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From: jb10320@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (Desdinova)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: 6502 *IS* RISC (was Re: RISC Machines)
Summary: Actual quotes from dependable source about Apple ][ future
Keywords: RISC, I hate Apple Marketing
Message-ID: <1990Sep27.025444.11199@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>
Date: 27 Sep 90 02:54:44 GMT
References: <8139.apple.net@pro-angmar> <1990Sep26.194057.371@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu>
Sender: news@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (News)
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Lines: 67

In article <1990Sep26.194057.371@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu> you write:
>In article <8139.apple.net@pro-angmar> m.tiernan@pro-angmar.UUCP (Michael Tiernan) writes:
>>In-Reply-To: message from herwin@pro-novapple.cts.com
>>
[doubts about new RISC from Apple]
>>                                             - Phil Ochs
>
>  Except the 6502 isn't a RISC chip.  Why?  well:
>
>  1.  RISC machines execute an instruction per cycle.  the 6502 doesn't

  No, but it pipelines- which is why it kicks a '286s butt (at appropriate MHz)

>  2.  RISC machines have a large number of general purpose registers. the
>      6502 doesn't.

  Uh, actually the 6502 has 256 of them.  They're called "Zero Page Addressing"
  Access to and from zero page is two cycles- same as an A,X, or Y access.
  So, the 6502 actually is a RISC processor- quite ahead of its time, and
  able to stand on its own against competition- IF Apple would market it.

>  I heard rumors that Apple was working on an 88000 based box that would run
>  mac stuff.  But then again, I just HEARD this  :)

    This isn't a rumor.  I accept this as fact.  Apple bought their Cray to
design that system.  My interviewer said everything BUT "88000 box to
run Mac software" (i.e., he tried to be vague, but I could read what he was
trying to hide).  Note that the 88000 will work on its own, but will have
the capability to run Mac stuff so Mac users are complacent about their
machine's death when it comes in two years.

>
>       Collin Douglas
>
>       cbdougla@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu
>
>  I wish I would 'hear' something about the GS.  Even a rumor is better than
>  nothing.

Oh.  Okay.  Apple will stop selling the Apple ][.  They'll keep supporting
it however.  They ARE coming out with a //e emulator for the new low-end
color mac.  They're still deciding what kind of color hardware to put on it
"so the // users will feel comfortable" (quoted from a University end
student price deal guy, NOT an official Apple Rep, but who works daily with
an official Apple Rep).
Apple will try to "wean // users to the Macintosh line" (quote from the guy
in charge of Apple <somewhere in Europe- see clari.apple....>) by offering
this emulator card for a "<$1000 machine" (quote from University rep again).

Frankly, I'm pissed that Apple is trying to screw me out of $3000 MORE than
I've already invested in my Apple //.  Why couldn't they have the sense to
produce a low cost GS/Mac combo machine (the famed "golden gate").  
It wouldn't take heck of a lot of effort to do something like this.  
There's been a 68000 card for Apple //s for many years now, I've used it
and it works.  I believe in the possibility of the Duet card, and think
that's the way to go for GS users who absolutely must have a Mac.  What I
don't understand is why Apple didn't do it first.

I truly hope I've spoiled Apple's plan to "Surprise" the // world into
buying macinsloshes. I hate marketing people.

--
Jawaid Bazyar               | Blondes in big black cars look better wearing
Senior/Computer Engineering | their dark sunglasses at night. (unk. wierdo)
jb10320@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu    |      The gin, the gin, glows in the Dark!
                            |                             (B O'Cult)
   Apple II Forever!  Apple II Infinitum!  Give me Woz or Give me Amiga!