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
dca@kesmai.COM (David C. Albrecht) (10/10/87)
> 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: > I just saw an ad for the Datavue Spark in a catalog from a company called SYNC. They bear great resembleance to Sharper Image and other companies of such ilk. As such it is unlikely it is the best price you can get on the beast but it is interesting. $995 gets you. IBM Compatible laptop. Dual speed 4.77/9.54 Mhz Supertwist LCD display with Color(!) capabilities ^not sure what this means. The picture in the ad copy seems to show the lcd screen is color which would be pretty wild. 80 character x 25 line screen. Single 3.5" drive 384K memory. Parallel and Serial ports. AC Adaptor for Worldwide Use. 77 key mechanical touch keyboard. 10 lbs. Handle 1 year warranty. $1325 gets you. above + another 3.5" drive and 640k of memory. $1450 gets you. the $1325 system + EL backlit screen. Other options: $495 for an external 51/4" drive $325 for an internal 300/1200 baud modem $99 for a NICAD 5-8 hour battery pack. This company will even break it down into 10 payments with no finance charge. It sounds like an attractively priced system and if you shop around you might be able to find one at a better discount. SYNC has a Toll free number 1-800-621-5800 David Albrecht No affiliation with SYNC I just get tons of catalogues.
corwin@cdp.UUCP (10/16/87)
PLEASE excuse the commercial nature of this, but this is a better
deal than I've seen elsewhere...
I have for sale the new Toshiba T1000 laptop for $850.
Basics:
80C88 @ 4.77 mhz (sorry, no "turbo" mode)
512 kbytes ram
1 720k 3.5 inch floppy
Supertwist LCD, 80x25 IBM PC compatible
1 serial port, 1 parallel port, both PC compat.
nice tactile keyboard
boots DOS 2.1 from ROM, many utilities (including edlin and
debug) in ROM, DOS 3.x can be booted from diskette
under 7 lbs., including NICAD batteries (good for over 5 hrs).
Options:
additional 768 kbytes of ram for $440, this expands the 512k
to a full 640k, and gives you a 640 kbyte "ram disk"
which retains data even when you shut off the machine.
internal 300/1200 baud Hayes compatible modem for $330
Drawbacks:
A second drive is not an option.
The LCD is not backlit.
...!hplabs!cdp!corwin Corwin Nichols, MicroTech Exports
415-324-9114 (voice)