xxl Posted April 9, 2012 Share Posted April 9, 2012 http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/04/09/computer-legend-and-gaming-pioneer-jack-tramiel-dies-at-age-83/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+MrFish Posted April 9, 2012 Share Posted April 9, 2012 I just read about it in the 7800 forum. Sorry to hear the news... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Philsan Posted April 9, 2012 Share Posted April 9, 2012 Sadly Marty informed us on Facebook and here: http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/196392-jack-tramiel-dead/ I always liked his words "computer for the masses, not the classes". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+CharlieChaplin Posted April 9, 2012 Share Posted April 9, 2012 Rest in Peace !! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariLeaf Posted April 9, 2012 Share Posted April 9, 2012 Weird timing, I'm just reading "The Ultimate History of Video Games" and I'm at the part where Tramiel buys Atari. RIP Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oky2000 Posted April 9, 2012 Share Posted April 9, 2012 First my grandad died 3 weeks ago and now the big daddy of 80s classic computing RIP to the world's finest businessman (only one ever to screw Gates out of millions hehe). He didn't make it to the 30th anniversary of the C64 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spookt Posted April 9, 2012 Share Posted April 9, 2012 RIP Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Larry Posted April 9, 2012 Share Posted April 9, 2012 So sorry to hear of his passing. If it were not for Jack, we very likely would not still have these wonderful machines, this forum, or much other that we enjoy. Our lives are very different due to his influence. RIP. -Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puppetmark Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Thanks for everything Jack. The world of home computing was a better place because of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+DarkLord Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Yes, truly one of computing's most iconic figures. R.I.P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctorclu Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Though not perfect, the whole last half of the Atari history would not have happened without Jack. Thanks for that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marius Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 In the Netherlands this news also reached a very popular news-site called 'nu.nl' (check here: http://www.nu.nl/gadgets/2783436/computer-pionier-tramiel-83-overleden.html ) but in this article not one single word about Atari. How silly is that. Anyway: RIP Jack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro Rogue Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Weird timing, I'm just reading "The Ultimate History of Video Games" and I'm at the part where Tramiel buys Atari. RIP Jack Too bad half of what's in the book on that is wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro Rogue Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 http://www.forbes.co...dies-at-age-83/ The main thread is already here: http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/196392-jack-tramiel-dead/page__fromsearch__1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flashjazzcat Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Sad news. RIP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atari-nerd-pro Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 R.I.P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariLeaf Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Weird timing, I'm just reading "The Ultimate History of Video Games" and I'm at the part where Tramiel buys Atari. RIP Jack Too bad half of what's in the book on that is wrong. Really? Well I'm looking for other books on the subject, what would you recommend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carmel_andrews Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 (edited) The question is, did tramiel really make commodore successful, whilst it was his idea to buy out MOS (which gave commodore the technology and the products which made it successful), the fact is what people seem to forget, if it wasn't for the lousy manangement at MOTOROLA, you would'nt have even had MOS as a processor manufacturer, since the lousy management at motorola not only poo poo'd Peddle's idea of a sub 100US$ processor they also, subsequently forced the unofficial 'side project' that peddle, mensch and co were working on at motorola (which would eventually evolve into MOS and the 6500/6502) to disband And on that basis, had motorola listened to what peddle was telling them (about the sub100US$ processor) as well as letting peddle continue with his teams unofficial 'side project' (which would have evolved into MOS and the 6500/6502), not only would MOS not be a processor manufacturer (since that part of MOS wouldn't have existed), commodore would probably have gone under, along with MOS, since both companies were victims of the 'calculator wars' and neither company were in the best of financial health, Motorola and not intel would be the leader in the processor market, since motorola and not intel would have been the primary beneficiary of peddles idea about the sub 100US$ processor and also benefit from the side project peddle and his team were working on (bearing in mind that prior to MOS as a processor manufacturer, both intel and motorola's processors were selling at over 300US$ a unit) Ironically, Peddle