davidbrierley@LYNX.NORTHEASTERN.EDU (01/16/89)
For anyone who is consdering buying an Apple or Laser. Someone has recommended buying an Apple IIc+, however there are features which the latest model from Laser (the Laser 128 EX/2) has that the IIc+ doesn't. The EX/2 has your choice of a 3.5 or 5.25 inch drive whereas the IIc+ only comes with a 3.5 drive. The Laser has a built-in memory expansion board that allows you to expand up to 1 meg. You have to spend well over $200 on a Z-Ram Ultra card from Applied Engineering to do that on a IIc+. The IIc+ lets you operate at two speeds, the Laser has three. The Laser 128 EX/2 also has a built-in, self-recharging, ProDOS-compatible clock and an expansion slot which allows you to connect an optional box that can hold two additional cards (for even more memory, etc.). Also included is a serial modem port which can allow you to connect MIDI by pressing a switch. The best feature is that Laser offers you all that for less than the cost of a IIc+. There is also an educational discount offered by Laser (it may be aplicable to teachers as well). Either way, a Laser 128 EX/2 or an Apple IIc+ will give ou a great machine. -David R. Brierley Internet: davidbrierley@lynx.northeastern.edu