[comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc] NEC Powermate question

jfb@naucse.cse.nau.edu (Jamie Bradford) (02/27/91)

I am looking to buy an IBM compatible system through my company's
employee purchasing program.  We have just gotten NEC authorized, 
so I can get a screaming deal on a Powermate SX/16 or SX/20.  I am
not at all familiar with these machines, however, and would like to 
request info from anyone out there who has had occasion to use or
work on (repair) one of these guys.

1)  First and foremost, are they quality machines?  How do they compare
    to similar machines from other companies and to the average Asian
    clone?

2)  How difficult are parts to obtain, either for upgrade or repair?

3)  Are they 100% compatible?  On this, I make the assumption that they are,
    as they are Novell certified.

4)  Can the mainboard be easily upgraded?  At what cost?

5)  Is the case large enough to accept full-height devices and full-length
    I/O cards?  

6)  Can the case be stood on end in a CPU stand?

I can't think of anything else, but any other information would be most
appreciated.

Please reply by e-mail, as I don't often have the time to check news.

Thanks.

Jamie Bradford
jfb@naucse.cse.nau.edu