FPGA Amiga

[Iggy]

Um, it's more like "nobody sang better than me since Elvis was still alive, no?

No, its still "I sing better than Elvis", but its also "...ever".

And that's a risky statement.

Certainly, Vampire has some advantages over other FPGA platforms.
My biggest problem with most of the competition is that it offers me little over the Altera DE1 I already own (which can run a Minimig core).

But there are a few areas where I'd rather have a legacy '040 or '060 system.

[Iggy]

Well vampire isn't performing better than everyone else ...ever

Exactly. But that can change/evolve.

I personally like the ultimate 64, mega 65 & spectrum next more. Those dev boards are ok, but there is something about having a computer in a case with a keyboard.

Not an issue for me.
In fact, everything I've ever had with a case has rarely been closed up for long (I'm always tinkering).
I rather like the exposed hardware.

Unfortunately that is a software issue caused by the person controlling the software. Unless you mean a real 040/060 silicon, which would probably end up more expensive.

Obviously the vampire hardware has benefits & the v4 is going to be even better. Time to take another mortgage out....

Yep, unfortunate, BUT Gunnar's not completely impossible to deal with.
He's no more eccentric than any other Amigan (slim praise I know).

But right now, with good X64 emulation, I'm not sure I need a mid-point between my current FPGA hardware and something more powerful I already own.

Anyway, no way to predict the future, but I sure things will sort themselves out.

[Iggy]

It is a great toy for those that have an emotional attachment to their old original Amiga hardware and want a cool expansion for it. But it doesnt have any chance to compete anywhere else. Even an arm sbc can outperform it, and be much cheaper and versatile (eg:rasperry pi3).

Still a nice hack for Amigas, but unfortunately, nothing more than that.

As to cost, I'd still love to see my Quad G5 supported by a PPC NG OS.
The G5's PowerMacs are cheap right now.
And, compared to all other PPC systems I've used, this has enough power (particularly when its using an OS that supports SMP) that I don't feel disadvantaged when I switch between it and my i7 laptop.

As to  legacy, I'm still not sure I'm comfortable with using parts that aren't original or retro.
After all, even with a fast FPGA installed, a legacy Amiga is still a boat anchor compared to modern hardware.

I CAN see the 'its fun' argument, but I'm not sure I want to throw too much money at this.