cbl@uihepa.hep.uiuc.edu (Chris Luchini) (03/07/91)
Meta disclaimer: I don't know anything about the laptop/notebook computer field except that I want one. I just suscribed to this group today, so, please, cut me some slack if I ask stupid or obvious questions. I'm in the market for a very basic notebook or laptop 'puter that has the following requirements: - Built in modem, or can have one installed in the case - Full size screen (80 x 25), backlit - Runs for a few hours on batteries - Has available terminal emulation software and a text editor and good spell checker. - less than $1000 I've seen the DAK add for the NEC Ultralight, and it looks good. The total cost for the 2MB version + disk drive + extra battery comes to ~$1200. I have the following questions: How long does it really run on batteries (with the modem off)? (they claim 2 hours, i don't believe it) Are higher capacity batteries available, and at what cost? What is the real lifetime of the batteries in terms of the number of cycles before the wear out? How much does the battery weigh? How long will the "silicon hard drive" (static memory?) stay alive on battery power? It comes with MicroSoft Works 2.0,How much space does Works 2.0 take up? An extra 1Mb of static(?) memory is $200, are there cheaper alternatives? DAK offers a 3.5" (720k/1.44Mb) external drive for $200, are there cheaper alternatives? I will not need it to be portable, so weight/size is not a factor. -Thanks -Chris L. | Chris Luchini/1110 W. Green/Urbana IL 61801/217-333-0505 | | cbl@uihepa.hep.uiuc.edu (best) |Cluch@fnald.bitnet (second chance) |