[comp.sys.laptops] Want Info on Tandy 2810HD

dbalcom@gmuvax.gmu.edu (06/19/91)

Hello all,

I'm looking to possibly dump my Toshiba 1000SE this summer in favor of
Tandy's 2810HD.  Does anyone have one of these machines, and if so, what
do you think of it?  By sight alone, I want to go with it over Zeos's
machine, because of auto-resume and 16 MHz vs. 12 MHz.  Plus the Tandy's
keyboard seems to be laid out like my Toshiba's, with dedicated Home,
PgUp, PgDn, and End keys.  Trifles, but important ones to me.

Can you put an internal modem in the Tandy?  This is no longer critical due
to Hayes's new mini-pocket modem, but I would prefer it.

I would appreciate any and all information that you collective could provide
me with.  Thanks in advance,

David Balcom
Fairfax, VA
'no .sig, I make things
up as I go along'

RFM@psuvm.psu.edu (06/22/91)

I've got a 2810, bought it about a month ago, and like it just fine.
RS has a *Sale* (???) going on right now -- $2199, plus zero-interest
financing. It's fast, has good screen, good keyboard feel (IMHO), and
is light. System comes with 1 meg, can be upgraded to 5, but only
in two-meg chunks. RS prices for extra memory, etc. are outof sight,
but Fort Worth Computer sells 1-meg cards for $145, so memory
upgrade runs $290. The 2810 uses the Intel 287-XLT coprocessor, a
*square* puppy. RS retail is @ $400; mail order is $205.
RS sells an internal modem for $195, retail. I had one installed
when I got my system, so I haven't checked mail order price. Battery is
rated for 3 hours or so, I've run my machine for 1.5 hrs on battery
with no problem.
External vga port (mislabelled RGB), serial, & parallel ports. You can
hook up an AT-style keyboard.
Last, system comes with a 20-meg harddrive. It is *FAST*, but toooo
small. I have to juggle dbase IV and Harvard Graphics back & forth
thru backup/restores, 'cuz I don't have room for both. With
norton backup this is a snap, but still a pain. If somebody ever
offers a 40-meg upgrade drive, I'll probably get.
I like the machine, am satisfied with it. I expect it'lldo for a year
or so, which is the coming up period when I'll be travelling extensively.
One of these days, 386sxportables will be selling for @$2000, and I'll
be salivating to upgrade. Probably next year.
BobM
PSU-Harrisburg