Star The Return Of The 8 Bits?
Linked by killermike on Wed 18th Apr 2007 10:07 UTC
Hardware, Embedded Systems In this article, I'm going to explore the idea that the 8 bit home computer not only had a great deal to offer the prehistoric early-humans of 1985 but that it may also have a place in the modern world; perhaps, there is something that we can learn from it. Having identified the laudable, worthwhile elements of this class of machine, I'm going to make some suggestions towards a scheme that would embody these characteristics in the form of a machine that would have a place within the modern world.
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RE: hmm.. 8 bit computers..
by brewmastre on Wed 18th Apr 2007 12:23 UTC in reply to "hmm.. 8 bit computers.."
brewmastre
Member since:
2006-08-01

Let's see what's available at the moment:

there's the OneChip MSX: http://www.bazix.nl/onechipmsx.html

essentially an MSX computer, but with OS hardware, using VHDL to implement most stuff. Still 100% MSX compatible in its basic form. But with VHDL this could turn into a superMSX (or any other machine that is developed in VHDL of course)

Then the OS.. hangon, there's something brewing in the 8bit world as well. and it's called "SymbOS": http://symbos.de/

A very nice window like environment.

And oh, wait.. yes, you CAN play MP3s already. oh wait, internet is also possible, there's only a lack of a good browser. And other stuff as well.

You may be surprised how far people have come, with just 8 bits. The saying is still true: Big fast computers breed lazy fat programmers. 8 bit rules :-)Edited 2007-04-18 12:01


Your bring some very good points to the table. Next time let's try it without the sarcasm ;)

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RE[2]: hmm.. 8 bit computers..
by marcof on Wed 18th Apr 2007 13:33 in reply to "RE: hmm.. 8 bit computers.."
marcof Member since:
2005-08-02

I wasn't actually being sarcastic on purpose. Now I read my own post, and see it can be read like that indeed. Not intended. The "oh wait" was more an exclamation on "look, this is possible as well... hangon, look a bit deeper.. that too" etc etc ;)

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RE[2]: hmm.. 8 bit computers..
by CowMan on Sat 21st Apr 2007 22:41 in reply to "RE: hmm.. 8 bit computers.."
CowMan Member since:
2006-09-26

hmm. On so little pixels, they really should not have tried to emulate the Win9x+ style GUI. Perhaps more familurarity than anything, I way prefer the more appropriate interfaces of Epoc-based systems or the PILI/etc. OS that the Sharp ZR-3000/5700/etc. ran. Windowing is mostly futile, sufficient cut-paste support basically eliminates the need on such cramped space.

Reply Parent Bookmark Score: 1