Finally achieved my dream System 7 setup

The title says it all: after years of fiddling with original hardware, I’ve finally found my perfect System 7 setup: an iPad mini 4 running Basilisk II.

The system feels fast and smooth. A generic Bluetooth keyboard and Pencil work great, and the integration with iOS (file sharing, networking, etc.) is seamless. The iPad mini’s screen resolution also happens to be a perfect 2x of the original Mac 512×384, which makes for a beautifully sharp image.

Purists will say this is not the real thing, but it works for me. Having a practical, portable environment for my favorite classic apps is a dream come true.

What do I use it for?

• Writing in AppleWorks
• IRC with Wallops
• Journaling with EZ Note
• Vibe coding in HyperCard
• ChatGPT via LegacyAI
• Usenet archaeology with MT-NewsWatcher
• Browsing the old web / indie web with iCab, IE4, and Protoweb
• Classic gaming in my spare time

Hope this post inspires you to find your own dream setup too 🙂