8 bit vs other Computers.

From: vassilip_at_dsl.cis.upenn.edu <(vassilip_at_dsl.cis.upenn.edu)>
Date: Tue Nov 26 09:03:17 2002

In the 80s I had a BBC microcomputer, probably the best 8-bit microcomputer
there is. It had a ROM-based OS and an number of ROM-based applications
(you got BASIC with the default configuration, but you could add word
processors, spreadsheets, Forth, BCPL, Pascal and other languages).

I used it extensively for almost 10 years (I developed the prototype
for my MSc in CS and I also wrote my MSc thesis on it). Even after I
switched over to a PC, I did not pack my BBC away, as for many many
years (until I decided to leave my computer always on) it was the only
machine in my house I could use to scrible a few thoughts or a shopping
list without waiting forever for my PC to boot). The ROM based system
allowed instant switch on, like e.g. a Palm Pilot.

It had an 80x32 (I think) screen which you could configure to display
as a ruled page (like a notepad) - very useful for looking across
rows of numbers.

I had an Epson FX80 - it was a 9pin dot martix, but I had written a
program to print high quality output using the quad density graphics
mode. It was *slow* but almost typewritter quality.

But the good thing about that machine was that it was *convenient*
it didn't stand in your way, it was a tool to help you do your work.
Something that is missing from todays machines. I just found out
that my laptop decided to ignore its power settings, did not go into
power save when I closed the lid, and kept operating in by backpack
while I was running all over town. The machine overheated and the disk
got trashed. Excellent.

**vp
Received on Tue Nov 26 2002 - 09:03:17 GMT