aron (02/28/83)
I recently posted a query to the net asking for recommendations for a small micro for my in-laws. I heard mostly from Atari fans. As it turns out, my in-laws got a great deal on a Commodore C64 - $395. The peripherals for this machine are also cheaper than the Atari, plus there is a (promised) C/PM add on card. So, they are now the proud owners of a C64. I had also asked about commercial personal computer networks. There is an article in this months PC magazine comparing the Source and Compuserve. Here is an edited summary of the responses. Thanks to all of you who send info. aron shtull-trauring harpo!seismo!presby!aron cmcl2!presby!aron ************************** I have an Atari 800 with only their interface module and a cassette deck and about 16K of RAM (no disk drive) which I use pretty much exclusively for accessing this computer for mail, etc. I have a wonderful terminal emulator, and I can imagine no major improvements other than a disk drive to make things load a little quicker. The main advantage that the Atari has over most of the other inexpensive micros is that the keyboard is *vastly* better to type on, which becomes even more important if you type text (letters to usenet). I highly recommend the Atari. I also have bought a monitor to use instead of a TV, which improves it greatly. You can get Atari 800's pretty cheap now (like 499 dollars) which leaves more room in the budget for the more fancy stuff. Like a 1200-baud modem or something..... ************************** You should look into the new Atari 1200, a replacement for the existing 800 system. The 800 is, in my opinion, the most user-friendly system available to date, with full screen editing exceding the IBM PC. The 1200 will have 64K RAM, and twelve special function keys. I understand that the system is not expandable (most likely to keep prices down), but with 64K, etc, who cares. The price should be right, too. It is supposed to support all of the 800 software, and the 800 has some of the best home software on the market. I haven't used an Atari for a few months now, and have kind of lost track of the software situation, but you might look into a package called Downloader for your terminal needs. Atari Program Exchange has a program which is very good for about $22.50! ************************** in respose to question how which micro to buy, i have been using a trs-80 for the past 3 years and it hasn't been down once. there is ample software and hardware available. as for networks i am a subscriber to compuserve and find it very informative and easy to use. ************************** Rather than asking for recommendations from us, you should ask your parents what use they see for the machine in 5 years. All those listed will do the job you present, but there are vast differences in how "upgradeable" they are. (Although I would strongly suggest eventually getting 2 disk drives). ************************** There are many small machines in the world that will probably fit the bill for there applications. An Apple II (e) with an 80 column card and the Ascii Express Pro software package by Bill Blue is a *very* good combination. It uses the DC Hays Micromedem, th Novation Apple-cat best (Auto dial etc) or any other modem with a serial inteface will do. The software package is one of the best I've seen and supports auto dialing, auto logons to various systems, recive ad send ascii files or compiled programs. You can send and receive in character mode (^S ^Q supported) or you may use Christianson protocol transfers (error checking and correction). You don't need the 80 column card, but if you get it the software supports full terminal emulation (adm3a, vt52, Soroc etc) If you prefer not to get them an Apple. The software is also available for CP/M or the UCSD p system. As far as networks, The Source does have a mailsystem but tends to be tediuos to use and very slow during the evening (when the rates are lower) The same goes for Compuserve. If they are just interested in communicating electronically with you, they can use Telemail which is strictly an electronic mail system. Accessable world wide via telenet (I used it while traveling in australia and New Zealand) and is very easy to use. ************************** The Kaypro II seems to be the best and cheapest "box" of the kind you describe (around $1500 discounted). I don't own one, and don't know too much about what's available. I'm considering buying a BigBoard (in either the D.R.C. or Cal-Tex incarnation), but this involves doing more work. Re PC networks: I've used Compuserve a lot. It stinks. The Source is even worse, altho I haven't used it as much. Both systems are unresponsive enough to make questions of stupid software academic. ************************** Consider the Kaypro II - it comes with all the software and you could get it with a modem for about $2000. ************************** Regarding Source and Compuserve, there's an article in a recent issue of one of the trs-80 magazines comparing the two. Not very detailed; impressionistic, but of possible interest. ************************** Buy which ever unit has the nearest service/hand-holding center. (Read most convenient/reliable.) good ol' MTBF/MTTR. If the nearest computer service center is Tandy/RS, its a TRaSh80 Color. If it's a ComputerLand, it isn't. If it's a something else, it's what they carry. Unless your inlaws have "connections" with HiTech hardware hackers..