UUCP@vu-vlsi.UUCP (06/05/87)
I've started thinking recently as to what features and improvements I'd
like to see in an uprated Model 4. Clearly this is something of a pipe-
dream, since Tandy seems happy to let the 4 die. However, one never knows
what will happen when a bunch of dedicated hardware hackers get together,
so here goes...
Needless to say, we start with a Z-280 CPU. The HD64180 is nice, but the
Zilog chip is Clearly Superior. 640x480 COLOR graphics, with some insane
number of possible colors and a BIG palette (say, 1,024 colors, just to
irk the Mac II lovers). This has the advantage of being able to drop back
to 640x240 mode to run existing Hi-Res applications and games, etc. A serial
keyboard, like the ones on Amiga and Mac. Since the 4 took the first step
away from memory-mapping the keyboard, why not go all the way andonly map
the keyboard for the Model 3 mode?? This kind of keyboard is much more
efficient and easier to deal with software-wise. At least 1MB of RAM stand-
ard, with space on the motherboard for more, all of which conforms to the
@BANK standard. SCSI port. More than 1 serial port. Built in joystick
and mouse connectors that agree with current 3rd party standard add-ons.
SLOTS!! Or some other more rational expansion system than 1 lousy card
edge; the new expansion system should also provide a more complete set
of CPU signals than the current one does.
Well, that's not too coherent, but hits most of the high points, I think.
What do y'all think???
---- George Madison
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'Your logic is impeccable, Captain; we are in grave danger.'
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BITNET: 7gmadiso@pomona
UUCP: psuvax1!pomona.bitnet!7gmadiso
ARPA: 7gmadiso%pomona@wiscvm.wisc.edugene@cooper.UUCP (06/11/87)
in article <880@vu-vlsi.UUCP>, psuvax1!7GMADISO@POMONA.BITNET says: > I've started thinking recently as to what features and improvements I'd > like to see in an uprated Model 4. Clearly this is something of a pipe- > dream, since Tandy seems happy to let the 4 die. However, one never knows > what will happen when a bunch of dedicated hardware hackers get together, > so here goes... It seems as though Tandy has decided to stick with their ^&$##@$(& MSDOS machines. Support for the models I/III/4 has practically disappeared, save some third party vendors. Hell, I've still got my Model III, and I'm STILL USING it without jumping on the IBM bandwagon! Even _80-Micro_ magazine is starting to look more and more like _PC_Journal_. Damn! > ... we start with a Z-280 CPU. The HD64180 is nice, but the > Zilog chip is Clearly Superior. Whoa! I prided myself on knowing my CPUs, but I haven't heard of any Z80 upgrade since the Z800. So vassis dis Z280 you speak of? Tell me! Tell me! Farewell, all, Gene ...!ihnp4!philabs!phri!cooper!gene