However, for people starting out, getting their first
computer, they are
going to want to be able to use the software from the local PC shop.
They're going to want to be able to use the 'learn to use your home
computer' type magazines. And, unfortuantely, you can't use a PDPx or a
PERQ or a TRS-80 or an Apple ][ or a PET or a BBC or a ... for any of
that. Sure _we_ can get these machines to do useful work, but probably
others can't.
Thats it in a nutshell. Either you provide a full suite of software with
the old hardware, or new users won't be able to use it. With the right
software people are AMAZED at what older computers can do. Without actually
seeing software running and doing the things they want to do, novice users
won't believe it can be done.