ralphw@ius2.cs.cmu.edu.UUCP (02/01/86)
I'm looking for some newer Apple // technology, but funds are very tight. I don't have the 700+ I need to pay Apple for a //e CPU, but I would be wiling to spend ~$300 for a clone. (I know about the Laser and Franklin compatibles, but I'm not happy with the Laser's non-expandability or Franklin's 'bundling' (CP/M plus drive all self-contained) approach.) I'm considering buying a //e-compatible motherboard and putting it in a case with a power supply (I have an extra after replacing my Apple ][+ supply) and a //e-compatible (but hopefully detachable) keyboard. (Of course, the keyboard should have the same layout and special 'Apple' keys.) Has anyone on the net tried this? I would be interested in hearing of suppliers for kits and/or assembled motherboards. My requirements are that the clone run be able to accept third-party cards (including auxiliary slot cards like RamWorks and MultiRam) and be able to provide double hires graphics. I'd love a 65816-based motherboard if it were available. I'd also be interested in any compatibility problems, etc. (I encountered one Canadian company that would sell a motherboard for $170, but the ROMS were not the latest '//c' versions) Any clone motherboard should have or be capable of handling the 'real' custom //e chips and //c ROMS. I'm fairly desparate at this point, so any replies would be greatly appreciated. I don't think too many people have done this, so please respond even if you think somebody else already has. -- - Ralph W. Hyre, Jr. Internet: ralphw@c.cs.cmu.edu (cmu-cs-c.arpa) Usenet: ralphw@mit-eddie.uucp Fido: Ralph Hyre at Net 129, Node 0 (Pitt-Bull) Phone: (412)CMU-BUGS