langbein@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU (John E. Langbein) (08/12/86)
Being an owner of a ][+ it is tought when I can't run appleworks or
many other programs out today. Therefore, not being able to afford
much of a system, I would like all information possible on Apple][e or
][c compatable computers. What do you think is the best buy for a 128k
system stripped and not stripped (most of my hardware can be moved
over).
Thanks in Advance,
John Langbein
(langbein@topaz)
************ *
* * John Langbein
* * 45 Brinkerhoff Ave.
****** * Freehold, N.J. 07728
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X X
@ > @
mmm
~
George
After the Partyranger@ecsvax.UUCP (Rick N. Fincher) (08/14/86)
> > Being an owner of a ][+ it is tought when I can't run appleworks or > many other programs out today. Therefore, not being able to afford > much of a system, I would like all information possible on Apple][e or > ][c compatable computers. What do you think is the best buy for a 128k > system stripped and not stripped (most of my hardware can be moved > over). I've used the Laser 128 and it is a very good machine for $395. It has a built in drive and you can buy a IIc type cable for $20 from JDR Microdevices to use with one of your existing drives. The Laser has everything the IIc has plus IBM type RGB video, a parallel printer port, numeric keypad, and an expansion slot that you can either plug a card into (for slot 7) or an expansion box that gives you 2 slots (5 and 7) and its own power supply , for $79.95. You can plug controller cards for 3.5 inch drives into the slot, hard drive controllers, memory boards (Ramfactor and Sprintdisk work well) , graphics tablet etc. There are only 3 drawbacks to the Laser that I know of: 1. No clone is 100% compatible. 2. You have to use a controller card to run 3.5 inch drives (the IIc lets you plug them in back). 3. The keyboard is a little spongey. As far as compatibility goes, almost all Prodos programs run on it. Applesoft programs run fine. Most games run fine. Some programs that use illegal entry points (mostly older Dos 3.3 stuff) won't work. Programs that do work are Appleworks, SuperCalc 3a, Dazzle Draw, Softerm II , fantavision, etc., etc. The machine also has a few nice design features, a disk drive adjust hole on the bottom, just put in copy II+ (comes with the machine) run the speed test and put a screwdriver in the hole to adjust the speed. A door on the bottom of the machine opens to let you change the ROM if an upgrade comes out ($25 for ROM upgrades). All in all it's a good way to upgrade if you are short of cash. It has enough built in that you can sell your old system minus your favorite boards and pay for it. With a new II comming out from Apple and a rumored trade in policy, you may want to keep your II+ to take advantage of that, though. Rick Fincher I've used the /