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I'm still amazed that Motorola didn't react to the extreme difference in pricing between the 6502 and 6800 quicker. I do wonder what they were being told about the early personal computer boards?

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They didn't have the time machine they'd need to view this from our perspective. There were no personal computers. The boards were basically just evaluation boards (which were essentially Motorola's design). They were likely focused on TI and Intel. They probably regarded MOS as IP thieves to be dealt with using legal measures.

It would be interesting to hear from someone who was there.

They basically lost every PC except Tandy. I got to think someone was noticing the way things were moving.

They certainly reacted to the pricing difference to the 6800-pin-compatible 6501, both by dropping the 6800's price and suing MOS. The 6502 is essentially a 6501 modulo reorganization of the pins.

Nintendo is even more interesting. They 100% ripped off the 6502 as-is then lasered off the BCD instructions circuit to avoid legal issues.

I believe you mean Ricoh. Also, a whole bunch of glue logic was put on chip as well for the 2A03 / 2A07 that otherwise would have been pricier as discrete parts on the board.

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