29 Jun
1999
29 Jun
'99
4:02 p.m.
In a message dated 6/29/99 6:14:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Tony Duell
writes:
This means the history of computing is being
distorted. Truely important
machines are being forgotten. Other machines, much less significant, are
being remembered. This is not a good thing.
OK, let me ask a very simple question. I will give below the
specification of 2 machines, both from around 1980. The questions are :
Which do you think is the more historically important, and which one
would fetch a higher price (Oh, and would anyone care to name the 2
machines :-))
OK. Machine A :
Processor : Custom 16/20 bit CPU. Graphics processor. Z80-A for I/O
RAM : 1Mbyte
Storage : 8" floppy disk, 24Mbyte hard disk
Keyboard : Full QWERTY keyboard, Keytronics
Display : Bitmapped display, 768*1024 pixels (portrait monitor)
Mouse : Sumagraphics Bit Pad 1
Languages : Pascal, LISP, etc
Comments : Version of the first commercially-sold graphics workstation
Machine B :
Processor : Z80A
RAM : 1Kbyte
Storage : Sockets to connect optional audio cassette recorder
Keyboard : QWERTY membrane keyboaard
Display : Text (22*23 or something like that), block graphics. Disappears
when program running
Mouse : You must be joking
Languages : 4K ROM containing strange (integer only?) BASIC.
Comments : Very inexpensive home computer
Machine B is very obviously a Sinclair ZX80 or ZX81. Pardon my confusion,
but are you saying that the ZX80/81 was "much less significant?" Perhaps I
misunderstand.
Millions of people worldwide were introduced to computers by these machines
(and their Timex cousins). Because of the low price, people bought them to
see if they "liked computing" -- if not, they could throw them away and only
be out $100 or so.
On the other hand, many, like myself, found they had a small talent for
working with computers -- in whatever capacity -- and thus found employment,
careers, and satisfaction because of their initial experience with
Timex/Sinclair computers.
I think that if you own a classic computer you should
learn how it works,
how to use it, how to repair it, etc. Note, I am _NOT_ saying that you
have to be qualified (after all, I'm not). I am not saying that you have
to know everything before you start. I am saying, though, that you should
want to learn.
The TS computers' simple but clever architecture encouraged learning all the
"how to's" you mention above.
But, perhaps I misunderstood what you were saying . . .
So: what are these two computers? Which is the most historically important,
and, in your opinion, which would fetch a higher price?
BTW, I use my Timex/Sinclair computers for some purpose at least five days
out of seven.
Regards,
Glen Goodwin
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