I think we've totally gotten off on the wrong foot. I just re-read this thread and I can't even figure out what's being discussed. I don't even know where to start with all the assumptions made in the last post. Overall what I do see are a number of suggestions about how easy it would be to do this in my sleep, a number of assumptions about what the 128K can do and needs and what vintage Mac enthusiasts should be able to do to call themselves that. I'm now going to presume I inferred it all. This is the point where I might otherwise say "never mind". But what the hell, I'll give it one more stab.
I am always looking for new things to do with a 128K. I have been told by everyone and their dog that a 128K cannot run AppleShare, nor can a 128/512K run a TCP/IP stack and therefore cannot gain access to the internet. I have also been told that new programming for the 128/512K would be the least likely route to expand its usefulness, if for no other reason than most no longer have the skills.
I read an article about FidoNet allowing dial-up BBSs to communicate over the internet. I know that the 128/512K could participate in a BBS. I know that there were software e-maiil applications in 1985 for the 128/512K like MacLine, MacMail, MailBox, MicroPhone, Mouse Exchange BBS, Telescape, TouchStone software, inTouch, Blast, and others for interfacing with them. Others on this list may know of, and have experience with some or, more So here's what I thought:
How hard would it be to take an existing application used on the 128/512K intended to interface with an online BBS-type system, but instead point it at some modern-day equivalent on a local desktop and interface that with a similar equivalent to FidoNet for interfacing with the internet. In this way, one could use a 128/512K as an e-mail terminal. What software exists that could do this, or would something have to be written, and if so how hard would it be to do? If relatively easy to do, what steps would be required, is this something I could do myself or would it require special skills?
In the end, I imagined something residing on an OS X Mac that could be set-up once, like SheepShaver or Basilisk II, and then run hidden from the user. Whether using MacTerminal or a dedicated e-mail client on the 128K, it would still retain all the conventional Mac GUI interface that Mac users are accustomed to. In reality it is likely much simpler than that. I have no interest in doing any actual programming, if that's what it takes. Configuring existing software, sure. But more importantly, can it be done? If so, I'd be interested in how it could be done. More than likely, I have completely misunderstood what I read and simply need to be set straight.