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RCR Episode 288: NeXT, Sound Blaster, and IRC

25/01/2026 2h 6min

Listen "RCR Episode 288: NeXT, Sound Blaster, and IRC"

Episode Synopsis


Panelists: Paul Hagstrom (hosting), Quinn Dunki, and Earl Evans



Topic: 1988



In 1988, NeXT introduced its cube, bundled with Mathematica 1.0. IRC was developed. Sound Blaster changed gaming. Microsoft Office was announced. Lots of software was developed, and hardware incrementally improved.



Topic/Feedback links:




NeXT cube



Laser 128EX/2



Mathematica

Celebrating 35 Years of Mathematica (YouTube, first few sections show it in action on an SE/30)



The Mathematica Story – A Scrapbook





Sound Blaster (but 1990? 1989?)



Microsoft Office (announced 1988, shipped 1990)



IRC developed – /me likes this



Apple IIc Plus – last 8-bit computer introduced by Apple?



IBM PS/2 Model 70



Lemonamiga games for 1988




Retro Computing News:




Video of production of new Commodore 64s in the factory



Ken Shirrif repairs a Commodore PET




Vintage Computer(-related) commercials:




Amstrad Portable PC



Microsoft Office System: It’s Showtime




Retro Computing Gift Idea:




Viking Electronics DLE-200B Two-Way Phone Line Simulator

See also: Open House H650 Integrated Voice Networking System






Auction Picks:




Earl:

Altos 580 Computer, Z80 system, supported multi-user MP/M, could accommodate hard drives, 4 RS232 ports

See also: http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/altos/580_Series_5/







Paul:

NeXT Cube



NeXT Video Cable



Amstrad PPC 640



Adventure International Buckaroo Banzai



Akalabeth



Contributed Programs

See also: Street Life (Apple II disk image)








Closing notes:




Ivan Loves the 80s



Steve Jobs Unveils the NeXT Computer




Other ways to experience this episode:




a2stream file for this episode: http://lo-fi.rcrpodcast.com/rcr288.a2stream



YouTube episode 288




Feedback/Discussion:




feedback@rcrpodcast.com



rcrpodcast@podcast.social on Mastodon



rcrpodcast.com on bluesky



Vintage Computer Forum



RCR Podcast on Facebook




Intro / Closing Song: Back to Oz by John X



Listen/Download:



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