[Coco] What would a CoCo successor have to have as a minimum?

[Steve Batson]

I do understand the need to occasionally drop some compatibility to move 
ahead, but I still think that if you drop too much for  the CoCo, you don't 
have a CoCo any more (which a lot of people complain about it not feeling 
like a CoCo anymore if you do such and such ). You just have a new system 
that's like it with no software. This is one of the reasons I'm a big fan 
of the Emulation method. You can have full compatiblity with all previous 
systems even if you have to have a special mode for some of them, but you 
can move forward too.

How about a Hardware / Software Emulator Hibrid? That would allow a more 
poweful system to be designed with new parts and much faster speeds. Then 
maybe the new CoCo OS with built in emulation for the older systems. Maybe 
even make it automatic so the system detects what is being run and adjusts 
accordingly to run the software.

  

----------------------------------------

From: "Frank Swygert" <farna at att.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2010 12:01 PM
To: coco at maltedmedia.com
Subject: Re: [Coco] What would a CoCo successor have to have as a minimum? 


The reason for dropping CoCo1/2 compatibility would be to free up some 
ROM memory (possibly...) and video space -- no support for 
semi-graphics. The only programs that people run from the CC1/2 days are 
old games, and those are few and far between. The main reason, however, 
is just to free some code space and programming time. Anything useful on 
the CoCo needs an 80 column display. I know we got along fine without 
one, but the point is to make an upgraded yet partially compatible, easy 
to program system.

The emulation idea does just what you state -- uses a PC motherboard 
with minimal OS, preferably integrated into the emulator as much as 
possible so it boots quickly and cleanly as possible. For I/O 
interfacing either reprogram the LPT port as an I/O port (not hard) or 
add a card or USB dongle with some type of I/O interface (not 
necessarily a CoCo expansion port, but could be).

---------------
Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 05:49:02 -0800
From: "Steve Batson" 

Just wanted to add my 2 cents. Some seem to be willing to leave 
compatibility behind or drop it at the CoCo 3 level. Does that really 
make sense? If you drop compatibility, there goes a huge sofware base 
which means you have this new computer with limited stuff to run on it 
and it will not be that appealing to nearly as many.

How about building a CoCo 4 board or device that plugs into a PC and 
leaverage all the PC Hardware somehow. Might require some type of basic 
OS or Loader to make it work.

-- 

Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars"
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://www.amc-mag.com
(free download available!)

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