SECRIST%OAK.SAINET.MFENET@LLL-MFE.ARPA (11/27/86)
From: <SECRIST%OAK.SAINET.MFENET@LLL-MFE.Arpa> (Richard C. Secrist) Date: Wed, 26-NOV-1986 21:22 EST To: INFO-APPLE@BRL.ARPA Message-ID: <[OAK.SAINET.MFENET].3B61B480.008F88DE.SECRIST> Header-Disclaimer: I don't like my headers either ! X-VMS-Mail-To: APPLE Note that there are TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT Apple clones out their called "Laser" that both sell for about the same price. The "Laser" that has a separate (but included) is alledgedly compatable enough, but I think it is cheap, with a poor keyboard, and Mickey-Mouse type disk drive affair. All in all, a thumbs down. The "Laser 128" marketed by Central Point Software for one is a //c-ish looking affair with a built-in drive (and everything else a la //c) but in fact hardware-wise looks like an "enhanced" //e (i.e. the Apple Computer 65C02 and ROM upgrade for //e's to make them //c compatable). I have had good success with the 128 with the exception of modem programs, but I think that's my fault for using ancient software (the latest ProDOS ASCII EXPRESS is said to work great - I haven't tried DCOM). I own both a ][ and a //e and my company bought the Laser 128 for me at work, and I give the machine high marks. The only thing I don't like outside of the fact that I haven't got it modeming yet - and I'm pretty picky being a 10-year Apple veteran - is that I rest my left hand on the edge of the keyboard... and on the Laser there is nothing there but a sharpish edge that kinda hurts after awhile (the //c-ish carry handle locks down to prop the back of the unit up - which I need to do for comfort). But for $395 heck with that, make a styrofoam wedge for your hand or something. Recommended. rcs SECRIST%OAK.SAInet.MFEnet@LLL-MFE.Arpa