lingas (04/08/83)
The new Trash-80 Model 100 is great. It makes the Epson look like a pile of junk.For once,the screen of a portable is actually useable.And it costs only (I think) $799 dollars. For a computer with built in modem,parallel & RS-232 interfaces with ready to run software,it can't be beat!!
steve (04/15/83)
Although the Epson HX-20 does not have an integrated modem and its
display is not as large as that of the Radio Shack Model 100 (20
characters by 4 lines as opposed to 40 characters by 8 lines), I
would hardly call the HX-20 a piece of "junk". In fact, the HX-20
offers the following advantages over the 100:
1. The HX-20 is a better integrated unit (despite the fact that
it does not have an integrated modem). The printer and
microcassette all fit nicely into the same unit.
2. The HX-20 contains a virtual screen which can be dynamically set
(up to 255 chars per line by as many lines as memory will allow).
3. The HX-20 has a smart interface to the microcassette. The tape
counter is under program control, thereby enabling programs to
be quickly loaded and stored. You can even keep a directory at
the beginning of each tape and then have a program search the
directory for a file to be loaded--no more having to record on
index cards where each program is stored on the tape (having a
TRS-80 Model I really appreciate this feature). A BASIC "WIND"
commands allows the tape to be positioned to any desired spot
(e.g. "WIND 250"). The positioning is very accurate, it fast
forwards (or rewinds) until it is just before the desired spot
on the tape and then moves the tape at normal playing speed for
about 1 second to home in at the correct place.
4. The keyboard on the HX-20 is better. Also, more ASCII
characters are directly accessible (The Model 100 is missing many).
Only two ASCII characters on the HX-20 (` and ~) require a special shift
sequence.
5. The HX-20 comes with 16K RAM standard, the Model 100 8K.
6. The HX-20 runs solely off NiCads, not requiring AA's like the
Model 100. The HX-20 also runs about twice as long on the batteries.
7. The HX-20 has a better speaker.
8. The printer is a high-quality 24 chars. per line printer, with automatic
wraparound and dot-addressable graphics.
9. The HX-20 has a builit-in monitor enabling memory and the
registers to be displayed or modified and breakpoints to be set (among
other things).
Steve Kochan
whuxk!steveThomas.Newton@cmu-cs-a.arpa (04/17/83)
The Model 100 comes in two configurations: an 8K model for $800, and a 24K
model for $1000. It can be expanded up to 32K of RAM. Can Epson beat that?
I do think the price on the Radio Shack unit is somewhat high. In fact, both
of them are priced on the high side, which hopefully will change as more
manufacturers jump into the market.
I believe the Epson comes with 16K of memory, Microsoft BASIC, a barcode jack,
and a built-in printer. The Model 100 comes with 8/24K of memory, Extended
Microsoft BASIC, a terminal program, a modem, a barcode jack, a RS-232 port,
and a Centronics printer port.
By the way, the Model 100 is Japanese with the Radio Shack name. It is made
by the same company that is manufacturing lapsize computers for NEC.
-- Thomas Newtonsteve (04/22/83)
To clear up some misconceptions:
1. The HX-20 also contains EXTENDED Microsoft BASIC, and has some
built-in feautres that the 100 does not (AUTO command for ease of
entering programs and a RENUM command (a great feature) for renumbering
programs.
2. The HX-20 also has a modem (RS-232) port and has a serial printer port.
3. RAM memory can be expanded to 32K (with expansion unit), ROM to 40K
on board, 64K with expansion unit.
Steve Kochan
Whippany BTL
harpo!whuxk!stevemartys@mhuxt.UUCP (SKEER) (10/17/84)
I have a model 100. And I need some help on it. Who ever has one.... (1)-I need more info on softwear (2)-I need more info on the double disk drive Please respond on net.micro