It's been a long time

[fishy_fiz]

If you don't want to spend much then AROS might be your best option. Its free/open source and will run nicely on even an old dumped PC. Or alternatively an 'el cheapo new PC. For just a few hundred dollars you can pick up a system 10 times as powerful as the 10x more expensive x5000. Cinnamon Writer is available as are PDF viewers. Additionally it has the best browser for Amiga-oid systems which will give you access to the world of online apps (based on WebKit).

Second to that a Raspberry Pi, as you mentioned, has a few Amiga based distros. I have an rpi3 running Amibian and it does a good job of pretending to be an Amiga.

MorphOS, as mentioned is also somewhat affordable and will run on old ppc Macs.

While my personal preference is AROS, by the sounds of things an RPI and Amibian might be the option for you. AROS and MorphOS are very AmigaOS like, but Amibian can run any version of AmigaOS from 1.x through 3.x and is compatible with all Amiga software, and emulates all types of classic Amiga hardware.

There's versions of UAE for AROS and MorphOS, but Amibian does a nice job of hiding the fact its using an emulator.

In regards to word processing I'd recommend something like Final Writer or Wordsworth over WP4.1.

As for PDF viewers for classic Amigas, yes there's APDF, but it uses mui, ergo OS3.x is required. PDF files have higher requirements than a basic Amiga can handle as well.

[SACC-guy]

Spend the money and get a NEW X5000. (with usb, ethernet, sata)

No bad caps, no shot power supplies, 20 to 30 year old problems!!!

[scuzzb494]

Thanks for all of the info, I know have a lot of reading to do before I jump in. Budget is of course important, but I am setting aside money for the buy in. That of course assumes I can buy in.

If I do this, I will be all retro Amiga. I love the newer machines, but the cost is just far too high. I can get a new iMac for around the same price and I am not looking to spend a lot of money. Certainly not that much anyway.

So I have been reading, and reading, and reading. Then I read some more. I think I have settled on Word Perfect 4.1 for the software needs. I can save in WP format, then use Libre Office on my Mac to change the document format for submission requirements. Or I could use this site: http://www.zamzar.com/convert/wpd-to-doc/ (Not really sure how well it works as I have never used it)

For printing, I have decided that the few times I do need to print I will transfer the document to my Mac then print from there. Assuming of course I can open the file correctly.

Since I am looking to setup a writing station, I don't need a lot, but would like a machine with a HD (or a flash drive as this seems to be a popular mod, and floppies go bad). I would really like a full keyboard, so I am thinking A500, A2000, A3000 or A1200. Though I think the A1200 may be a bit hard to find in good shape.

I need a recommendation for a machine, a classic machine. As in, I am not sure about the difference in the WorkBench version numbers. I had an A1000, then an A500 so I am not familiar with anything beyond that. WB 2.1 (I think) was the last one I worked with. WB 2 seems to be widely supported, WB3 I am not so sure about, and from I can gather, a lot software for WB4 is either stalled, incomplete, or abandonware even if it is more "modern".

Just so you guys get where I am coming from, let me explain my "writing style". I have a room, well, large hallway closet actually, that I do all of my writing work in. When I am "in the zone" I don't want distractions. I just don't. Not even from my wife. Well, unless the house is on fire, maybe ...

I normally use my Mac Laptop that is basically set in airplane mode. No Wifi, Ethernet, or BlueTooth turned on. Which works ... most of the time anyway. Until I need to access a shared folder or something else that is not locally stored on the laptop. I try to plan for everything I think I might need, but there is always that one thing. Anyway, once I connect to the network, I am connected. All of my notifications from twitter and FaceBook start going off, my iMessage lights up like a christmas tree, emails start to come in, it's a mess. I am just OCD enough that work basically stops until all of notifications are cleared out, email cleaned up, etc. I'm crazy I know, but it is just how I am.

I have tried a DOS machine, which was horrible really, but the concept was good. The great thing about the Amiga is it just good enough to get online, or at least the local network, but just "not mac enough" to hammer me with sending me a bunch of notifications. If I could access my local share drive, which it looks like I will be able to, I would be in heaven.

Honestly, I would love to have another A500 (it really was a great little machine for its day). Would that be enough to run Wordperfect? Or even let me tryout some other software packages for writing? Or should I get something with WB3?

Ok, that turned out way longer than I had anticipated. Sorry about that, there is just so much I either don't know or have forgotten.

