XPost: comp.sys.cbm   
   From: markm@vl.com.au   
      
   The Questarian wrote:   
      
   > When is it OK to "update" a classic computer (swap 5.25 drives with 3.5   
   >  or flash interfaces, change the tube monitor with an LCD panel, etc.)   
   >  and at what point does it become "destructive"? Is it OK to swap the   
   > red LED's in a original Altair with blue ones?   
      
   Interesting questions with no definitive answers. Collectors /   
   enthusiasts have different views on what constitutes "destructive". It's   
   always a fine line balancing 'preservation' with functionality and   
   convenience.   
      
   Personally, if an enhancement is simply an add-on, or peripheral that   
   can be quickly and easily removed to preserve the original   
   configuration, then I wouldn't have a problem with it.   
      
   For example, plugging a CFFA (compact flash) into an Apple II. It makes   
   it _way_ more convenient to use - facilitating transfer of images   
   to/from a PC. But what about _replacing_ the 5.25" drives in my Model   
   4P? Hmm... I'd certainly baulk at that...mainly because they're part of   
   the original configuration. Replacing the CRT with an LCD - never...   
      
   ...unless of course I owned two Model 4Ps (in working order). No sense   
   limiting your productivity needlessly. Similarly I'd only put blue LEDs   
   in my 2nd Altair...   
      
   I also ponder what will happen to my collection once I've bit the dust.   
   And it's just not the material things - it's the bits 'n' pieces of   
   development etc that I've done that perhaps no-one else will ever be   
   interested in. Is it all a waste of time and effort?   
      
   Regards,   
      
   --   
   Mark McDougall, Engineer   
   Virtual Logic Pty Ltd,    
   21-25 King St, Rockdale, 2216   
   Ph: +612-9599-3255 Fax: +612-9599-3266   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)