I started with an Amiga 500. Wonderful machine, but the lack of a built in compiler/programming language that allowed you to access the power of the machine was a lack that limited your learning. I think it resulted in me taking a very wide path to my current programming job than would otherwise have happened. Looking back, there is a lot of power in having to work hard to get a program from a magazine entered and working. You are forced to learn something about programming.
When I was about 15 me and my friends put what little money we had together and send it out I think to England or Germany to buy a license for the Amiga C compiler. 3 months later it arrived in the mail. I could not wait so I actually learned C in those 3 months, straight form K&R, without access to the compiler. It was all so gloriously magic back then. I do not think I ever enjoyed a piece of software as much as that compiler.
