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Second Revision of 6502 Laptop

115 points by uticus

by pdimitar

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I was writing algorithms to find prime numbers on a 6502 some 31-32 years ago and I hold dear memories.
There have been multiple initiatives to remake a 6502-based computer. My today's self does not appreciate the 8-bit limitations however; artificial and not limiting in the way that sparks creativity. I'd much rather work with a 32-bit micro PC (I believe they're called micro-controllers?) and be able to address more memory and then try to minimize its use, rather than being stuck at 8/16-bit addressing forever.
But every time I see a 6502 post, I get a tinge of longing. :)

by bullen

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by mghackerlady

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by moring

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This may sound absurd, but it was a mental breakthrough for me to realize that all these "what-ifs" (multicore 6502 computers or whatever) are really simple to simulate in software only, with a bespoke simulator, WAY above register transfer level. There is really no need to deal with the peculiarities of FPGAs or Verilog; just write an instruction-level simulator for the ISA you choose (that's really simple for the 6502), make it run several instances for multicore architectures, and there you go for your custom computer.
I mean this as a hint for people who are similarly stuck with RTL tinkering when they actually want to tinker with system architecture.

by artemonster

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Imagine in steampunk fashion wed get an alternative future timeline where computer tech froze in 80s due to some physical limitation that prohibited shrinking transistors. all typical laptops would have same config as this awesome project. what would the society become?

by ksimukka

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by xinayder

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