Date   : Tue, 07 Dec 1982 05:00:00-EST
From   : Jerry E Pournelle <POURNE@Mit-Mc>
Subject: portables

    Date: 7-Dec-82 01:54:59-PST (Tue)
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    Re:   Unable to deliver mail

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    Date: 7 December 1982 04:48-EST
    From: Jerry E. Pournelle <POURNE@MIT-MC>
    Subject:  id A11717; 4-Dec-82 05:26:42-PST (Sat)
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       id A06705; 7-Dec-82 01:54:59-PST (Tue)
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       The Osborne is the VW of the portables, and features
    good introductory documentation, a GOOD dealer net with service
    etc., and very vanilla hardware features.  Lots of bundled
    software all good.

       The KayPro is a good machine, hardware speaking, but
    hasn't much good software with it.  The screen flickers; try it
    first,, you may no be able to stand it.  The KayPro screen is
    big enough to use alone; both Osborne and Otrona will require a
    larger monitor for on-station use.

       The Otrona is the BMW of the portables, and I agree with
    the referenced message about it; darned good machine.  I have
    one.  The dealer and service net is growing and well done also.
    But you will need a larger screen; fortunately there is a video
    out on the back for putting it on a monitor.
       You can use Otrona wihtout monitor, of course, and for a
    day or two is no problem; but I would hate to have to do it all
    the time.  

    I carry an Otrona to all the co,puter shows; I can have my
    choice of a lot of them.

    There is a new machine, ZORBA, out at COMDEX; looked good,
    competitively priced with Osborne and Kaypro.  Don't know about
    dealers, software,  or service.

    Hyperion is interesting; as is the new Teleray small computer
    which has a 4-line liquid crystal screen (and a video outlet;
    the 4 lines are a window into a 24 line display of course).  It
    looks good and should not be ignored.