We note continued SSD price drops, including Intel’s new sub-$90 60GB model. We share some Apple II experiences in honor of the “computer for the masses’” 30th anniversary. We discuss the pseudo-open-source release of the original Apple II Prince of Persia game source code along with documentation — plus the widespread adoption of older game tech to get new game ideas to market. We review the recently-released Windows 8 product lineup. And we take a look at what might just be the best iPad keyboard/case on the market.
As a teen I had a Franklin ACE 1200 (clone of an Apple II Plus). It can be seen here… http://oldcomputers.net/ace1000.html . It had the weirdest/funniest manual… apparently I wasn’t the only one to think so… http://www.ironicsans.com/2010/02/they_dont_make_computer_manual.html
I got that computer back in the earlier 90’s. I received it second hand from a friend who’s family bought a new Power Mac. I used it (Dot Matrix Printer and all) until about 1998 when I bought a new Packard-Bell. I really learned a lot about the basics of using a computer by just messing around on that Franklin. I even tried writing some Basic code, but I found it a bit too over my head.
I can’t remember if the one I had had a modem, but I loved the story you told about auto-dialing your music teacher.