Altair Collectors Association

From: Hans Franke <Hans.Franke_at_mch20.sbs.de>
Date: Wed Dec 9 12:54:16 1998

> > However - I do see it as the 'Model-T' of PERSONAL computing -
> > sure everything had been done before but was usually priced
> > out of the average joe/jane's reach unless they worked in a
> > research institute or business, in which case they weren't
> > always allowed free reign to do whatever they wanted.

> The Model-T systems of computers were the TRS-80, the Apple-2 and
> (hate to say it) the Pet. Something that could be bought by a
> common citizen and made to work -- the computer buyer didn't have
> to be a serious programmer, the buyer of a Ford T didn't have to
> be a full-time mechanic. While I know there were MITS-equivalent
> automobile projects published a century ago, none of the names
> seem to stand out. Thinking on it, the Ford Model A was the
> equivalent of a TRS-80 Model One, the Model T was the equivalent
> of a Model 3.

Exact my point, but

> The Volkswagen was the equivalent of an IBM PC,
> right down to the fascist overseers of the design.

here I get some problems.

First of all I would compare the C64 to the Volkswagen -
Already low end and overpriced when the production started,
outdated way before any production record and still sold
when _any_ other computer available was already better.

The VW was designed in the 30's but not build until the
'50s, to expensive at the start, and only a _very_ basic
car. And in the high time around 1960 to '75 the car was
completly outclassed - but sold in millions. Same for the
C64 - dat first only a fast developed simple machine to
be sold for less than a year, with only a minimum to run
and extremly expensive (thru the first year an Apple ][+
compatible syswtem was cheaper than any C64). Even, only
to use the build in features you had to get add on software.
When the sales roared, any other home computeer was already
better, but anyone was buying the C64 - like the Volkswagen ...

The IBM-PC (and all the folowing PCs) are in my view well
comperable to todays Volkswagen or Crysler cars - do one
design and add badges with brand names as needed (e.g.
Volkswagen creates a design and it is build as VW, Audi,
SEAT or Skoda).

Second, I can't catch the meaning of your words:
> right down to the fascist overseers of the design.

I can't see any 'facist' design around the Volkswagen.
Of course, the car was used as a propaganda instrument,
but the design was just top class of the '30s - right
among the top designs of the same time in the US - just
a bit smaler and simpler (like the C64 always remind me
of some IBM keyboards :)

> (For Ferarri parallels, go for Cromemco or Xerox).

I'm still looking for a Monteverdi type computer :)

Gruss
Hans

--
Ich denke, also bin ich, also gut
HRK
Received on Wed Dec 09 1998 - 12:54:16 GMT

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