macman@wpi.wpi.edu (Christopher Silverberg) (01/13/90)
A couple weeks ago our local usergroup had a demonstration of both the Apple
Portable and the Wallaby System.
Both systems were impressive. I wont say anything about the portable, i think
most people already know about it. (Good: reflecting and very fast screen,
long batterly life, Bad: too heavy 16lbs, too big, TOO EXPENSIVE $6500)
But the general consensus was with the Wallaby. The Wallaby system is NOT
marketed as a laptop computer, but a perperial device... why you ask? Basically
to avoid problems with Apple's copywrites on the ROMs. But it is a complete
laptop (not just portable) and even more...
How does it work? Well, you need to put Apple ROMS inside. These will generally
come out of your Mac Plus which is perhaps collecting dust in the closet.
If you want to use your now braindead Mac Plus, simply plug the Wallaby into
the Plus with the included system cable (goes to a card in the plus) and presto
you have your Plus back. But in addition, the Plus will now use the
Microprocessor within the Wallaby which is twice as fast as the Plus. You
can also use the Wallaby monitor as an additional monitor just like using
an extra radius monitor.
On the road, the Wallaby is a completely funtioning laptop computer weighing
10 pounds. The keyboard is wireless infered detachable or attached. It comes
with a mouse, but a built in mouse device (on the idea of a trackball, but
much different) is standard below the keyboard.
The screen is a sharp screen similar to screens found on other laptops. It
doesn't need as much light as the Apple screen, but also cant be used in
bright light and is also slower. And unlike the Apple portable, it uses
standard Simms, which in the 4 meg format, can give you up to 16 megs.
Wallaby systems has a lot of talent working for them. In fact, a large portion
of the staff are former Apple employees. Wallaby is NOT a counter Apple
group, in fact they are working well with Apple. There goal is to put out
a good machine, a machine that will keep Mac users in the mac world, who might
otherwise purchase an ms-dos laptop.
I would highly recommend looking at this computer. It is planned to be
released in February, so look out for further announcements. Lastly, everyone
is probably wondering the price on this baby.... for the Wallaby system,
consisting of laptop computer (or "perperial device"), connecting cable and
card for Plus, 40 meg hard drive,and 1 meg memory..... only $4200.
(About $2600 without the hard drive, which by the way, is about the size
of a cigarette carton, or a bit bigger).
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