Do you remember DOS? For those unfamiliar(youngins!), DOS was the operating system (or really, a bunch of different, similar operating systems) that ruled the Computer world until about 1995. Windows 95? 98? Those all ran on top of MS-DOS. If you’re a child of the 80s, most of your favorite (Non-Nintendo) games probably did as well. Power App GmbH has come up with a brilliant app called Power DOS, which lets you operate DOS on your iPhone and iPad. Yes, you can stop pinching yourself.
Power DOS is based on DOSBox, a very popular DOS emulator for Windows, Mac and Linux computers. While there are many potential uses for it, the most popular use is for playing classic computer games like Wing Commander or King’s Quest that don’t run on today’s computers. The legality or illegality of downloading these old games that are no longer for sale is a bit sticky, and DOS itself is the property of Microsoft, hence our surprise that the app was approved to begin with.
The app is very short on included programs or tutorials. It simply comes with things like SoundCard emulation, Graphical Environment Manager 6 and a playable version of Minesweeper, a classic! If you want to install other applications or games, you’ll have to figure out how to do it on your own — but that’s all part of the old-school DOS spirit, isn’t it?
Power DOS is a beautifully designed app, especially on the iPad, which surrounds the DOS emulation with delightful graphics depicting retro computer gear and the like. Customizable on-screen keypads are ideal for tailoring your experience to specific programs and games. Get it while you can.
Score: 5/5
