PGW@MIT-XX.ARPA (11/17/83)
From: Paul G. Weiss <PGW@MIT-XX.ARPA> While I can't speak for Wordstar or Visitrend, it is not quite true that Lotus 1-2-3 is "completely interchangeable" between the IBM-PC and the Compaq. Even though the product says "for the IBM Personal Computer and Compaq Personal Computer" on the box, different video drivers are used for each machine. The user must set up his disks for the machine he is using by executing a batch file. -------
Jeffg.uci-750a%Rand-Relay@sri-unix.UUCP (11/23/83)
The question of Compaq software compability has been addressed, but what about hardware. Does anyone have any experiences to relate regarding Compaqs and the various expansion boards, both IBM and third party? Thanks, Jeff
rcm@tropix.UUCP (Robert C. Moore) (11/27/83)
The COMPAQ video circuitry is on the main board, with a dedicated interface to the tube. Therefore substituting a Hercules graphics board (to get 640x480 instead of 640x200 resolution) doesn't work. The Basic runs in RAM, not ROM, also, although I don't know what effect that has. This is why CAD and graphics applications need a "more compatible" PC than the COMPAQ, although 99% of the usage will be unaffected. These applications invariably require more resolution than the standard PC. I am told that the Columbia works with the high res graphics boards. Bob Moore seismo!rochester!ritcv!tropix!rcm
john@ecsvax.UUCP (12/03/83)
In a recent info-pc digest (#92, I think) someone reported that he had had good success with various combination boards and a Corvus card on a COMPAQ. I too have had no trouble with the Quadram Quadboard or with a Quadram serial card or with a Corvus Constellation network (ribbon cable network) card. With the Corvus card, however, I am only using DOS 1.1, since I don't have the new Corvus PROM for auto-boot into DOS 2.0. Has anyone found any problems with Corvus Omninet (twisted-pair) and the Compaq in an auto-boot DOS 2.0 situation? john hogan ncecs box 12035 rtp, nc 27709 (919) 549 0671 ...!decvax!mcnc!ecsvax!john