Re: Avatar

[ltchean@iss.nus.sg (Lim Thye Chean)]

exuhag@exu.ericsson.se (James Hague) writes:
: 
: This is part of what I meant when I said that the Avatar seems to be
: ignoring traditional 'wisdom' and starting over fresh.  I think we
: all realize that HLLs are preferable to assembly, at least when ease
: of programming is the concern.  But if you look at what has happened
: to microcomputer software since HLL programming has become standard
: then it is not at all clear thar this is any kind of advance.  Now
: we have 12 meg word processors that are slower than their text mode
: equivalents.  Games have become less compelling as lazy programmers take
: lazy approaches to designing them.  And so on.

But that does not mean that we don't need a fast, optimized C compiler. That
might make porting software to Avatar a much easier job.

The question is: Is it really IMPOSSIBLE to write a fast, optimized C compiler
for 65816? I hope NOT! Where are all the Apple II wizkids that can solve the
problem instead of saying "it can't be done"?

: >Well, sure.  But the availablity of a good C compiler that can generate
: >fast, solid code, is terribly important.  And it's tough to write such
: >a beast for the '816.  

I agree partially. It is important, but NOT terribly important. IMHO, we
need object oriented language for the new machine, something like Objective C.
We need language that is easier for the programmer, so that they can write
program faster.

: IMO, the Avatar will not be the computer for everyone.  If you revel
: in the old computer industry saws ("faster is always better," "assembly
: language is too hard," "C is the ultimate programming language") then
: why not get a PC or a Sun?  The Avatar is a bold experiment, one doomed
: to fail.  But a bold experiment, nonetheless.

It looks like it is THE computer for me. I don't agree that Avatar will
definitely fail. I think there is a high chance for it to succeed. It might
be a computer similar to NeXT, not the mainstream, but many people still 
buy it.

BTW, If there is a Super-Commodore 64 that is able to run all Commodore 64
software, but it is 10 times faster, have MUCH better graphics and sound,
50 times the amount of RAM, and selling at the price similar to PC, it might
succeed too.

I think a Super fast Apple IIGS-compatible which has 1024 x 768 resolution,
4 MB standard RAM, 16 bit sound, disk coprocessor, and a completely new
architecture compare to other computer is very exciting, and should appeal to
many Apple II users. Instead of owning a old-technology computer, they can
have a machine they can be really proud of.

I really like to see how users (of other platform) react when they first saw
Apple IIGS, they can't believe it is an Apple II! Well, I am interested to know
how they will react if they see an Avatar.

BTW, I also owned an IBM PS/2 model 70 with 1024 x 768 resolution. But it is
now collecting dust. I spend 100% of my time on my IIGS, and to be honest,
I realy think IIGS is a much better computer to use and enjoy. 

I don't know how many of you out there feel the same way as me?

: (I should add the disclaimer that I have absolutely no idea
: what Bill H's personal plans and philosophies are.)

BTW, how much do you know about Avatar?

: --
: James Hague   
: exuhag@exu.ericsson.se

--
    %% GS Lover Loves GS %%    Author of Super Magic 3 & Mandelbrot II GS
    %%  and Avatar too.  %%   
          Lim Thye Chean: Lim is my surname. My name is Thye Chean.
     My address: LTCHEAN@ISS.NUS.SG, or 9, College Green, Singapore 1129