and MOS would make Motorola's managment eat their words since subsequent to MOS launching the 6502 (at that years CES show) it forced both intel and MOTOROLA to not only reduce the cost of their processors (to whatever level MOS were selling theirs at) but also competing in the same segment of the market that MOS were positioning themselves into, which, if you think about it, it makes a mockery of Motorola managment's decision not to listen to peddle about the sub 100US$ market and also Peddles like side project he was doing (which started at motorola) Perhaps the lousy managment at motorola (at the time peddle suggested his idea of the sub100US$ processor and his little side project) were the same people that would later go on to screw or fuck up companies like commodore (after tramiel left) and Atari (while warners were still 'running' the company)...or at least clones of them Edited April 10, 2012 by carmel_andrews Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goochman Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 The question is, did tramiel really make commodore successful, whilst it was his idea to buy out MOS (which gave commodore the technology and the products which made it successful), the fact is what people seem to forget, if it wasn't for the lousy manangement at MOTOROLA, you would'nt have even had MOS as a processor manufacturer, since the lousy management at motorola not only poo poo'd Peddle's idea of a sub 100US$ processor they also, subsequently forced the unofficial 'side project' that peddle, mensch and co were working on at motorola (which would eventually evolve into MOS and the 6500/6502) to disband And on that basis, had motorola listened to what peddle was telling them (about the sub100US$ processor) as well as letting peddle continue with his teams unofficial 'side project' (which would have evolved into MOS and the 6500/6502), not only would MOS not be a processor manufacturer (since that part of MOS wouldn't have existed), commodore would probably have gone under, along with MOS, since both companies were victims of the 'calculator wars' and neither company were in the best of financial health, Motorola and not intel would be the leader in the processor market, since motorola and not intel would have been the primary beneficiary of peddles idea about the sub 100US$ processor and also benefit from the side project peddle and his team were working on (bearing in mind that prior to MOS as a processor manufacturer, both intel and motorola's processors were selling at over 300US$ a unit) Ironically, Peddle and MOS would make Motorola's managment eat their words since subsequent to MOS launching the 6502 (at that years CES show) it forced both intel and MOTOROLA to not only reduce the cost of their processors (to whatever level MOS were selling theirs at) but also competing in the same segment of the market that MOS were positioning themselves into, which, if you think about it, it makes a mockery of Motorola managment's decision not to listen to peddle about the sub 100US$ market and also Peddles like side project he was doing (which started at motorola) Perhaps the lousy managment at motorola (at the time peddle suggested his idea of the sub100US$ processor and his little side project) were the same people that would later go on to screw or fuck up companies like commodore (after tramiel left) and Atari (while warners were still 'running' the company)...or at least clones of them Thats like saying if IBM didnt have lousy management then we'd never have Microsoft.............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carmel_andrews Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Thats like saying if IBM didnt have lousy management then we'd never have Microsoft.............. Not true, since IBM had approached various companies including Atari and DRI (re the operating system for IBM's PC) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rybags Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 RIP Jack - in an indirect sort of way you helped provide me with a good portion of my early income. As for the conspiracy bullshit - take it elsewhere, this is supposed to be a tribute thread. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oky2000 Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 (edited) The question is, did tramiel really make commodore successful, whilst it was his idea to buy out MOS (which gave commodore the technology and the products which made it successful), the fact is what people seem to forget, if it wasn't for the lousy manangement at MOTOROLA, you would'nt have even had MOS as a processor manufacturer, since the lousy management at motorola not only poo poo'd Peddle's idea of a sub 100US$ processor they also, subsequently forced the unofficial 'side project' that peddle, mensch and co were working on at motorola (which would eventually evolve into MOS and the 6500/6502) to disband And on that basis, had motorola listened to what peddle was telling them (about the sub100US$ processor) as well as letting peddle continue with his teams unofficial 'side project' (which would have evolved into MOS and the 6500/6502), not only would MOS not be a processor manufacturer (since that part of MOS wouldn't have existed), commodore would probably have gone under, along with MOS, since both companies were victims of the 'calculator wars' and neither company were in the best of financial health, Motorola and not intel would be the leader in the processor market, since motorola and not intel would have been the primary beneficiary of peddles