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Re: USB Stick support of IIgs?
To: Michael Black
Michael Black wrote:
Because what's needed to get USB on the Apple II will be expensive. It
will require a lot of effort (if it's at all possible, the easiest method
is likely by adding a whole other CPU and maybe one that is much better
than the Apple's 6502) and will cost a lot because that effort and the
parts needed has to be divided by a relative handful of buyers. Chances
are good that any product for the Apple II nowadays would have to be
hand assembled, which drives up cost; the run would be so small that the
cost of a proper assembly line would be impossible.
I understand what you are saying but at present I still have no plans to
start using CF. However, to address one of your concerns above, the
cost of a microcontroller capable of being a go between for an Apple II
to USB can cost as little as a few dollars. I've seen ARM based
microcontrollers that include support for USB, SD/MMC, Ethernet, Flash
RAM, RAM and more running at 100-200 MHz being sold in single quantities
for 10-12 USD which has way more capability than needed in this case.
If a USB interface, even limited to only reading and writing USB
storage, were to be made available, I'd probably jump on one of those.
Vince Briel demonstrated an Apple II USB card at KFest this year but I
believe the Apple II could only ask the card to give a list of files on
the USB storage to allow you to select what MP3 song you wanted to play
and the card did all the reading and playing. I don't know if he plans
on taking it any farther than that.
Meanwhile, that $20 reader and that no more than $20 card will be vastly
cheaper than USB on the Apple II,
You are forgetting the cost of an IDE interface for the Apple II here.
I'd have to buy a CFFA (IDE interface that comes with an IDE to CF
adaptor) or a card like a Vulcan, MicroDrive, Focus or whatever IDE
interface and an IDE to CF adaptor. This increases the cost by another
100 to 200 USD.
Just because you want something doesn't mean the idea is practical.
Just because an idea is impractical doesn't mean I shouldn't want it. :)