Recreating the era of 8-bit computer

[redbox]

News article from the BBC:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13201254


(not sure if the video works outside of the UK?)

[Gryzor]

Huh, very interesting article to read on BBC!

The vid starts loading but doesn't play for me...

[Shredder11]

Video works fine for me but I am in the UK.

[Bryce]

The Video works fine here in Germany, but why on earth are they wearing safety glasses while looking at components? Are they afraid a resistor might jump off the table and poke them in the eye?

Regarding his 8-bit computer, nice idea, but a very simple/basic design. The video output is crap and it badly needs a real keyboard. Maybe he should add these to his wish list for version 2.

Bryce.

[redbox]

why on earth are they wearing safety glasses while looking at components?

It's that sort of cavalier attitude that gets you zapped by a buzzbar 


Yeah, a keyboard and better output would have been pretty easy to implement and the result much more impressive.

[EgoTrip]

why on earth are they wearing safety glasses while looking at components? Are they afraid a resistor might jump off the table and poke them in the eye?

Thats the british nanny state for you.

[Gryzor]

...because then there's this:

[Bryce]

Safety glasses aren't going to help you very much if that hits you

Bryce.

[AMSDOS]

I cannot even see where the Video is supposed to be, though knowing it's the BBC they just don't want any Aussies to have any fun!

Interesting to know that building an 8bitter these days is harder than back in the 80s! (Not good if your Amstrad decides it's time to retire though!  )

[Bryce]

I think the "building an 8bitter these days is harder than back in the 80s" comment is a bit over the top. Yes, ICs are slowly moving from DIP to surface mount, but many of the old ICs are still available and even newer ICs are still being released in DIP formats. Almost all TTL Logic ICs are still being produced. You may encounter issues if you're looking for original disc controller ICs and memory ICs, but alternatives are available.
As far as his argument about hobbiests not being able to solder small pitch surface mount devices.... He needs to practice more

Bryce.

[AMSDOS]

Seems to make more sense, since here in Australia Electronics stores are still open for hobbyists to come and build electronic projects.
In that case it would make that BBC story seem like they were paying some "butter fingers" to report on the state of 8bit computers,  alert potential 8bit owners that their Microcomputing days are coming to an end, and that it were time to move forward!    Though just maybe the BBC haven't got an Electronics store on their corner block anymore and have pushed the panic button. 

[Bryce]

Or as usual, the BBC haven't a f*@kin clue.

Bryce.

[MacDeath]

Weren't BBC Micro 8 bit computers ***ty piece of crap with abysmail commercial failure ?




Yet could win some benchmarks broadcasted by BBC channel... against... Amstrad and Sinclair ?

[MaV]

Yet could win some benchmarks broadcasted by BBC channel... against... Amstrad and Sinclair ?

You underestimate the power of the Dark Side.