Re: Is it too hard to program for the Apple?

[EricN <eric@neilsonhart.com>]

> a.) The Apple's screen is small, and there's no mouse.
> c.) It's hard to get data in and out of the Apple.

To address the ease-of-use points, I do most of my programming in a
modern editor like TextMate.  I use the Virtual ][ emulator on the Mac
to test and debug most of my programs because I can set breakpoints,
inspect memory, and do everything from the convenience of my laptop
before I transfer the code to my real Apple ][.  Also, some emulators
like Virtual ][ are scriptable, so I just push one button and my code
is transferred to the emulator, compiled, booted, etc. all at turbo
speeds - very similar to embedded programming as someone above
mentioned, and you could use the Apple for a similar application.

As to why do it, I liken it to working on a vintage car.  Half the fun
is just exploring and tinkering with bits and trying to get the most
out of the period technology.  Every once and awhile you bring it out
and show if off, but you're never going use it as your daily commuter.

Eric