Eric.Bohlman@p1.f778.n115.z1.fidonet.org (Eric Bohlman) (07/27/90)
Index Number: 9563 DA> The ideal single switch access system would be: DA> A standard computer so cost is low and maitanence is straightforward. DA> IBM compatible so the software could be developed on an IBM and ported DA> without modification. DA> About the size of an Atari Portfolio but with larger text and a clearer DA> screen. DA> DA> Built-in RS232 to drive the second computer. DA> ++++++ DA> The Atari Portfolio comes close but is a little too small, has a lousey DA> screen and the RS232 is an extra. DA> The other item lacking is a small, portable, low cost speech system DA> which produces clear, good quality speech. DA> With recent developments in both areas I hope we will see these specs met DA> in the near future. Perhaps PORTFOLIO II and a portable ECHO that does DA> not require an expansion slot. TASH out of Canada developed a keyboard emulator based on a VIC-20. I think they have IBM compatibles among the supported systems. There are plenty of serial-port synthesizers around; some Echo models and the Audapter are fairly portable (If you have access to the Blinktalk echo, make inquiries about synthesizers there). I really think a keyboard emulator should have a CRT display rather than an LCD. The viewing angles for LCDs are just too critical, especially for a user who may not be able to adjust the position easily. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!115!778.1!Eric.Bohlman Internet: Eric.Bohlman@p1.f778.n115.z1.fidonet.org
Dennis.Asher@p0.f626.n690.z3.fidonet.org (Dennis Asher) (08/09/90)
Index Number: 9626 DJATASH out of Canada developed a keyboard emulator based on a DJAVIC-20. I think that system is no longer available due to the demise of the VIC 20. It was never updated to the C64. I have looked at the possibility of doing that but it is not worth it. I am more interested in a portable system which would drive a laptop. DJAThere are plenty of serial-port synthesizers around; some Echo DJAmodels and the Audapter are fairly portable (If you have access DJAto the Blinktalk echo, make inquiries about synthesizers there). I haven't access to TalkBlink yet but I am trying to find out if it comes into Autralia. There are a lot of other very interesting support group echos which would be useful here too. DJAI really think a keyboard emulator should have a CRT display DJArather than an LCD. I agree, but for a portable the CRT is not viable. If only alpha-numeric characters are required then perhaps a small display system driven by the host PC would be possible. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!3!690!626.0!Dennis.Asher Internet: Dennis.Asher@p0.f626.n690.z3.fidonet.org