Which machine/model should I get? Apple

From: Mike Ford <mikeford_at_socal.rr.com>
Date: Mon Apr 16 18:51:37 2001

One of the questions never well enough answered to suit me, is which
machine/model should I get as a "first" machine of that brand. Not which is
rarest, oldest, etc., but what is fairly easy to get in working condition
and makes a good representitive of the brand and/or era.

I would really like to see something like this as a guide to each brand.
For Apple I can kick things off with a few suggestions. "*"notes best in
class, "***" best overall.

Apple II series
IIc+, Its small, cheap, has both 1 mhz and 4 mhz modes, and with a couple
of the correct floppy drives it should run anything and make copies etc. of
anything (up to IIgs specific software).

* IIgs (rom 3), the gs should support most earlier Apple II software, plus
it makes a good bridge to the mac era machines with ADB and localtalk
support. The IIgs also has unique sound abilities, and is really about the
only choice short of emulation to run the later IIgs specific software.


Mac (early)
* SE/30 (except I am not sure "all" the early mac software will run on a
SE/30, comments?) This is a small powerfull machine, not too difficult to
put on a network.

Mac color
* IIci, small fast with fpu, 3 open nubus slots, basic video on the
motherboard, cheap common memory.

Mac 68040
Quadra 700, same size as IIci, but with a 25 Mhz 68040. This machine
defines the minimum requirements for a lot of software. No internal CD
support.

*** Quadra 650, full size mac, but uses cheap 72 pin memory, 33 mhz full
68040, and is easy to find and sells cheaply. Option for internal CD

Quadra 950, full tower chassis, but uses 16 x 30 pins simms. Otherwise this
is very comparable to the Quadra650, with the choice based mostly on size
and what you find first at the best price. Option for internal CD, but rare
and expensive to add on.

PowerMac
* 7500, desktop size, cheapest option that is G4 upgradable. A solid, well
supported mac.

Choices made factor in cost, size, ease of use and repair, and how well
they represent the qualities of the brand. For the full mac experience,
run two large monitors side by side. Chances are good I will update this
after I get some comments.
Received on Mon Apr 16 2001 - 18:51:37 BST