17 Jun
2009
17 Jun
'09
6:01 p.m.
Dan Roganti wrote:
I don't see why new users can't enjoy the same original hardware as
those of use who grew up on this. I disagree with using newer
technologies up to a certain point. Whether you want to restore some
files with a modern disk drive because you might be without enough
equipment or build a new cpu design by mixing in modern components.
I think you get to experience the thoughts and nuances when using
original parts in a computer design created 30/40 yrs ago - as in, how
to test,program,debug,etc the original hardware. What's the point in
restoring vintage equipment of you like to 'circumvent' the original
design by using something which didn't exist for that particular era.
As in the case of using a replacement modern drive to sustain an
existing system, is reasonable, but it's more fun to find something
original afterwards. It might be expensive for some to buy 8" floppy
drives now, but you can still get 5-1/4" floppy drives inexpensively.
The alternative drive systems using faster drives and GB of storage ,
I think, just loses appeal with the aspect of restoring vintage
hardware - I think it shows you have less patience for old hardware.
It's so easy to mix in modern components in an IC design - heaven
forbid if people want to gut their transistors machines and install a
cards replaced with 7474 dual FF chips. Using modern technology is the
easy way out - try learning how it was done then. I do think some
people like to wonder at work involved with the vintage technology still.
I
can't argue the value of experiencing the actual vintage hardware
I worry about taking an "elitist" position when it comes to vintage
hardware, though.
For every person who wants to experience the slow speed of the 1541,
there are 10-100 people who find the C64 valuable but have no time for
the 1541. Specifically, the latter group includes the folks design SW
for the platform, software that users (who might enjoy the 1541) use.
So, by withholding newer technologies, it effectively discourages those
that the community wishes to interest in the platform.
As well, the C64 never offered Ethernet, and the "use only
era-appropriate technologies" mentality would preclude such a
technology. However, the CBM 8-bit line has enjoyed quite a bit of
publicity over innovative Ethernet software solutions (like the recently
noted Twitter client). Such publicity generates lots of value
(additional new users, developers who turn to the platform for the
community aspects of the challenge of such development, etc.) for the
platform.
Maybe the recent vintage machines (like the home computer of the 80s)
are unique in that they still have a relatively large user community and
are being utilized in contemporary settings due to unique aspects that
have never been duplicated (The SID IC, for example) In fact, the term
"restoration" is seldom heard in the CBM community (it's usually
reserved for some extremely rare variant of the line, like an early PET
or some unreleased machine), but "use" is often heard.
Quite possibly, I'm the odd man out in this community. I am interested
in preserving the CBM 8 bit line, but that's not the end of my
interest. I do agree that my position begs the question "At what point
have you 'enhanced' a machine beyond recognition?" I don't have an
answer for that question, but I have some ideas.
Jim