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
baker@hpsemc.UUCP (John Corey) (10/08/87)
> 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. Last week I started using a HP laptop. Given that I work for HP, I just borrowed one for a couple of months. I am trying to decide if it will help me do ALL the things I do better than using a paper-based time manager system. The HP will not meet all you requirements. It has no disc drives built in. I have my doubts about the reliability of a system which has mechanical systems built in. I have let a HP Portable Plus fall on the floor to highlight how well built it is. Depending on you needs, a modem may give you all the transfer capabilities that you need. If you are writing fiction, I would focus on systems which will support the word processing package (or editor) which you want to use. Using the same package on the "host" and the portable is best. Give some hard thought as to how you will really use the system. If you really want to carry it around daily, weight and reliability will be key. If you will only move it on weekends, higher weight and less strict enviromental constraints might fit. John "baker" Corey hplabs!hpsemc!baker
brian@hpirs.HP.COM (Brian Baer) (10/09/87)
If you are looking for an HP Portable that offers most (or all) of the features you mentioned take a look at the NEW HP Portable Vectra CS. Unique features that the new HP Portable Vectra CS offers: * Large Detachable Display * Full-size Keyboard * 4 I/O Slots * EMS (Lotus+/Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification) For the sales office nearest you call: (800) 752.0900 Brian Baer HP ITG/ISO + Lotus is a registered trademark of Lotus Development pypyp
garyq@hpfcdc.HP.COM (Gary Quakenbush) (10/09/87)
HP is now shipping a NEW portable called the HP Vectra Portable CS, as well as the previous HP offering called the HP Portable Plus. I think the new one will come closer to meeting your requirements. The new HP Vectra Portable CS: - IBM XT compatable - 640k RAM standard - RS-232 and parallel ports (not sure if standard or add-on) - 300/1200/2400 bps internal modem (not sure if standard or add-on) - 4 expansion slots, but only HP boards will fit - Has a standard IBM-compatable 3.5" 720k/1.44Mbyte disc drive, 2nd optional - Optional built-in 20Mbyte hard disc - Battery power lasts at least 5 hours - State-of-the-art high-contrast LCD screen - Larger and heavier than the older HP model - Competitive price (about $2500 list) - Full enhanced AT-type keyboard, with dedicated cursor keys (I think) Gary Quakenbush HP Fort Collins, Colorado
paulh@hplsla.HP.COM (Paul Hall) (10/18/87)
There is a comparison of some 11 portables in the September 7, 1987 issue
of INFO WORLD. I've also seen a magazine dedicated to portables on a
newstand somewhere. Both would be good sources to check.
It really is important to figure out how portable you want your computer.
The new Vectra Portable sounds like a wonderful machine, but at 17 pounds,
( please check my numbers, they're from a fragmented memory ) it's more in
the "trans-portable" range. The Portable Plus, however, is much lighter
(11 lbs???). The Portable Plus will run for about 10 hours on a battery
charge and you can get MS Word on a ROM cartridge. The great thing
about having a true word processor in ROM is that you open the case and
start typing. There're no discs to load, no program warmup and no delay when
the program reads in overlays ( try Wordstar on a slow floppy system! ).
There was an article on the Portable Plus in the HP Journal a while ago, try
a sales office for a copy. The people who built that box did an excellent
job on the battery design. I'd wager that HP portables are able to get the
most out of your battery charge and that can be important if you don't want to
be tied to a 110V outlet all day long.
If you're looking for a single mobile computer, the Vectra portable may be the
best. If you can set up one stationary computer ( with LaserJet & Co. ) and
one highly portable computer, then a Portable Plus may be the best remote for
you.
Paul Hall ihnp4!{hplabs|harpo}!hp-pcd!hplsla!paulh
(206) 335-2252 paul_hall%50@hpa100
Hewlett-Packard Co. 8600 Soper Hill Rd Everett, WA 98205-1298