[net.micro] cheap systems

udougc (10/28/82)

Hi,
Sorry about the late response, I had some trouble getting mail
to you from our system.  I read your news article listing
some of the resonses so I feel that my response may be somewhat
out of line but here goes anyway

Hi,
   In response to your inquiry about a cheapy business system:-
Radio Shack III with 48K & 2 disks (1 disk will work if pushed)
  Can be gotten from $800+ to $2500+  depending on who you buy
  from and how much upgrading you are willing to do yourself.
Printer in the $500 to $1000 range,the MX80 has lots of features
and lots  of software  support  but it is slow (and may not take
a lot of continual use)
For communications, if needed. R/S RS232 board and a R/S Modem 1
(direct connect) or the Microconnection  c. $250
Software.
NEWSCRIPT (v7.0) for W.P.   Very good  for form letters, support
for many types of printers.  Will do  mailing labels (extra cost
option) $125+ (can be gotten with some discount)
MTC Aids III (Rel 2.0 if you can get it) for maintaining, sorting
and printing lists. (Does a better job than NEWSCRIPT for mailing
labels. $100
OMNITERM for communications.   Will work  with  both  RS232 and
Microconnection   $95
None of the above  are very  sophisticated but are easy to learn
to use and  have a great deal of flexibility.   My opinion, lots
of "bang for the buck" for a small user.
Consider  some other O/S than TRSDOS  such as  DOSPLUS or NEWDOS
Though  TRSDOS will  run all  of the  above the extra $120+ will
give some options that may be usefull if the system expands.
                                   Doug Cutler.
                                   UNC Med. School
                                   Chapel Hill
P.S.  Allow c. $200 for disks,  ribbons and paper,  otherwise you
may  not be able to do very much with  the system!!! (Yes I found
that out the hard way)
     I have used all the software and it seems to be reliable. My
machine is a R/S Mod I (not so stable) with a C.Itoh 8300 printer
(very cheap, only suitable for a 12 yr. old, but my 12 yr. old loves it!)
P.P.S.   Since writing the above to disk for transmission it occurs
to me that some explanation is in order.  I assume that your friend
wants a TURNKEY type system, of course there is not really such
a thing but the above programs can be user tailored (some users
may need a little help) to produce almost turnkey W.P., listing and
communication systems all of which will interface with each other
The selections are based on my likes & dislikes and my girl friends
selections to help her in her work and dissertation.
  The system returned my last mailing to you so I hope I can get
this to you somehow.    Doug.