Two New Full Systems Based on Sam440ep-Flex

[danbeaver]

As I see it, anybody who uses a Wintel or Mac computer to just check their email, surf the web, or anything else that could be done using their cell phone is using a hobby OS on a hobby computer. Most "desktop computer" are not being used for real productivity beyond what a Smart Phone can do and hence are no more than needed than the OS they use.

[danbeaver]

Yes, you are right; the term "hobby" has many definitions.  Wikipedia says, "a regular activity or interest that is undertaken for pleasure, typically done during one's leisure time."

I'm not sure if that counts me "in" or "out" since I still use my Amy for DTP and graphics processing.  My Amy is used for leisure, but the definition doesn't qualify a system as a "hobby" just because the original company is defunct; in fact a particular activity may at one time be "productive" with monetary compensation and in another moment be "recreational."  

My general point is that, "If you use it, enjoy it, support it, and "nurture" it, then whether or not it falls into the class of a 'hobby' or not, it is valuable in your life."  No one can comment on the significance of said activity to you, only on the significance to themselves.

[danbeaver]

What I'm saying is that the term "hobby" and "hobbyist" apply only if YOU want them to apply; in general terms, anything we do that does not involve monetary gain can NOT simply be called a hobby.  And, of course, anyone using a certain item (technological or not), is not a hobbyist just because that object is not productive, i.e., a computer that one uses for something (emailing, surfing [which I personally spell Cerfing, after Vint Cerf], solitaire, et cetera) that can easily be done on their cell phone.  That person does not maintain said computer as a hobby.

In my opinion, the Amiga in NG form or not and AmigaOS 4.1 are no more a "hobby" than owning or driving a car.  If YOU want it to be YOUR "hobby," then only you have that right to label it such; others cannot make a blanket statement about the usefulness of any item (or OS) just because it does not meet their definition; it only has to meet your own definition.

[danbeaver]

Can you show us exactly what years did Hyperion add to the Amiga user base and by how much?  Showing nothing but a decline and the only hopes to increase the number of Amiga users is based on expensive hardware in a worsening world economy is check-mate IMO.  I have my doubts if there wasn't a embedded customer for the SAM boards if ACube would have ever produced anything for the Amiga past the first batch.  Hobby is one thing, but even a hobby there is a point of no return when no one will make hardware available for the hobby.

No one says, "It's over" until we say its over. "Was it over when the German's bombed Pearl Harbor?"