they've already bought it
and discovered how to write programs. Mr Joe Ignorant isn't going to
consider built-in user-friendly programmability a plus if he doesn't
know how to program.

>(5) is supported by a big-name manufacturer
yes

>(6) has the support of an active, computer-wise user base.

yes, but once again Joe Ignorant won't have a clue that any such
user base exists until there's enough of them for CompUSA to sell
the software.

>A. II users are not likely to welcome a mixed Mac/II machine because
>anything of the sort must represent less than optimal II performance. Most
>Apple II users simply do not like Mac. We do not want Mac stuff polluting
>our machine. If Apple feels compelled to toss a bone to Mac users, let it
>be via an optional Mac plug-in card.

Apple is going to be far more concerned with the tens of millions
of mac users than the tens of thousands (?) of Apple II users.

>B. II users want Apple to commit to the 65Cxxx and back development of
>bigger, faster uP's in the series. Some kind of RISC-based kluge that can
>execute 68xxx or x86xxx series code is certain to evoke mistrust.

It'll never happen. It would take millions, if not billions, of
dollars to produce 65xxx series CPU's that equal the performance
of cheap RISC processors on the market today. And if it doesn't
equal the performance of cheap RISC processors available today,
it's not going to be a big seller. Even people who know zero about
computers know how to say "How many megahertz?"

>C. II users want an 'open', expandable machine (i.e. lots of Slots).  A
>closed machine would be a major turn-off.

Of course. like every desktop Mac you can buy today. Apple learned it's
lesson long ago on this one.

>D. Price for a satisfactory machine must be low enough so that there is
>good reason to expect that non-II home users will be attracted. Taking
>"satisfactory" to mean, roughly, a 16MHz, 8MB (expandable), 65C816-based
>box with 8 Slots, mouse, 512MB IDE hard disk, 8x IDE CD-ROM, 1MB ensoniq
>Sound, SVGA monitor, SVGA-class plug-in Video card with at least 640 x 480
>4096 color capability, ..., then, price should not be much above $1200.

After disagreeing with you so much want to be clear, I do think a market
exists for a modern Apple II compatible computer. I think the market would
be among current and past Apple II enthusiasts, hobbyests, and people who
just want something besides a PC. But it system has to be modern and have
modern hardware. a 65816, no matter how fast, won't cut it. And most
importantly, Apple is not going to have anything to do with it. If we
want it, we have to build it ourselves, plain and simple. Apple II users
have waited and waited for Apple to remember us, even as Apple completely
dumped the Apple II line. Apple is done with the Apple II, forever.
There will never be another Apple II compatible computer if you keep
waiting for Apple.

-Sheldon