[Coco] COCO CASE GROUP

[Bill Loguidice]

I see the Spectrum Next, and, potentially, the Mega 65, as the current gold
standards of how to do a mass market style FPGA computer system. The
equivalent on the console side is Analogue's Super Nt. For my money, these
are far superior to more DIY and less refined options like MiST. And then
there are the in-between solutions like the Zemmix FPGA MSX. While there
are also less expensive non-FPGA options out there, like THE 64 and
what-not, that use standard low cost microprocessors and software
emulation, these are generally less interesting outside of their fancy
cases, although on a superficial level offer the same type of basic
functionality.

Of course I sound like a broken record with this, but economy of scale is
the enemy when it comes to the CoCo. Although I've been following along on
a high level, I'm not familiar enough with the DE-1 option to say with
confidence if that can ever be turned into more of a plug and play solution
(and I think it's missing things like HDMI and the ability to have a
cartridge port, etc., right?). Based on what I've seen, I don't think so.
But perhaps that might be the best way to focus energies on a case/keyboard
solution (and perhaps bridging some of the deficiencies in replicating and
surpassing what can be done with an actual CoCo 3). I don't know. Either
way, it's a good discussion to have.

========================================================
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, Mar 1, 2018 at 8:28 AM, Francis Swygert <farna at att.net> wrote:

> The Spectrum Next is the CoCo equivalent of a "CoCo4". An FPGA board
> Spectrum with enhancements yet compatible with the original software and
> hardware. They just made a custom board rather than use an existing
> development board.
>
> I don't really see a need for a new CoCo case. If you make a case for the
> DE-1 board... well, there are cases out there. When you start making a case
> that also has cartridge slots you get into a big case. Many of us have
> repackaged CoCos and MPIs into large PC cases. Not a trivial task, but
> doable. I even packed one in an old Kaypro portable case for CoCoFests.
> Something along the lines of the Mac Mini without the keyboard in the case
> is the easiest way to go.  Frank Swygert
>  Fix-It-Frank Handyman Service
>  803-604-6548
>
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