Can't you just create another profile on your computer that isn't linked to all your accounts that seem to be giving you a headache. Create a writing alias and then create privileges so you can access printers, folders etc. I have more Amigas than probably anyone, seriously, and I love them to death, but to get them to jump through hoops to do what say this Win7 machine can do seems pretty pointless. That is why I sit here writing all my words on a Win7 machine and then go have fun with my Amigas.

Not to put a damper on your desire but I'd keep your laptop as the cheapest option and then get an Amiga 1200 to have some fun and forget trying to get it to jump through hoops. Retro is retro at the end of the day and its hard enough just keeping the kit alive. Others will disagree.

You can get some great free writing packages for the Amiga. Loads appeared on cover disks and they come up on the Bay for pennies. Not sure if WP was ported to the Amiga... probably never noticed it. I use just a text editor for writing, even on this Win7 machine I use Notepad. On the Amiga there was Wordworth but that requires a serial number. I'm sure someone can help on that front. The A500 isn't bad but lacks simple expansion for say an accelerator or hard drive. Easier on a 1200. Don't get me wrong I love my 500s, but by choice I use the 1200. There is also the monitor you have to think of etc so it does start to build. You can scart to a flat screen I guess.

Anyway have fun.

[darkage]

You probably need to decide if you want to go Classic or new hardware direction.

Check system requirements for available software on http://aminet.net

You will need something with a 020 or better. so looking at a1200, a3000, a4000

Probably easiest to get a a1200 but you would want to then purchase a good accelerator.  (this can cost same amount or more than the computer itself but worth it if your a dedicated fan aka nuts (: )

If more serious about performing work, then might be better to look at new generation hardware  X1000 (not yet released budget hardware) or x5000  

You may want to test out AmigaOS under emulation like WinUAE first to get a taste for what you are getting yourself into.  Actually this would be a cheapest option, just setup a machine for emulation.

Theres a few youtube videos around about using Amiga today for work.

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=using+amiga+today&source=lnms&tbm=vid&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwimhvHRyM3TAhWBupQKHfvJCx8Q_AUICigB&biw=1745&bih=828

[fishy_fiz]

Spend the money and get a NEW X5000. (with usb, ethernet, sata)

No bad caps, no shot power supplies, 20 to 30 year old problems!!!

Also about 15 times as much money as he said he wants to spend.

[fishy_fiz]

One other piece of advice, and this may be clear already..... take most advice with a grain of salt.
Take the neutral information and use it for research, but be aware a lot of people will go into "recruitment mode" whenever a new (or returning) person arrives on the scene, disregarding what someone says their interests/needs are and instead trying to sell them on their preference (like the fact you've said a few times that you don't want to spend a lot yet people are still trying to sell you on systems costing thousands of dollars.

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

you don't want to spend a lot yet people are still trying to sell you on systems costing thousands of dollars

Amiga is not a cheap hobby.  Thank the hoarders who've snapped up nearly all of the available remaining systems, thus raising the price for returning folks like yourself.  

[fishy_fiz]

There's affordable options though. Some very expensive ones, but its more than possible to join the frey on a budget.

[SACC-guy]

It's a false eco-money..

The so called hoaders have 20 to 30 machines but got them because they were willing to pay for or store them.

People complain about the cost of new systems but Classic Amigas cost just as much when new. I have my reciepts.

The cost of a used system can cost as much and the parts everyone wants can sell

for much more then when those parts were new (060, ppc, PicassoIV, etc)

Even buying newer working parts like ethernet cards or usb cards, adds expense.

Don't even start me on the monitors and INdivision.


At Amiwest AmigaDave talked me to trying MorphOS, he even gave me a cd. I had an mac g4 that was compatible.

But it wasn't. I had to buy a used Radeon card. Then the power supply died. Don't forget used Macs for MorphOS

even if you are lucky to get a "great/free" deal are also 20 years old and will need re-caping etc.


AROS is cheap only when you don't factor in you have to have a intel pc and doesn't really work on the cheaper pcs.


People come back looking for cheap only to find no such thing (see ebay final prices) If you get a deal...

Watch for those battery issues and don't forget those caps or a new mouse because the old one is shot!


You can get lucky at the right time and with the right person. I sold a nice 4000D at AmiWest for $100.

Had I posted it ebay and run an auction, it would have sold for several hundreds.

Because amiga has become a "hobby", it's not cheap.


A new AmigaOne X5000 has none of those age issues or auctions prices.

