Re: HOW THE APPLE II COULD RETURN...

[mhackett@vaxxine.com (Mike Hackett)]

In article <5O1bBXk.rocketusa@delphi.com>, Darren johnson
<rocketusa@delphi.com> wrote:

> Presently, there are no "up-to-date" new computers being
> sold cheaper than around a grand.  [...] The "average
> Joe" is buying a machine way too powerful for his needs [...]

This is precisely what I was thinking about a little while ago.  After
meeting a local game developer and discussing what they were developing
for, he said they only develop for Windows, NES and Sega, because that's
what is hot.  This stuck a chord with me, and reminded me that I had
often wondered why mere video game systems were becoming popular again.
Before the NES, every system after the Colecovision died a horrible
death, BECAUSE of the available of cheap home computers like the
Commodore 64, Atari 800, Adam, etc.  (The Apple II was NOT cheap, but
still popular.)

I came to the same realization as Darren, that there are no computers
under the $1000 price level (Canadian $), and certainly nothing to
compete with the $300 game machines.  I really think a modern C-64 type
of machine would do very well in today's market.  Take some older 32-bit
processor, such as the 68030, which can probably be had pretty cheaply
now, or a 16-bit chip or hybrid that it is even cheaper, if I'm
underestimating the current pricing of CPUs.  One thing I would change
in the design would be to keep the keyboard separate and allow some
expansion slots in the system "box".

Unfortunately (for me), I have neither the technical experience to
design such a system, nor the financial means to back its start-up.
However, I would love to be involved at the programming level in such a
project.

Making another Apple II compatible system would be a mistake in my
opinion, because of the stigma associated with "old", "obsolete" systems
such as the II, and really, if you want a II, they can be had used for
pittance.  Also, you're locking yourself into a lot of annoying hardware
limitations.  An expansion board to allow hardware emulation of the II
might be a good move, but building support in would get you stuck in the
same situation as with the IIgs.

> A $400 complete computer system--new--could be the move
> to make a manufacturer rich quick.  Using the Apple II
> system has a few advantages: 1. There are millions of
> people (especially kids who used them in schools in the
> 80s) who have used IIs or use them now and are
> comfortable with them;

OK, but why not just get a cheap II then.

> 2. They would be differenciated
> from PCs and Macs and the new Apple II clone maker would
> have a headstart on new compatible hardware and
> software;

Being compatible with exiting hardware is definitely a requirement,
especially if you can grab cheap and easy-to-get IBM-compatible parts.
Although I'd much rather have ADB and SCSI, for example, using PC-style
hardware would make things cheaper and easier on buyers.

> 3.  Apple Corp. would probably sell all
> rights to the II relatively cheap;

Guess again!  I don't see this happening.  Regardless of whether they
are afraid of the competition, they want the Apple II name buried and
forgotten, which of course has turned out to be a lot harder to do than
they expected.

> 4. A lot of companies
> that used to make Apple II products could just start
> re-releasing the stuff (software, scanners, cards,
> etc.).

A nice idea, but it will take big sales to get those old companies back,
I'm afraid.  Kind of the chicken and the egg problem. :-(

========================================================================
Michael Hackett       Internet: mhackett@vaxxine.com    GEnie: M.HACKETT
Some Assembly Required    Voice: (905) 687-1729      BBS: (905) 687-9987