Re: Aging Apple //'ers

["Michael J. Mahon" <mjmahon@aol.com>]

Donald C. Lee wrote:
> Well, I'm 31 and I literally grew up with my IIe, as my parents got it
> back in 1983 or so (at a MACY's DEPARTMENT store, no less).
>
> Though my IIe is packed away and my old floppies are lying around, I
> still follow the happenings of the II world.  I hope that there will be
> families that will pass their Apple II's down to the kids as "family
> heirlooms".  :D
>
> That should keep the II going for many more years to come.  :)
>
> Seriously, the Atari VCS/2600/5200/etc that were counterparts to the II
> during the 80's are still alive and kicking.  Plenty of developers still
> trying to make 2600 games despite the presence of XBOX 360/PS2, so I'm
> sure that the II series will still retain their usefulness for
> generations to come.

I wish it were so, but I strongly doubt it.

We live in a "disposable" society in which the newest is the
best and the older is trash.  Only the Apple II's that their previous
owners have forgotten about will be found by heirs.  And the vast
majority will regard them with all the affection of a rusty meat
grinder, and toss them.

A small percentage may be rescued from oblivion, but, with
the exception of a few "relics" preserved by eccentrics (as
with Model T Fords), the Apple II will become quite rare, and
knowledge of its use even more rare.

All things must pass...

-michael