10 Aug
1997
10 Aug
'97
6:14 a.m.
Whilst in a self-induced trance, Lawrence Walker happened to blather:
> On 08-Aug-97, Lawrence Walker wrote:
>
> >> be listed instead or separately? (For that matter, the XE Game System,
> >> which is on the list, only becomes a "computer" when the
^^^^^^^^^^
[[ part I missed before I re-read the msg. ]]
> >> separately-marketed keyboard is added to
it; otherwise, it is strictly a
> > ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> >> cartridge game machine too.)
>
> > Not so . I have one in the original packaging . As well as a
> >keyboard, it also included a joystck and a "light-gun". It also had a
> >manual for Atari Basic AND 2 game cartridges.WOW, what a deal. : ^ )
>
> Larry,
>
> I believe that initially, the XEGS keyboard was optional though. The
> wording in the keyboard's manaul, at least the one I have, seems to support
> this. The argument of whether the XEGS is a game console or a computer
is one
> that has been going on in the newsgroups for quite
some time off and on.
The one I have had basic built into it's 32k ROM
and was
functionally an XE . If the XL and XE qualify then so does
the XEGS IMHO.
After reading the message three times (as I'd misread it twice), I agree
with Larry. Let's remember what the true defination of a computer is: "A
machine that can perform arithmatic and logical calculations without the
aid of a human." My Casio watch -- by defination -- is a computer. (of
course, it's not classic _yet_, tho. ;-)
The inclusion of a keyboard does not matter to the defination of a
computer, else there are many folks with IMSAIs and Altairs with front
panel switchboards, which IMHO is not a "keyboard" per se, yet they are
computers. The XEGS (or 2600, 5200, 7800 as well) are computers as well.
Remember, you _could_ do Basic programming on a 2600!
Just MHO,
"Merch"
--
Roger Merchberger | If at first you don't succeed,
Programmer, NorthernWay | nuclear warhead disarmament should *not*
zmerch(a)northernway.net | be your first career choice.