Apple IIGS vs Amiga: 16-bit Computer Showdown - Thu, Feb 23, 2023
Everyone knows the IIGS is objectively better.
Back in the late 80s, my first real computer (read: not a clone) was the Apple IIGS. The person I was dating at the time had an Amiga. We had a friendly rivalry going, but I knew deep down the IIGS was better.
Compatibility: The Apple IIGS was backward compatible with a vast library of Apple II software, whereas the Amiga was not compatible with earlier Commodore computers. This made the transition to the IIGS more seamless for those who had previously owned an Apple II.
Expandability: The Apple IIGS had multiple expansion slots, which allowed users to add various peripherals and hardware upgrades, including memory, hard drives, and sound cards. In contrast, the Amiga only had one expansion slot.
User Interface: The Apple IIGS had a graphical user interface (GUI) called “GS/OS,” which was more user-friendly than the Amiga’s command-line interface. Additionally, the IIGS had a built-in mouse, whereas the Amiga required an add-on mouse.
Software Library: The Apple IIGS had a large software library, including productivity software and games, which could be easily ported from the Apple II platform. Although the Amiga also had a significant software library, it was less focused on productivity software and more on games and creative applications.
Support: The Apple IIGS was supported by Apple, which provided regular updates and technical support for the platform. In contrast, the Amiga was produced by Commodore, which faced financial troubles and eventually went bankrupt, leading to a lack of support and future development for the platform.
It’s worth noting that the Amiga had some advantages over the Apple IIGS as well, including more advanced hardware capabilities, such as dedicated video and audio processing chips, and a broader range of software for multimedia and creative applications. Ultimately, which platform was “better” depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.