Date   : Mon, 25 Mar 1985 17:07:40 GMT
From   : crean%ny1mm.dec@BRL-TGR.ARPA
Subject: Need Coleco ADAM info.

There's not really a "right" newsgroup for this question, so I'm posting it
to several.  It's a personal computer question, and I'm hoping that some of
the readers of this newsgroup might just be able to help. . .

Recently, Coleco announced that they were dumping the ADAM personal computer.
Since then, the system has become available at some large discount toy stores
at extremely attractive prices.  (i.e. < $300.00).  As I am a collector of
personal computers, this has picqued my interest.  However, I know next to
nothing about ADAM, and would like to have the input of some people who do
know about it.

Specifically, what sort of software is available?  Is it any good?  Is the
"built-in" word processing software any good?  The box says ADAM BASIC is
"source code compatible" with AppleSoft BASIC -- can I take that literally?
The box mentioned an optional disk drive as a future -- did that ever come
to pass?  What about the price?  Can I reasonably expect it to come down any
further, after the "liquidator" has recovered their investment?  How readily
available are they?  Have you seen many of them lying about?  (I'm concerned
that the supply might dwindle before I've made my decision.)

Also, I am a hardware hacker, and would be curious to learn what I can about
the innards of this beast.  In particular, how difficult might it be to get
ADAM to talk to my other machines (e.g.:  Atari, Commodore, DEC)?

To re-iterate:  I know NOTHING about ADAM, and so ANY information AT ALL would
be greatly appreciated.  (Even if it might seem like a trivial comment.)  Also,
pointers to good resources for further research would be appreciated.  (i.e.:
Is there a magazine that addresses the ADAM?  Any reliable mail-order sources
for software/hardware?)

Since I don't monitor all of the newsgroups to which I'm posting this, Email
to would be preferable.  I'll gladly summarize what I learn and post it here.

Many thanks,

 Kevin Crean
 DIGITAL Equipment Corp.

 U.S. Mail:  200 White Plains Road
             Tarrytown, NY  10591

 Telephone:  (914) 684-5721

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