You raise a valid point, Tony, but ...
see below, plz,
Dick
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tony Duell" <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
To: <classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2002 5:56 PM
Subject: Re: Micro$oft Biz'droid Lusers (was: OT email response format)
>
> [Altair]
>
> >
> > It was designed as a TOY. It first appeared in an article in a niche
magazine
>
> You clearly believe that 'toy' and 'computer' are mutually exclusive. I
> do not.
>
That was very much a valid distinction in 1980, but because microelectronics
applied to the toy market are as valid and "real" an application asn any
other, it's no longer the case.
>
> > specializing TOYS. Since no software, means for getting it in, means for
>
> IIRC there was a front panel. Surely I am not the only person here to
> have entered software using toggle switches....
>
... and you feel it's warranted to spend vast amounts of money, which the
Altair cost, on a machine with no means for putting code/data in or out except
for single-bit LED's and a few switches when there's no other means for
inserting/extracting information? Even Ed Roberts indicated he initially had
no plans to produce additional cards for his Altair, initially. Only after it
was shown there was a demand for them, did folks realize that the ALTAIR PSU
was inadequate for more than what he sold with it.
>
> > getting the results of any processing (remember...computers are for
AUTOMATIC
> > data processing?) Its purpose clearly was to make a little money, which
it
>
> It's purpose (IMHO) was clearly as an educational tool.
>
Yes, as was the "Speak-n-Spell" which was sold in toy stores everywhere.
>
> Now clearly you don't think you need any form of aids to learning, but
> for the rest of us mortals, it's helpful to actually have some real
> devices to learn with. In order to learn about programming it helps to
> have a computer. Even one with 256 bytes (or whatever) of memory and a
> frontpanel only. I'd rather try to understand programming using that than
> with no computer at all.
>
I don't know why you've assumed this defensive posture, Tony. There's no sin
involved in using microelectronics of any form in toys. Further, educational
toys, e.g. the "Speak-n-Spell" I mentioned before, are a very useful sort of
toy that emphasizes something other than senseless violence or
pseudo-atheletics for a society plagued by too much senseless violence, and
too little physical activity on the part of our youth. Games like that one,
and there once were several, allow youngsters to exercise their minds without
fear of embarassment, which teaches them they can do something about their
perceived shortcomings, among other things.
I don't like video games, but it's not because they're games. It's because
the games are largely violence-oriented and because they deprive the kids who
play them of the physical exercise and personal interaction that they'd have
if they weren't afraid to go outside.
Received on Fri Apr 26 2002 - 09:41:45 BST