jeff@eng.umd.edu (Jeffrey Frey) (04/29/91)
Using the built-in FASTLYNX must be a pain, at least the first time. About half the computer manual for users is devoted to this process. I would therefore consider a 3.5" drive as essential, mostly for software transfers and backups. I have my software and autoexec, etc. files ona 3.5" disk just in case (if I can ever find some 2" disks I'll copy it on that medium). The second-biggest drawback is the 3.5" drive. It's actually very compact, and in size (volume) and weight is probably about comparable to the 3 headed FASTLYNX cable. BUT it's agonizingly slow. I'm going to try one of those programs that speeds up disk access to see if that will work. The biggest drawback is the screen. the MiniSport was originally introduced with a nonbacklit screen and later electroluminescent ab backlighting was provided. This EL is very feeble and probably only of much use in a completely darkened room. Unortunately the screen contrast is pretty low too. Also the screen is not very large so, in general, the screen is hard to read. Of course if you have a spare monitor around you can always plut it in. So, for $300 you'be got a very good notebook computer with nonvolatile tinydisk storage. For $475 yoj've got one with a 3.5" drive for software transfer. For about $550 you've got a desktop with CRT (mono) monotor. And the option of pulling the plugs and taking it on the road. Individual perceptions of cost/performance tradeoffs will influence the final decision.... Jeff