geller@rlgvax.UUCP (12/15/83)
I was sure surprised when I came upon an IBM PCjr in a local
ComputerLand store here in Mclean, Virginia. I thought I'd share
a few of my impressions of the system with you.
It has been fairly well publicized that the "Peanut" has a chicklet-style
keyboard. This is certainly true. However, I was surprised to find that
the keyboard had a relatively good feel to it. The keys are raised
approximately 1/2 inch from the main keyboard assembly, providing a fairly
long travel distance for the keys. Someone I had spoken to had said that
the "Peanut" has helped to significantly boost Apple IIe sales. Apparently
people find out that the keyboard is not up to par and select another
system. It really wasn't all that bad.
I must say that it was a pleasure using the keyboard without having to worry
about a cable tangling or getting in the way (the PCjr has a wireless, remote
keyboard using infrared data transmission).
The main chassis is small and seemingly well assembled. The unit I played with
had a half-height floopy that was surprisingly quiet. If my memory serves me
correctly the unit also had an internal fan.
I'm afraid that I didn't have the opportunity to explore the software on the
machine. I did notice, however, that there was a demo program runing some nice
color graphics. Aesthetically I thought the machine was impressive. I'm
afraid that I'm not too familiar with the hardware.
Well I guess I can't tell you much more. It's cute, seemingly well built, and
over-priced (some criticism is needed!). Rumors have it that there are
warehouses full of these toys ready for deliver in late January.
Attempty to be newsworthy,
David Geller
Computer Consoles, Inc.
Office Systems Group
Reston, VA 22090
{seismo}!rlgvax!geller