gmark (11/09/82)
In reference to the answers from duke!unc!kh to the questions from
Mike Knudsen, I have a few comments.
First, I should add to the statement on possibility of later addition
of Extended Color BASIC. This addition involves simply pushing the
X-BASIC chip in a socket. Provisions are that you don't mind voiding
your warranty by taking the cover off the machine, that you have 16K
RAM (standard now), and have removed the heat shield within. The X-BASIC
is very nice.
Second, I tried the substitution of 68B21's (faster version of 68A21's) for
6821's. Intermittent success. I then cut a few RF interference-limiting
capacitors. Double speed worked fine with or without the faster chip.
Conclusion: Double speed can be free.
Third, in reference to the expansion bus, all CPU lines go directly to the
cartridge slot. However, lines for memory refresh do not. Slot's still a
nice touch.
Fourth, there are CHEAP assemblers around ($6.95) and the RaShack ROM
cartridge version seems to be very nice. Also, a recent issue of Creative
Computing listed alternative languages available with ratings. I use
ColorForth. Also available are Pascal, Cobol, C and others (probably limited
subsets).
Fifth, just about any chosen joystick can be modified for use on the COCO.
Sixth, 52 and 64 column display software packages are available. I use one
called COLORTERM. These software packages use the Hi-Res screen graphics
and are marginally tolerable on a television, yet better than 32-column time-
sharing. Consequently, I lust in my heart after a monitor. (Any comments on
the cheapie green-screens available? Like <$100 or so?)
Conclusion: To make a short story long, I wanted a machine I could break a
few times without it breaking me. I'm still surprised at what the Chevy of
home computers can do compared to the Cadillacs around (IBM, Apple, etc.).
Lots of bang for the buck.
G. Mark Stewart ihuxf!gmark
P. S.
Let's hear more about tearing this sucker apart! (SW and HW)