mats@dual.UUCP (Mats Wichmann) (07/12/84)
Well, so much for punning on Sharp's slogan....just staggered back from NCC, and one of the big things was portable personal computers that look like the gadget HP introduced so recently - basically what looks like a keyboard with a flip-up LCD display. There must have been about 10 companies there. So who cares, eh? Well, Sharp offers theirs with Venix (you know, Venturecom) if you like. Frankly, I did not get a chance to use the machine (too busy with more `important' matters), so this is NOT a review. I have no idea how much of UNIX comes with it, how much it costs etc. However, here are some specs I *DO* have... Sharp PC-5000: 8088 CPU, 128K RAM (expandable to 256K), 192K ROM, Optional 128K bubble memory cartridge, 8x80 LCD display (640x80 dots) - replacable with standard monitor, RS-232 port (for communications with a host). Optional modem. Optional two-floppy expansion. The unit also has a printer designed in, although parts to make it work are optional. Minimum system (with battery and bubble memory cartridge) weighs 4.42 kg (9.74 pounds). Kinda neat, actually (although personally I have no use for it). I have no data sheets on Venix (the stuff I have talks only about MS-DOS and GW-BASIC). Also, apparently some sound capability is included - as one would expect from Sharp. I suppose the next model will have a full 88-key piano keyboard......( :- ) Mats Wichmann Dual Systems Corp. ...{ucbvax,amd70,ihnp4,cbosgd,decwrl,fortune}!dual!mats