You can pick cheaper new parts if you need. But at least it new.

[fishy_fiz]

That's absolute complete and utter nonsense.
I've had AROS running on systems from amd k62's, to pentium3s, athlonxp's, athlon64, athlon64x2, Intel atoms, Intel core2duo, and phenom2, Intel i5s, and now Intel i7.
The i5 system cost me $100aud.

Additionally the hilarious justification that "the original amigas cost just as much new" is nothing more than delusional self justification. Back then ram was very expensive, so were hard drives, so were monitors, etc, etc.
The pricing benchmark has changed. These days you can pick up a machine 10x as powerful as an x5000 for 1/10th of the price.

Nice bit of creative writing there, but seriously why bother? Both you and others know its mostly crap. Never understood why people make up things when they must know others know the truth.
Is it self justification?

[SACC-guy]

That's absolute complete and utter nonsense.
I've had AROS running on systems from amd k62's, to pentium3s, athlonxp's, athlon64, athlon64x2, Intel atoms, Intel core2duo, and phenom2, Intel i5s, and now Intel i7.
The i5 system cost me $100aud.

Additionally the hilarious justification that "the original amigas cost just as much new" is nothing more than delusional self justification. Back then ram was very expensive, so were hard drives, so were monitors, etc, etc.
The pricing benchmark has changed. These days you can pick up a machine 10x as powerful as an x5000 for 1/10th of the price.

Nice bit of creative writing there, but seriously why bother? Both you and others know its mostly crap. Never understood why people make up things when they must know others know the truth.
Is it self justification?

Near as I can tell...if you can afford all those systems for testing...you've spent too much yourself. A little ironic. Don't you think?

[fishy_fiz]

I'm not sure you understand the word "Ironic".  

Anyway, let it go. We've both said our bit. No need to derail the thread.

[SACC-guy]

I'm not sure you understand the word "Ironic".  

Anyway, let it go. We've both said our bit. No need to derail the thread.

The only ironic thing here is you defending AROS because it's cheap.

"Unfortunately only you see can't how transparent and petty it makes you look"

The OP wants to spend $200 but it ain't gonna happen! Unless he's really lucky!

BTW, even the MorphOS guys are going to NEW...

[fishy_fiz]

OK, clearly you don't understand the definition of "ironic". No harm in that, but perhaps stop using words if you're going to misuse them?

Also, I'm not particularly defending anything but the truth. Your post is so full on nonsense that I decided to comment.

And yes, its entirely possible to spend under $200. There's multiple options.

Seriously though, let it go. No-one is interested in reading arguments.

[SACC-guy]

OK, clearly you don't understand the definition of "ironic". No harm in that, but perhaps stop using words if you're going to misuse them?

Also, I'm not particularly defending anything but the truth. Your post is so full on nonsense that I decided to comment.

And yes, its entirely possible to spend under $200. There's multiple options.

Seriously though, let it go. No-one is interested in reading arguments.

My post is the truth.

A new Amiga is better then all the old hardware which is dying!
A new pc for AROS is part of the cost.

I spent the weekend helping 4 old amigas to help because of cost for my fellow amigans.

Just because you think it overpriced is why you commented.

Another post about your "facts"! Will only once again prove it's a pot shot!

[Iggy]

The only ironic thing here is you defending AROS because it's cheap.

"Unfortunately only you see can't how transparent and petty it makes you look"

The OP wants to spend $200 but it ain't gonna happen! Unless he's really lucky!

BTW, even the MorphOS guys are going to NEW...

Well...I am, but I can't say its the best decision for all.
After all, when you dispense with the hype, a G5 PowerMac is faster (it CAN display HD video without dropping frames), has higher memory bandwidth (even with older memory), and is much cheaper.
It just won't run both MorphOS and OS4.

But a PowerMac WILL run both MorphOS AND Ubuntu Mate, so...

However...fishy's $100 aud i5 system? Hey, I spend more than that on my video cards.
I can't imagine what a POS you get for $100 (although, I have bought laptops in that range).

Look, if your priorities don't include spending the bucks for a PPC AmigaOne, I'm cool with that.
But don't pretend your commodity Intel hardware's pricing has any real bearing on the situation.
Its an apples an oranges situation, and I like both.

And SOME people are stupid enough to pay those kind of prices for an A4000 tower.

Hey, to each his own.
How you spend YOUR money is your business.

What's "ironic" is you think I should give a flying fu*k about what you think of what I do with MINE.