18 Nov
1997
18 Nov
'97
2:20 a.m.
Tim Hotze Wrote:
Okay... it seems that after several days of discussion
of this topic, we have
the following info: (1) The definition is bendable, as circimsances dicatate,
(2) The definition is pretty much fine as it is, but (3) (The BIG one) Many
computers will NOT be significant classics... origionally, as has been pointed
out, the "10 year" rule was to make sure that IBMs weren't included...
first the
IBM/PC, then the IBM XT, then the AT, and pretty soon, we'll be getting in to a
time where the words "IBM Compatible" are going to get replaced with
"PC." The
fact is, there are just to darn many 386s to contemplate... we have a few
options... (1) Allow only the first/last (IE Deskpro 386 first, I don't know
about last) or there are many others.... but it seems that the correction that I
was trying to push to allow MORE was wrong: It seems that you want LESS... and
when I think about it, it might make sense... for handhelds, the "standard"
won't apply probably (for classics) until around 2010 or so, so they'll remain
in for some time... but anyway, we need to think, or just keep it as it is...
but the "386 problem" is going to be something that we'll have to
conquer... and
the days are a commin...
Now while I agree with other comments made about keeping contemporary
computing discussions out of this mailing list, I have to say that
there will always relatively "modern" systems that will be worthy of
discussion.
The thing about the PC business is its sameness: Innovations and
uniqueness (once hallmarks of the computer industry) are heresy -- to
be different is certain death (hence the BE Box, RIP).
The aim of this group, I think, should be a celebration of the things
that made our _favorite_ computing machines unique-- whether it's
Babbages difference engine, an S-100 box, an ageing PDP, or a
casualty as recent as a Be Box.
What I'm getting at is that age shouldn't matter. It the heart that
matters. It's hard to become emotionally attached to a PeeCee
because one is just like all the others. The heart is attracted to
what's different. It revels in uniqueness. It is that uniqueness
that has brought us together.
Jeff