ijk (08/19/82)
I've been considering using an inexpensive pc as a portable typewriter to take class notes (still going to school at night): scenario is that I would dump the memory at the end of class into a cassette, then play it back the next day and log in thru a rs-232 interface to my computer at work. The main problem (to me) is that I don't want to lug a tv/monitor in addition to the pc plus cassette recorder, nor do I want to shell out $1700 for an Osborne. Solution would be some inexpensive display device that could be hooked up to some normal I/O port, or better yet, a PC with a built - in diplay. Currently, Radio Shack and Sharp carry small, calculator size computers with built in displays: these would be perfect, except that they come with less than 2k of memory, plus the keyboards are made for elves (or other tiny people). Does any one know of something due to come out on the market soon, or some display device that would suit my needs (or do I need to found my own company to build what I want??? Seems there would be a need for this - Sony has a portable typewriter with memory, but the cost is about $1000, which is a bit steep, considering all you can do is type. At least with a pc you can play games!!) Thanx in advance Ihor Kinal Bell Labs, Holmdel x5958 hou5a!ijk.
jss (08/19/82)
47th Street Photo in NYC has something listed in their catalog which is just what he wants. I can't remember off hand what they call it or how much it is, but if you call for their catalog and look through the typewriter section, you'll find it.
mash (08/20/82)
hou5a.130 noted the wish for the portable device that can be used to take notes, then upload later: you may have to found your own company; I've been hunting for it for years, and have had no luck. My requirements may be more stringent, although they're typical of managers who both travel and use UNIX heavily for project management, communication, and text-handling. I'd like an Alan Kay-style Dynabook, but would settle for the following: 1: KEYBOARD: must be OK for typing, i.e., 11" minimum width, membranes and calculators need not apply. 2: DISPLAY: minimum 1 line of 40 characters, with intelligent handling of 80-character lines 3: MEMORY: must have enough local memory to hold 1-2 days worth of note-taking. builtin RAM, plug-in RAM boxes, microcassettes, ANYTHING! 4: COMMUNICATIONS: must be usable as terminal, with reasonable upload and download. 5: LOCAL EDITING: minimal, but at least something (for on the plane) 6: TV ADAPTOR: (optional): use as terminal with TV 7: SIZE: package offering items 1-5 must fit in little more than half a briefcase, i.e., cannot be much bigger than 8.5 x 11 x 2 inches. Terminals we've tried: SONY TypeCorder: closest tothe ideal. Keyboard good (albeit lcaking CTRL and a few other keys), microcassete, OK, but can only SEND, not RECEIVE! SONY engineers brought us a prototype of a model with adequate communications, and it was really pretty good. I offered a P.O. to buy serial #1 of it, but after many months, I was told they'd decided not to build them after all. Panasonic/Quasar Hand Held Computers: they have all the pieces, nicely packaged, although plugin RAM is much more expensive and awkward than SONY microcassette. Work OK as terminal. Keyboard is just too small. LEX-21 (portably hardcopy, 40 characters wide): not bad, although hardcopy is not wonderful, and it's a bit bigger than I liked. It had many weird codes, and seemed a bit hard to use. GE MarkQuick (the talking one): pretty good, but the one had was very difficult to make work as a terminal; it also seemed to run out of local memory very fast. Any other suggestions? - john mashey
djb (08/20/82)
Does anyone know anything about the Epson HX-20? There was a short product announcement in the April 1982 Byte (p. 104) and it seems to be the kind of portable computer/terminal/workstation that is required. Price is reasonable (<$1000, but not firmly set by Epson at that time). There are even pictures of a prototype unit included with the article. David Bryant cbosg!djb
bstempleton (08/20/82)
I don't know about you, but even the best keyboards make noise when you type on them. I would think your prof and the other students would throw you out of class on your ear if you used one to take notes for more than a few minutes. clickity-clackity-clack - how terrible! There are people coming out with really small displays you can get. With one of those, you can get a "computer in the keyboard" affair like a vic-20 or a commodore 64. (The odd thing about the commodore 64 is that it has a REALLY nice feeling keyboard in a good arrangement. Pretty amazing for under $600)