Date   : Tue, 04 Jun 1985 22:04:31 EST
From   : Herb Lin <LIN@MIT-MC.ARPA>
Subject: list of portables...

some time ago, I asked people to pass along suggestions for portables.
Here's what I got back.

05/27/85 10:53:10,442;000000000000
Date: 27 May 85 10:25:57 EDT (Mon)
From: Jeff Edelheit <edelheit at mitre.ARPA>
To:   lin at mit-mc.ARPA
Re:   true portables

For what it's worth, I was fairly impressed with the DG/1.  I was shown
a pre-production version and found that the screen was a little bit
difficult to read, but I understand that has been corrected.  I really
liked the idea of being able to attach a 5.25" drive to it.

Jeff Edelheit
(edelheit@mitre)
05/27/85 10:53:23,300;000000000000
Date: Mon, 27 May 85 03:20:24 EST
From: Jerry E. Pournelle <POURNE>
To:   LIN
Re:   true portables

HP is Real; Good with software etc but BUT BUT I at least cannot
wsee the oops cannot see the display.  Alas.
Data G 1 has better visibility but not as good software.  There
is no best.
jep
05/27/85 19:11:31,211;000000000000
Date: 27 May 1985 11:44-EDT
From: SCHNUR at USC-ISI.ARPA
To:   LIN at MIT-MC.ARPA
Re:   true portables

looking for people who have tried out in real world test the new
Gridcase.  It looks great onpaper.
05/27/85 19:12:24,488;000000000000
Date: Mon, 27 May 1985  13:25 EDT
From: Robert L. Krawitz <RLK%MIT-OZ at MIT-MC.ARPA>
Sender: ZZZ.RLK%MIT-OZ at MIT-MC.ARPA
To:   Herb Lin <LIN at MIT-MC.ARPA>
Re:   true portables

My favorite: HP portable.

Why:  better processor than the others (8086 vs 8088).

Plenty of memory.

Matched portable components (disk drive, printer) that apparently work
well in portable mode.

Rugged (rated to take 100G shock on all sides according to Creative
Computing).

Robert
05/28/85 14:30:07,1204;000000000000
Date: Mon, 27 May 85 21:09:56 EST
From: Eric Stork <STORK>
To:   LIN
Re:   true portables

Herb, I use the PX-8 (EPSON) while traveling.  I got the 120k add-on
memory, which makes the whole thing very practical.  I have no trouble
working on a cross-country flight (about five hours), and then
recharging.  I do not know what the limit is have not reached it.  I
dumpt to (and from) my S-100 system, using a version of MODEM2 set up
for the PX-8 by C>Strom of NYU.  Works great, at 4800 baud or better.
The only problem is getting the MODEM program on the unit.  No way to
do it but get a friend who has one to make up a micro cassette and
send it to you.  That's what Strom did for me, and I'll be glad to
help others.  Using some sort of pyramid, one could easily cover the
need - each one serve three, or something like that.

Cost: With discounts easily available locally, I paid abotu $1100 for
the unit PLUS the 120k add-on.  If you get one, get the simplest
possible cable (no tying of pins in the cable), and do your own typing
by mating the Epson cable to a DB-25 female connector and then to
whatever you like.

If you want nore data, respond direct to me.

Eric Stork
05/28/85 14:30:50,657;000000000000
Date: 28 May 1985 06:31-PDT
From: STANLEY at USC-ECLB
To:   lin
Re:   True Portables

Herb,

My vote is for the Radio Shack Model 100 for most portable uses.

Pros:    Truly    portable--fits   in   my   briefcase   Adequate
wordprocessing that downloads to WordStar via RS232 port Runs  on
batteries or AC power Rugged Good keyboard

Cons:  Won't do "fancy" things (but I don't usually do those away
from my desk anyway) on-volatile storage via cassette  tape  can
be  a  problem  sometimes  If  you`re  away  from  a power outlet,
batteries last only 3-4 hourr

                                ...Dick

P.S.  Added pro--it's cheap!!