[Coco] KIDS REACT TO OLD COMPUTERS

[Aaron Wolfe]

For those who enjoy computing as an end in itself (myself included), I
can see how today's PCs are less interesting, and I see how that could
be aligned with the phrase "dumbed down" in some ways.  I wouldn't
attribute it entirely to a single brand, although I do understand why
some might interpret a particular company's products and marketing
approach as being "pro simple" aka "anti-interesting".

I doubt the goal of any computer manufacturer is actually to make
their computers less interesting to hack on.  It's just a side effect
of some strategies used in attempts to make them easier to sell to the
approximately 3 bazillion times more people who don't enjoy computing
for computing's sake and just want the end results.

Even with the mass market PCs and mobile devices generally moving away
from interesting, I don't think there has ever been a better time to
be someone who just loves computing.  Today you have most of the
entire history of home computing available at a fraction of it's
original cost.  You can put together a working coco, trs-80, apple,
c64, ti99, sinclair, etc for relatively cheap, or move forward to the
amigas, ataris, early pcs, etc.  Plus we have emulators for nearly
everything, even the systems too rare to find cheap.  Then we have new
stuff... tiny computers like the Pi and the aurdino and propeller..
new "old" platforms like nv8em.. What's not to like?  Let the masses
have their boring PCs and smartphones, don't hold a grudge :)

-Aaron





On Thu, May 29, 2014 at 4:11 PM, Bill Loguidice <bill at armchairarcade.com> wrote:
> Here's my take on that video: http://www.armchairarcade.com/neo/node/5702 and
> I'm not particularly kind about it. It amazes me that darn thing has gained
> so much traction and that this same conversation is taking place on so many
> other forums and mailing lists I frequent. What's funny is that while there
> was a snide remark on this list about Macintosh computers, on the TI-99/4a
> list there was the same snide remark about Windows computers (the first
> time I heard such a thing in that regard) and how GUIs have ruined "real"
> computing.
>
> In any case, my thinking is technology should never be an obstacle to
> accomplishing things. Frankly, if anyone of any age wants to learn how to
> program or get into hardware hacking, or any number of other things, there
> are a virtual infinity of resources out there, much of which is low cost or
> even free. Just because we were forced to do lots of things manually or
> learn things on our own in the past doesn't mean that's a better way of
> doing it or that it would create more people who knew their way around a
> computer. The world we have today is accessible to far more people, with
> far fewer barriers. All that's needed is the motivation to pursue them.
>
> What's kind of ironic about the Macintosh and Windows comments is that many
> other people who have an issue with the way things are today point to
> smartphones and tablets as the "issue." To my mind, technology has merely
> advanced in a logical manner. The opportunities have similarly improved.
> While we have a certain nostalgia for vintage computers and related
> technology, it doesn't mean we had it better. It was just different.
>
> Oh, and on that TI list I said that some of the commenters were sounding a
> bit "curmudgeonly," (the whole "kids today" thing) and I was immediately
> warned that those kinds of personal attacks were not appreciated, which I
> found amusing. I'm not sure if anyone has heard a real personal attack from
> me.
>
> -Bill
>
> ===================================================
>  Bill Loguidice, Managing Director; Armchair Arcade, Inc.
> <http://www.armchairarcade.com>
> ===================================================
> Authored Books
> <http://www.amazon.com/Bill-Loguidice/e/B001U7W3YS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_1> and
> Film <http://www.armchairarcade.com/film>; About me and other ways to get
> in touch <http://about.me/billloguidice>
> ===================================================
>
>
> On Thu, May 29, 2014 at 3:52 PM, Nick Marentes <nickma2 at optusnet.com.au>
> wrote:
>
>> On 30/05/2014 5:47 AM, tonym wrote:
>>
>>> I believe in the dumbing-down; however, I apply that to the MacOS era,
>>> pre-OS X.
>>>
>>> Apple even claimed it themselves, remember the "computer for everyone"
>>> ads and the ads about how simple they were to use?
>>> We're going back to '84-86...
>>>
>>> However, I don't really think it applies in the OS X era.
>>>
>>> Of course, that doesn't mean I can't take a freebie shot at my wife about
>>> her using a "simpleton computer." :)
>>>
>>> Tony
>>> tonym at compusource.net
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> I think the problem is the term "dumbing down" that comes across as
>> offensive to people who use a Mac.
>>
>> Back in the early days, Mac was better designed from a UI point than
>> anything else.
>>
>> These other OS's have, over the years also become more "dumbed down" to
>> become better with their UI.
>>
>> Maybe we're living in the era of dumb computers?
>>
>> (Now THAT was a joke!)   :)
>>
>> Nick
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>
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