11 May
1997
11 May
'97
7:40 p.m.
On Sun, 11 May 1997, Sam Ismail wrote:
The main thing that struck me is the diversity of
computer systems that
were available in the early 80s. Contrast that with what you got today
(Wintel crap/Macincrap). That diveristy is what we are discovering
today. I think in 10 years there probably will be no memorable classic
computers worth collecting from the 90s. MAYBE the Mac portable, and I
can't think of anything else right off hand. There is just going to be
this hideous montage of various IBM PC clones by different manufacturers
or just run-of-the-mill computer shop PCs. Bleah! Long live the
thriving micro-computer revolution of the 70s and 80s!
Viva la 70s and 80s!
That said, I can think of one or two machines produced during the 90's
which may eventually be collectable: the BeBox, original Newton Message
Pad, Eo machines, SPARCstation Voyager, and possibly a few pocket/palmtop
machines. Being a bit of a Sun-weenie, I might also add Sun 4/110.
Most of the above machines had fairly small production runs, and had a
certain cool factor to them. Not all machines produced during the 90's
have been boring beige boxes. Some innovative and interesting machines
have been produced. Add an unupgraded Pilot 1000 to the list.
Most people don't want interesting computers, they want machines which
help them do something. The difference between the people on this list
and nearly everyone else is that we LIKE computers. We think they are
more than just a tool needed to accomplish as task or to provide an
occasional diversion. We can make computers do things other than run
prepackaged software. We know that computers are FUN. We value what
is different and unique about the old machines. Compatibility is good
for business, but it sure is boring.
--pec
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