This is a very nice initiative, I am sorry I won't be investing in this - too much of a niche for me. But for people like Bill it might be very very intersting. I would be interested in a rebuilt MSX, Spectrum, Amiga or Amstrad system though ;)
It is. I'm getting (already ordered) a micro-KIM (KIM-1 clone), assuming Briel gets the 10 pre-orders needed to produce them, and also a Replica-1 (USB version) Apple I clone with expansion card. The nice thing with this stuff is it really isn't overpriced as these things go (in fact, it's underpriced in comparison) and you get to experiment with newer versions of the same classic stuff. There's nothing quite like operating these kit computers in a way that the original systems were. It's both fun and educational, and it's all but impossible to acquire a real Apple I for these purposes and hit or miss with the KIM-1.
By the time I get these, I should be done with the book. I want to write a major feature on both the micro-KIM and Replica-1 and relate them to the KIM-1 and Apple I they were built to replicate. The KIM-1 was of course what the Commodore PET was based off of and the Apple I was what gave rise to the Apple II. It's really fascinating stuff.
It would have been nice for me to get the kit versions of both of those and build them myself, but I never got around to training myself in good soldering techniques (someday - I have the stuff for training). Considering I can't guarantee sufficient free time, I'd rather get them pre-built so I can get right into the tinkering (and not mess them up and have expensive paper weights).
I look forward to the release of the cassette interface for the Replica-1. I probably won't get the compact flash adapter, as it's probably overkill for my needs (though I do have the Apple II compact flash adapter). I also look forward to Briel possibly releasing the Altair front panel replica for a reasonable price. I love the idea of tinkering with a switch-based computer and not having to spend thousands to get an original (or full replica), which I could probably never afford (justify).
By the way, Mark, wasn't there that relatively recent release of that MSX reimplementation? The only downside to it seemed to be the extremely high price and some operational quirks (and yeah, I guess it was only the architecture - not a full computer with keyboard, etc.). In any case, I think it's easier just to acquire the original hardware in the case of the MSX, Spectrum, Amiga and Amstrad, especially considering that there are usually very reliable methods for transferring images back and forth between those and modern computers. In the case of what people like Briel do, I think they target the far less available and practical to acquire.
======================================
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
(A PC Magazine Top 100 Website)
======================================
*************************** Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
This is a very nice initiative, I am sorry I won't be investing in this - too much of a niche for me. But for people like Bill it might be very very intersting. I would be interested in a rebuilt MSX, Spectrum, Amiga or Amstrad system though ;)
It is. I'm getting (already ordered) a micro-KIM (KIM-1 clone), assuming Briel gets the 10 pre-orders needed to produce them, and also a Replica-1 (USB version) Apple I clone with expansion card. The nice thing with this stuff is it really isn't overpriced as these things go (in fact, it's underpriced in comparison) and you get to experiment with newer versions of the same classic stuff. There's nothing quite like operating these kit computers in a way that the original systems were. It's both fun and educational, and it's all but impossible to acquire a real Apple I for these purposes and hit or miss with the KIM-1.
By the time I get these, I should be done with the book. I want to write a major feature on both the micro-KIM and Replica-1 and relate them to the KIM-1 and Apple I they were built to replicate. The KIM-1 was of course what the Commodore PET was based off of and the Apple I was what gave rise to the Apple II. It's really fascinating stuff.
It would have been nice for me to get the kit versions of both of those and build them myself, but I never got around to training myself in good soldering techniques (someday - I have the stuff for training). Considering I can't guarantee sufficient free time, I'd rather get them pre-built so I can get right into the tinkering (and not mess them up and have expensive paper weights).
I look forward to the release of the cassette interface for the Replica-1. I probably won't get the compact flash adapter, as it's probably overkill for my needs (though I do have the Apple II compact flash adapter). I also look forward to Briel possibly releasing the Altair front panel replica for a reasonable price. I love the idea of tinkering with a switch-based computer and not having to spend thousands to get an original (or full replica), which I could probably never afford (justify).
By the way, Mark, wasn't there that relatively recent release of that MSX reimplementation? The only downside to it seemed to be the extremely high price and some operational quirks (and yeah, I guess it was only the architecture - not a full computer with keyboard, etc.). In any case, I think it's easier just to acquire the original hardware in the case of the MSX, Spectrum, Amiga and Amstrad, especially considering that there are usually very reliable methods for transferring images back and forth between those and modern computers. In the case of what people like Briel do, I think they target the far less available and practical to acquire.
======================================
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
(A PC Magazine Top 100 Website)
======================================
***************************
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.