[comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc] Help deciding on a Portable Computer

srm@dimacs.rutgers.edu (Scott R. Myers) (03/03/91)

I need recommendations for a Portable IBM compatible that fits the following
Specs.  


Processor: 	8088/8086/V20
Memory (RAM):	640K
Display:	Backlit/CGA
Disk Drive:	(1 or 2)1.44MB 3.5" floppy
I/O:		Serial/Parallel Ports
Power:		Battery/AC
Weight:		Under 7lbs

Options:
		2400 Baud Modem	
		Spare Battery

Cost: (without options)
	under $900 preferably under $700 but I will try to be realistic
	to get what I want.


These are not written in stone.  I need a machine that fits the build as
closely as possible.

The few I've found that come close are the following:

	Sharp MZ200
	Panasonic CF-150B
	Toshiba T1000 (not SE/LE/XE)
	Tandy 1100 FD (really a Panasonic CF-150B w/Deskmate in ROM)
	Toshiba T1000SE (A little over my budget but absolutely Ideal)

The Sharp MZ200 seems to fit my specs but I don't know if it has a Backlit
Screen.  I'm still waiting on info from Sharp.  My main concern is the
reliable of the products recommended and the quality of the service (ie.
repairs).  Thanx in advance.

	
-- 

				Scott R. Myers

Snail:	26 Stiles Street			Phone:(908)352-4162
        Apartment 18
	Elizabeth, NJ 07208

Arpa:	srm@dimacs.rutgers.edu			Uucp: ..!dimacs!srm

		"... No matter where you go, there you are ..."

gettys@regent.enet.dec.com (Bob Gettys N1BRM) (03/04/91)

In article <Mar.2.22.44.46.1991.1141@dimacs.rutgers.edu>, srm@dimacs.rutgers.edu (Scott R. Myers) writes...
> 
>I need recommendations for a Portable IBM compatible that fits the following
>Specs.  
> 
>The few I've found that come close are the following:
> 
>	Sharp MZ200
>	Panasonic CF-150B
>	Toshiba T1000 (not SE/LE/XE)
>	Tandy 1100 FD (really a Panasonic CF-150B w/Deskmate in ROM)
>	Toshiba T1000SE (A little over my budget but absolutely Ideal)
>  
>	
>-- 
> 
>				Scott R. Myers
> 


	Realize that there is more difference than is apparent at first glance
between the Panasonic CF-150B and the Tandy 1100FD. They are basically the same
machine and in fact are both made by Tandy, but there are some very important
differences. One the DeskMate software which is only in the Tandy and only
partly in ROM anyway. Another is the fact that the Tandy is NOT backlit and the
Panasonic is. The biggest difference is that the Tandy cannot take the 1 meg
expansion board that will go in the Panasonic. 

	As for the Toshiba's, I would highly reccomend them except for the
basic T1000. That one is not backlit either. Of the T1000's there is the SE, XE
and LE. The SE is floppy only, the XE is hard disk only (20 megs), and the LE
has both. This is being typed on an LE right now! Any of the three are good
units and are almost identical except for the drive setup as noted. The LE can
be found for $1600 (see the latest Computer Shopper), and the others for less.
I've seen SE's going for under $1k used, so you might want to look around.

	/s/	Bob Gettys