Re: Apple IIgs @ 300mhz

[Todd <tmyers@autobahn.mb.ca>]

I've been mulling over an idea on the same lines but using a different
processor. Go over to Transmeta's site and take a look at the low-end
Crusoe processors. These were specifically made for emulating other
processors and it has a PCI North Bridge builtin. Keep the original
Apple Bus for compatibility but add a PCI that runs along top or
across the front of installable cards so they can get their power
from the Apple slots.

This thing could also have its own SDRAM memory slot and only use the
GS's I/O and ROM areas only, everything else is in SDRAM. Using this
you should be able to get much more than 300MIPS and a PCI bus for less
than $150.

Todd

Robert K wrote:
> 
> Ok, I've been using my IIc for over 15 years now; my IIgs for 6.  I
> know that there are tons of closet-Apple II users out there.
> 
> I've been doing design specs for a souped-up IIgs.  Completely
> compatible with the Apple II line, but with a true 32-bit system, and
> ISA/PCI architecture.  Adding support for GCR and MFM (ie: PC/Apple II
> disks would be readable) isn't going to be a problem either.
> 
> I can get this running off of a 68040 @ 300Mhz (debating wether to
> emulate the WDC chip, or just add it on).  Which means the IIgs would
> have plenty of OS/App breathing room. External devices would be
> compatible, but (obviously) none of the internal cards would.  It DOES
> mean that most commercial Ethernet,Sound and Video cards would be
> compatible.
> 
> Doing this wouldn't cost a lot of money (the parts are cheap), but it
> would take a lot of development time.  I was wondering if there was a
> market for this thing.  I can't see the retail price of it going above
> $150 for the whole system.
> 
> Anyone interested?  Should I even bother?
> 
> Just getting a general feel of everyone here, so all feedback is
> appreciated.
> 
> Robert
> turner1199@yahoo.com