That is a great thing in the sense that many of the less popular systems encapsulate ideas that are mostly forgotten, presents a more balanced view of the early personal computer industry, and represents a greater cross section of society.
On the other hand, we are also dealing with limited resources so we have to pick our battles. It seems as though society views Apple, IBM, and Microsoft as the creators of the computer industry. At best, that is a partial truth. In a sense, this perhaps disproportionate interest in Commodore offers an opportunity to demonstrate that these nearly forgotten companies played a significant role in the development of computers rather than being simple failures.
If we go beyond that handful of companies, there are other factors that we should consider. The computer industry is usually painted in very American terms. It's understandable. American firms were, by in large, the winners. At the same time it neglects what was happening in Europe, the eastern bloc, and Asia. While those regions receive some attention, Africa, Australia, and South America seem to be nearly ignored.
Pretty interesting thread you two. The history of computers is fascinating.
The thing with my own interest is this: I owned a C64 when I was a kid. I had a friend with a Spectrum. A friend of my dad (a grown up) had a C128. That's it. I can't feel nostalgic about computers I never saw as a kid. For example, I never knew anyone who owned an Amiga, so -- fabulous as that machine is reported to have been -- it means nothing to me.
... Though the relatively recent post here on HN about someone who picked up an Apple II from the trash and repaired it did get my some weird nostalgic vibes. Is there a word for nostalgia of something you never experienced? ;)
On the other hand, we are also dealing with limited resources so we have to pick our battles. It seems as though society views Apple, IBM, and Microsoft as the creators of the computer industry. At best, that is a partial truth. In a sense, this perhaps disproportionate interest in Commodore offers an opportunity to demonstrate that these nearly forgotten companies played a significant role in the development of computers rather than being simple failures.
If we go beyond that handful of companies, there are other factors that we should consider. The computer industry is usually painted in very American terms. It's understandable. American firms were, by in large, the winners. At the same time it neglects what was happening in Europe, the eastern bloc, and Asia. While those regions receive some attention, Africa, Australia, and South America seem to be nearly ignored.