Note: This may be freely distributed to whomever you wish, but MAY NOT be altered. The Macintosh 128K vs. A Brick By Alex Reed I have noticed that there has been a lot of talk recently about the uses (or the lack thereof) of the Mac 128K. I have decided to put forth a simple comparison: The Macintosh 128K versus a standard brick. In posing such an important contrast, one must look at the criteria. How fast is it? How portable is it? How attractive? Do you need a disk with a system and finder to start it up? How much does it cost? Is it user-friendly? The first test I conducted was to find how fast it is. I attempted to turn on the Mac, but the switch had fallen off; likewise with the brick. As an alternative speed experiment, I set up a radar gun to see which one I could throw faster. Because of its relatively small size, I was able to throw the brick was faster by almost ten miles per hour. To back up my findings, I simulated a wind tunnel on both. Once again the brickÕs aerodynamic shape and low center of gravity triumphed over the Macintosh's oafish one. For my next comparison, I tested each objectÕs portability. I observed this in two ways. First, on Monday I carried a brick around with me all day. I found that at times it did become inconvenient, but that was nothing compared to Tuesday. On Tuesday, I got some really bizarre looks from various people, because it's not every day that one sees another lugging around a computer from the Dark Ages. No one would sit with me during lunch, and my arms became so tired from carrying it that by the end of the day I could barely write. My second test was a simple poll. I journeyed down to the nearest airport, and as people were getting off their planes, I showed them the Mac and the brick. At this point, I asked them which they would rather carry around in their suitcase. The results were unanimously in favor of the brick. The third criterion of my testing was based on apparent attractiveness. When it first was released to the public in 1984, the 128K was offered in a repulsive brownish-tan; and after being around for eight and a half years, it was a little dirty. Once again, I attempted a survey. My study was conducted at the Northeastern School of Bricklaying. The results were in support of the brick. Eighty-six percent preferred it, eleven percent liked the Macintosh, and three percent were undecided. The Macintosh 128K requires a startup disk with no more than System 2.2. If you are (un)lucky enough to find a copy of System 2.2, try fitting that and a finder and whatever software you intend to use on a 400K disk. Not so easy, huh? To use a brick, there is really no reason to have a startup disk, unless it's got System 2.2 on it, in which case you could use the brick to smash that disk. So if you don't have a startup disk with a pitiful system, (and hopefully you donÕt), the brick is the logical choice for you. Also: as a side note, the Macintosh 128K comes with a black and white monochrome monitor, and no plug to attach a color monitor to. However, the brick is colorful in itself. Most bricks are available in a very attractive red -- not too dull, not too bright. So if youÕre looking for color, the brick is a step up from the 128K. For my next test, I made a simple tour of shops in the general vicinity, and asked around about the prices of bricks. The general consensus was in the range of a few cents per brick. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a place that sold 128KÕs. I asked a dealer how much a used one would run for, and she replied, ŌBallpark figure would be about thirty, thirty-five.Ķ So I conclude that the brick is the logical choice for one without a thick wallet. Which of the two is easier to use? I sat down at the brick one day, and after contemplating it for a while, I concluded that there really isn't anything that hard to figure out about it. The most mechanically declined people could use it. I then moved my chair over to the next desk, upon which sat the Macintosh. With a pair of needle-nosed pliers, I turned it on, and that annoying face on the screen frowned at me. At this point, I remembered that one must have a startup disk to get the 128K going. After searching through all my disks, I finally found one that had System 7 and a finder. ŌThis computer does not have enough memory to run System 7.Ķ So I actually couldn't even get to the desktop, which classifies it as being about as non-user-friendly as possible. After comparing the two rivals, I have decided that if you're looking for the more attractive, user-friendly, and less expensive device for yourself or anyone else, the obvious choice is a brick. Disclaimer: Some of the events mentioned in the above havenÕt necessarily ever happened. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------LX
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