[Coco] Retro computing and what's worth it...

[Michael Robinson]

Okay, a coco is a dead computer architecture that won't compete at all
with what's currently available.  Why is the coco interesting to me?
Well, my nephew is interested in it as a low power computer that is
fairly easy to program.  Now then, does he have to get used to disk
drives just because he wants to use a COCO 3?  I'd rather not bother 
with that.  If retro computing means that you have to use the old
methods of accessing data, then I suppose someone should have
a punch card machine.  Practically speaking, there are different
levels of retro computing and different goals.  For example, adding
memory to a COCO 3 doesn't change it significantly.  Getting away from
disk drives without going to tape is a major change, but not so major
depending on how done.  A virtual disk drive and an original disk
controller combination can potentially relieve the need to work with
floppy disks without losing the functionality of floppy disks.  Right
now, the SVD II may not be out and I don't know what it costs.  Now
then, the drivewire solution breaks down when and if I need the serial
port or a program breaks the disk access rules.  In my case, the
way my COCO 3 has been being used, drivewire has been an inexpensive 
and effective solution.

I have a working drivewire image of Cloud 9's 512k test program for
example.  I've seen countless COCO 2 games played on my COCO 3
via drivewire.

I decided to get a Playstation II hoping to put Linux on it so my
nephew can C program and play more modern games.  Well, how do I
get a Playstation II compatible Linux system without paying a 
mint?  Someone on the Linux list has suggested that I need a $60
mod chip, but how will that affect the Playstation when it comes
to supporting video games? I know, this is off topic for a coco
list ;-)