[comp.sys.ibm.pc] Leading Edge Model D

mc68020@gilsys.UUCP (Thomas J Keller) (08/29/87)

   I am considering leasing a computer system to run a small bookkeeping 
operation on.  I have found a lessor who is friendly, honest, and easy
to deal with.  The machine he has that I can afford is the Leading Edge
model D.  I have heard several horror stories about these beasts, and
would appreciate any feedback netters might have to offer me.

   In particular, I have heard that there are some rather odd compatibility
issues with the model D.  Among other things, I understand that the Yoyos
at Leading Edge decided that they knew better than MicroSoft (well, almost
*ANYONE* does, but in this context...) and used INT33 for some rather non-
standard purpose which makes it impossible to use a serial interfaced mouse
or other pointing device.

   Any comments or experiences with reliability or compatibility would be
appreciated.  I could get a better machine for less money, *IF* I had the
fershugginah MONEY.  The only way I can make this business deal work is by
leasing the equipment.

   I don't read comp.sys.ibm.pc, so if you see this article in that newsgroup,
please respond via mail, thanks.

-- 
Tom Keller 
VOICE  : + 1 707 575 9493
UUCP   : {ihnp4,ames,sun,amdahl,lll-crg,pyramid}!ptsfa!gilsys!mc68020

misko@abhg.UUCP (William Miskovetz) (02/25/88)

Hi,

   A friend of mine had a Leading Edge Model D with 2 floppies.  I 
   decided it was time for him to get a hard disk.  I am hoping someone
   can help me out.  What kind of hard disks can the Leading Edge
   support?  Specifically, I have a spare generic ST-225 20 Mb drive
   I was hoping to put in it.  Second, I have a spare WD 1002-WX1
   controller.  Will this controller be usable?  If yes to the above,
   can someone tell me what the switch settings and controller jumpers
   should look like??  Thanks for any assistance.

Bill Miskovetz
{uunet!lll-winken, pyramid, lll-lcc}!abhg!misko

madd@bu-cs.BU.EDU (Jim Frost) (02/26/88)

In article <143@abhg.UUCP> misko@abhg.UUCP (William Miskovetz) writes:
>A friend of mine had a Leading Edge Model D with 2 floppies.  I 
>decided it was time for him to get a hard disk. [...]
>What kind of hard disks can the Leading Edge
>support?  [...] I have a spare generic ST-225 20 Mb drive [and]
>a spare WD 1002-WX1 controller.  Will this [...] be usable?

I can't tell you the settings, but offhand I'd say that the drive and
controller should work.  I ordered a Qubie 20Mb drive (I never did get
around to finding out who originally made the drive/controller) for
the same system; went in without a problem, factory settings.  The
Leading Edge isn't completely compatible (Ethernet cards are one of
the things that have trouble), but in terms of hard disks of that
size, there shouldn't be a problem.

jim frost
madd@bu-it.bu.edu