1 Apr
2022
1 Apr
'22
3:34 p.m.
On 4/1/22 16:17, Mike Stein via cctalk wrote:
Hey, I've got one of those somewhere (the delay
line, not the terminal ;-)
)!
I do still use the cabinet as a desk, as well as a few parts here and
there; to think that today something like an Arduino nano can replace that
desk-sized cabinet containing a substantial power supply and a card cage
with at least a dozen cards IIRC... I'm still amazed by how far we've come
in less than my lifetime...
I was amazed 40 years ago. I was trained by the Army as a Systems
Analyst/Programmer. At the time what was called "The Army Standard
System" was an IBM 360/40. It came with 3 semi tractors to pull the
two semi-trailers that held the computer and the third pulled the
generator it tool to run them. I got my first unix system for my
home in 1984. It was a pre-release of the Tandy Model 16. It fit
on my desk. Had more memory than a 360/40. Had more storage than
a 360/40 and handled more users than a 360/40. It cost less than
10% of a 360/40. I actually got mine for nothing but that's another
story. :-)
And, as you say, an Arduino or a Pi that fits in my pocket is orders
of magnitude more powerful and costs pocket money.
Of course, sometimes I still miss the old days and old ways. :-)
But then, isn't that why we are all here?
bill