Macintosh SE

What hackers pick instead

• Commodore 64Remembered as an affordable home computer whose built-in BASIC, manual, graphics and sound got a generation programming and gaming; critics note a weak CPU and new-model firmware lock-down attempts.121recommend
• Commodore AmigaLoved for its graphics, multitasking and video features; critics say it cost too much at launch and its custom chips limited it.60recommend
• ZX SpectrumA 1980s home computer many people learned BASIC programming and games on, praised for its quirks and repairable boards. Critics point to rubber keys and colour clash.31recommend
• TI-99/4ARecommended for nostalgia, a well-written BASIC manual and a first taste of programming; critics say its cost-optimised design hobbled performance and its 16KB of memory is very limiting.26recommend
• Commodore Amiga 500Recommended for responsive multitasking, a large software library and good value in its era, with many fond memories. Critics say windows redraw slowly and the 50Hz display flickers.20recommend

Every quote

The 5 most detailed of 5 comments. Each links to the original.

1. an absolute JOY to use despite its limitations

   Recommends · Sep 2026 · in “On caring for user data: NeoVim caused Vim undo files to be deleted”

2. it was an absolute revelation

   Recommends · May 2026 · in “Screenshots of Old Desktop OSes”

3. the old Macs really were the perfect form factor for a compact desktop computer

   Recommends · Mar 2026 · in “I built a pint-sized Macintosh”

4. Another option: buy a real Mac SE (re-capped), then put a scsi2SD in it

   Recommends · Jun 2026 · in “Retro-Tech Parenting”

5. clicks and key presses had predictable results

   Recommends · Oct 2026 · in “Apple routed a graphite pipe through the iPhone Duo's hinge to dissipate heat”