idea about the sub 100US$ processor and also benefit from the side project peddle and his team were working on (bearing in mind that prior to MOS as a processor manufacturer, both intel and motorola's processors were selling at over 300US$ a unit) Ironically, Peddle and MOS would make Motorola's managment eat their words since subsequent to MOS launching the 6502 (at that years CES show) it forced both intel and MOTOROLA to not only reduce the cost of their processors (to whatever level MOS were selling theirs at) but also competing in the same segment of the market that MOS were positioning themselves into, which, if you think about it, it makes a mockery of Motorola managment's decision not to listen to peddle about the sub 100US$ market and also Peddles like side project he was doing (which started at motorola) Perhaps the lousy managment at motorola (at the time peddle suggested his idea of the sub100US$ processor and his little side project) were the same people that would later go on to screw or fuck up companies like commodore (after tramiel left) and Atari (while warners were still 'running' the company)...or at least clones of them Well to be honest look at the machines he made/wanted made when he ran Commodore and MOS KIM1 (a first) PET (pisses on Apple 1) VIC20 (not that bad considering) MAX (precursor to C64) C64 (worlds most succesful computer) Commodore LCD (unreleased but read about this beautiful portable 8bit) $60 retail price Commodore 16 (rubber keys not C64/VIC cased) Screwed Bill Gates on BASIC 2 which he used in 20m machines (one off small payment no royalties) And basically healthy sales worldwide not just outside USA. Now let's look at the post Tramiel Commodore.... Commodore 16 @ £149.99 Plus/4 costing more than C64 and horrible apps on rom Commodore LCD canned (after Tandy told them it wouldn't sell) C128 disaster, stuck in 1mhz if you want to use 40 column mode ie games) Amiga 1000 no marketing for 12 months due to A500 A500 pig ugly and 18 months project to put OS in rom (otherwise IDENTICAL to A1000) A500/A3000 Plus chipset (useless piece of crap update still 32 colours + same audio + same sprites/blitter A600 LESS expandable than 1985 A1000 CDTV no marketing Commodore asked Bill Gates in and got butt screwed on 16/+4/C128 BASIC Lost the US market. MOS engineers gave Jack the PET, VIC20,LCD (inc glass screen world first) & C64. Nothing to do with just the 6510. VIC-II and SID were one of the best 8bit chipsets but cost peanuts because of MOS engineers and a private factory. Finally Jack hit the ground running with the ST by pointing out how overpriced the monochrome lame ass Macintosh was, GEM is far far superior to MacOS 1 too and it was dubbed the Jackintosh. Commodore didn't even know what to do with A1000 in 85-86 and gave up trying in 86-87! Truth is Commodore was doomed without Jack in charge but Jack was doomed at Atari as he spent ALL his money rescuing a company 99% bankrupt and lost the advantage of owning MOS factory and most talented engineers. This is why the ST was basically a 68000 based Commodore PET type business suited design, lack of money/engineering talent for development of rival to Amiga copper/blitter/sampled sounds. Finally from ST to STE to Falcon Atari made sensible welcomed improvements. After Amiga 1000 no improvement worth a damn happened until 1992...7 years! Think what Jack could have done with Amiga AND MOS Technologies and his millions in cash/assets free to expand HIS Commodore company. If Jack had got the Amiga chipset when he was at Atari by late 80s Commodore would have tanked, if he hadn't bought Atari by mid 80s they would have tanked anyway. Catch 22. Result Win7/OS X on identical Intel motherboards shitfest of a choice in shops today. Some Windowswanker or Macwanker built a time machine and went back in time and broke the MOS/JT/C= holy trinity like in Timecop.....but with less muscles and more spots Edited April 10, 2012 by oky2000 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtkakega Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 didn't know who he was until i read about him in Antic magazine back in 85... RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun.Bebbington Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 First my grandad died 3 weeks ago and now the big daddy of 80s classic computing RIP to the world's finest businessman (only one ever to screw Gates out of millions hehe). $100,000 for MicroSoft BASIC was certainly cheap considering it was recycled for all of Commodore's 8-bits, of which around 30,000,000 units were sold. He didn't make it to the 30th anniversary of the C64 That depends when you consider the 30th anniversary to be. It was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 1982; you may not have been able to buy it yet, but neither could you buy a Sinclair ZX Spectrum on 23rd of April 1982, when Sir Clive announced that 8-bit... but Speccy fans consider this date to be its' 30th anniversary. I personally consider the anniversary of the C64 and CBM/PET to be January. Regards, Shaun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sub(Function(:)) Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 Here is a link to an article covering his life at Commodore http://techland.time.com/2012/04/09/improbable-pc-pioneer-commodores-jack-tramiel-1928-2011/ The interesting bit (for me at least) is at the end where there is a video interview with him for British TV, about the new line up of atari computers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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