Date   : Mon, 20 Mar 2006 20:27:08 +0000
From   : Jules Richardson <julesrichardsonuk@...>
Subject: Re: Web site: Mainly Master 512

Ian Wolstenholme wrote:
> I reckon Beebs will still be around even if nobody or any anything else
> is........

Not so sure, what's the average lifetime of an IC? I'm sure I remember about 
50 years being quoted back in school science lessons.

Given that EPROMs seem to be doing a bit better than what was expected, 100 
years might be possible - beyond that it needs someone to remanufacture the 
chips...

I wonder if there's a lifetime on the plastic used too?

(it's one of the things I ponder occasionally in connection with the museum - 
most museums can keep their exhibits going pretty much forever, but I'm not 
quite sure yet what our plan will be beyond say 30 years, when it'll be almost 
impossible to maintain systems in running condition)

cheers

J.