[comp.sys.apple] Computer hardware bigots

kai@uicsrd.csrd.uiuc.edu (09/13/87)

> MCL9337%TAMSTAR.BITNET@wiscvm.wisc.EDU writes:
>
> ... As far as I'm concerned, I would never buy an Apple
> compatible. There are so many things that can go wrong.  Sure it's more
> expensive to buy from Apple, but there are so many fewer compatibility
> problems you will run into down the line.  ...  I will never have to
> do without something "because it won't work with my card" or something
> like that.  Anyway... buy a new computer!

> Joe Walters (ihnp4!ihesa!bird) writes:
>
> Okay, keep your bastard Apple, however, don't ask for help from
> those that have the real thing. Ask the folks that gave birth to
> your version.

The purpose of my messages was to pass along potentially useful information to
other people considering the same purchase.  None of the problems I have
experienced with the RamFactor are specific to the Franklin Ace.  If you own
an Apple II, II+, or un-enhanced Apple IIe and purchase a RamFactor card, you
will have the exact same booting problems, except fewer people will blame the
problem on the brand of your computer.  If you own ANY Apple II computer with
a PCPI CP/M card, you will have to purchase additional software to make it
work with the RamFactor.  Isn't information exchange the PRIMARY reason for
netnews?

In fact, the problems I complained about were NOT with compatibility, but with
the advertisment, which leads you to believe that ANY Apple II or compatible
computer can cold boot from a RamFactor card equipped with a RamCharger
battery backup unit, not just enhanced IIe's or IIgs's, and that ANY CP/M card
will work with RamFactor without required additional purchases.  I can
understand why Applied Engineering was careful not to specifically mention
these facts in their ads.  They are in business to make money, and when that
is your goal, you don't advertise the things your product doesn't do.

It surprises me that some Apple computer owners are so strongly offended when
they read about my choice of computer.  It's as though I am taking food out of
their mouths, or calling their mother a dirty name, just because I decided
that the extra $1000 savings over a comparable Apple II+ made the Franklin Ace
a better choice.  After all, I bought it for ME, not for you, so why are YOU
complaining about what hardware I use?  I don't object to opinions, especially
those with reasonable explanations, but fanaticism was totally unexpected.

Patrick Wolfe

pwolfe@kai.com		...!{uunet,ihnp4}!uiucuxc!kailand!pwolfe
The opinions expressed above are my own, NOT my employer's.

combs@reed.UUCP (09/22/87)

If anyone is interested....
I do know where to get some //e clones that actually do work
They are non-licenced clones using genuine apple roms.  They run $425 for
a bare CPU with a disk controller card.  A genuinely good deal.
It will run all the hardware/software I have including: SSC, Versacard
Applecat, Sider Harddisk, AE Timemaster HO, Ramworks.