rcm@tropix.UUCP (Robert C. Moore) (11/13/83)
On the compatability of "lookalikes," I have some simple experiences to share. The COMPAQ is available here, but not the PC (at least not within 4 months.) So, desiring to get SCALD (a schematic design and logic simulation program from Case Tech. Inc) up quickly, I examined the Compaq. It is *identical* (except for weight) to the PC, the man told me. Run some IBM demos on it, I asked. He tried and couldn't. Run COMPAQ demos on the PC, I asked. No soap. He then admitted Basic had some incompatibilities also (ie wouldn't run, due to ROM differences.) *Identical* hardware interface, I was told. Except the hardware graphics boards required to support CAD don't work (the Hercules, in particular.) SCALD comes with its own hardware graphics board to provide a measure of software protection, so that settled it for me. But I now understand that compatibility has been stretched beyond reasonable limits of accuracy regarding PC lookalikes. This is one of the systems which Columbia, in their Nov BYTE article said was of the highest level of compatibility! Conclusion -- wait for IBM to deliver the real thing. Bob Moore seismo!rochester!ritcv!tropix!rcm
dds@ecsvax.UUCP (11/16/83)
In response to Bob Moore's jaundiced view of the Compaq's compatibility with the IBM PC, I'd like to say that I've used a Compaq on a number of occasions to run standard applications programs--WordStar, dBASE II, and MultiMate--in the IBM disk format. All ran without the slightest problem. Certainly it's important to know how readily an MS-DOS computer will run IBM software without modification, especially since IBM has become such a dominant force in the 8088 market. But many of the 8088 computers offer splendid features that the IBM lacks. I direct a microcomputer lab at North Carolina State University equipped with 25 Victor 9000s. Our computers aren't compatible with the IBM, but we deliberately rejected compatibility to get some important features that the IBM either didn't offer or were available only as expensive add-ons to the basic unit. Our Victors provide us with a totally programmable keyboard, programmable character sets in RAM, 600K drives on the least expensive model, two serial and one parallel port, and an 800 x 400 resolution screen display. True, we're limited in the software we can run, but in a University lab situation, we can only afford to license a few programs anyway. My point? Well, I'm annoyed when I read someone's comments that the IBM is the only product you should buy. Microcomputer technology isn't well served by such a simpleminded view. The technology will flourish the better if people make computer purchases with broader objectives in mind than "Is it just like an IBM?" Douglas D. Short Director, Computer Lab Department of English North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC 27650 ...ucbvax!decvax!mcnc!ecsvax!dds