Wow. I didn't expect this thread to blow up like this. To clarify a few things:
The $200 is a target budget. I have no problems paying for tech toys, I buy a lot of Apple products. Not bragging, just my choice over windows.
I am looking to create a distraction free work space, and not use my Mac's (I have a few of them) as they are already used for other things, to include regular daily use and one is a local server.
Once I found out Amiga was still kicking, I got very excited. Even with as old as it is, you can't get a smaller OS that can do what Amiga OS can. Sure you can strip down a linux system to fit on a floppy, but what do you really get? I love the Amiga, and it will always have a place in my heart.
Having sad that, it has been a very long time since I have played around with an Amiga. At this point I am not prepared to drop $1k+ on a system unless I know it will fit the bill. If I can get something setup, learn the new software, and integrate it into the way I like to work, great!
If it doesn't work out, I don't want to have spent $1k+ on a machine that will be relegated playing 20 year old games and then sit in a closet if I get bored with it.
If I can work an Amiga into my setup, then I will see about upgrading to a shiny new one. To give you guys/gals an idea of how busy my life can get, I have been typing this out for nearly an hour now as my phone won't stop blowing up because of work, which requires me to look at emails, which then require responses, then there is a BBQ next weekend at my house, so people are texting for that, my son is visiting from the west coast (and is apparently out of work), the list just goes on. It's gets very frustrating.
When I write, I want complete solitude. Just me, a set of head phones, and a beer. It is my escape from my normal life. It is why I setup my writing station in a large closet instead of the spare bedroom turned office.
It was mentioned in this thread about setting up a second user account on my Mac, which is a good idea. However, the temptation to "connect" is still there. The great thing about Apple products is they are all connected together. The horrible thing about Apple products is they are all connected together. Creating a new account still requires you to sign in with an AppleID, and a guest account is so limited that no real work can done without a great deal of frustration. I have been down that road, which is why the idea of the Amiga appeals to me.
Sure I can get a linux system up running for less than $100, I could probably even get an older windows XP machine for around the same price. The problem is, I like the Amiga, and I am trying to find a way to make it work. Yes, it's a bit more of a headache, yes it's an old OS, and yes there are cheaper ways to do what I am trying to do.
So, in effort to keep at least initial cost down, I have decided for my first foray into the Amiga in around 20 years, that I will go the emulation route on a Raspberry Pi and see if I get OS 4.1 to work with it. This has a number advantages, besides keeping cost low. It will also allow me to use Cinnamon Writer so I can have modern document compatibility, it has a PDF viewer (though I don't know yet how good it is yet), and a functional web browser. The pdf viewer and web browser I can use for research. Even if it runs slow(ish) that will be fine until I can get the kinks of working with AmigaOS worked out. If I like the workflow well enough, then in a few months (maybe a year) I can plop down the money for a X5000 or whatever is on the horizon.
If I can't get 4.1 to work with the Raspberry Pi, I know I can get 3.1 to work with it, and I will need to workout different issues such as document file types and the like. Either way, I can still play a number of games that are just a lot of fun when I want to be distracted.
I do appreciate everyone's help and advice, and I thank you all. It's good to know that there are still people out there to keep this alive, even when people like myself gave up on it more than a decade ago. I'm glad to be back.
