> The original machine, no contest!. An emulator can't possibly include the > wonderful hot-component smells, hardware problems, being able to stick a > logic probe anywhere you like, the joys of fixing the darn thing, etc.

SO how long is it before some really enthusiastic hacker creates a 3D emulator using a graphics engine like that in DOOM, that allows you to pop open the cover and go INSIDE the machine, home in on specific ICs, resistors, capacitors, etc. and stick a probe or voltmeter up to the leads? [...] Later on, when they invent the Scent Printer (a device which emits the smells of the computer you are working on) you'll be able to know when you've shorted something because all of a sudden a foul, toxic cloud will be emitted.

I don't think this is so much of a fantasy. Its a lot of work, but it could be done (ok, save for the Scent Printer part).