Computers for hackers/enthusiasts (was Re: [OT] USB KVM switches)

From: Tom Jennings <tomj_at_wps.com>
Date: Thu Feb 3 16:09:09 2005

> Tom wrote:
>> No one ever built commercial computer gear for the likes of us.
>
> Ethan wrote:
>> Not as an intended audience... no.

On Thu, 3 Feb 2005, Eric Smith wrote:

> Wasn't the Apple II "commercial computer gear"?

First, this is potentially the start of one of those infinite
slippery-slope definition-based threads.

Second, I was merely making the point [in the original thread]
that complaining that some random interface isn't utterly
orthogonal, made from 100% common, long-lived parts, thoroughly
documented, standardized and in a format suitable for genetic
inheritance, doesn't mean said interface is bad. I was pointing
out that this stuff (excluding more-recent Apple ][, IBM feces,
whatever) wasn't designed for:

         pro and semi-pro
                 hackers of hardware
                         long past their product lives
                                 to connect to other equally dead
                                         systems
                                                 for pleasure.
                                         continue
                                 continue
                         continue
                 continue
         continue

(I suppose that should all be upper case.)

Lastly (sic) I decidedly insist the Apple ][ was a personal
computer. I suppose any old magazine ad would suffice for
evidence. I would like to further assert that the mere existence
of a commercial app for the ][ does not trump the overwhelming
marketing thrust of Apple as a hobbiest/personal computer >INHALE<.



> original IBM PC? Both were sold commercially, but both were designed
> and documented for people to hack on.

"hack on"? Likely they would have said "interface to". A fine
point indeed, but since we're talking about culture, and not
interface specification, I believe a valid distinction. I can't
recall a single IBM ad [advertisement as indicator of the
manufacturer's intended usage] showing the cover open and junk
sticking out.

> Copying the Apple II with regard to having published documentation
> readily available on the expansion slots and BIOS may have been one of
> the best moves IBM ever made.

Can you imagine that happening today? Not a chance! I agree, it
was a tremendous thing for all of us.
Received on Thu Feb 03 2005 - 16:09:09 GMT