rcj@moss.ATT.COM (10/06/87)
My name is Curtis Jackson, and I want a laptop portable computer. Being a rank amateur in the field of home computing, I'm asking for advice, experiences, and even used equipment. Here's what I would like to get: Bear in mind that I want this for writing fiction, not software, so the only computing power I need is for text editing (I'll upload the stuff to another system to typeset it), and I'm quite willing to write my own visual editor in the machine's native assembler if a good text editor isn't readily available. ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENTS: Laptop portable (translation: lightweight and battery powered) Ability to run off A/C power instead of battery if desired LCD screen (for low power usage and high visibility in bright sunlight) One floppy drive Internal modem (>= 1200 baud) or ability to add a modem (internal or external) 360Kbytes memory (builtin or with extra internal cards added) VERY HIGHLY DESIRABLE: Two floppy drives (builtin, not external) More than 360Kbytes memory 25-line screen (some have only 16) IBM PC-compatible RS-232 interface or ability to add one on Ability to plug into some hard disk Long battery life (between charges) Money is a definite object in this search. I have already looked at the IBM PC Laptop. I've seen ads for the following laptops as well: Maker/Model: Information I have so far: =========== ========================= Sharp Very similar to the IBM NEC Multispeed Very little info; appears to be a little over-priced Toshiba No good info COMPAQ Both over-powered for my needs *and* over-priced Tandy 1400 LT *Seems* both over-powered *and* over-priced; perhaps I need more info on it Zenith No good info Morrow Pivot I Only a 16-line screen and builtin modem is 300 baud; no idea on whether I can replace modem; no idea as to battery life; never heard of Morrow; etc. etc. HP I saw one briefly this weekend, but don't really know anything about it Any help, pointers, reviews from experience, or referrals to people willing to part with used equipment would be GREATLY appreciated. Please try to use e-mail rather than the net if possible, since I'm cross-posting this to a couple of newsgroups on USENET. If New Jersey or New York residents could refer me to good computer stores with knowledgeable staff that would be an extra bonus. Thanks for your time, The MAD Programmer -- 201-386-6409 (Cornet 232) ^^^^ new extension alias: Curtis Jackson ...![ ihnp4 ulysses cbosgd allegra ]!moss!rcj ...![ ihnp4 cbosgd akgua watmath ]!clyde!rcj