From: cohen@GOMEZ.phys.virginia.edu
Subject: Re: Barebones TI 99 for $10:  is that a good deal?
Reply-To: cohen@GOMEZ.phys.virginia.edu
Organization: Dept. of Physics, University of Virginia
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1992 19:41:13 GMT

TONY D'ALFONSO writes:
>Article 688 of comp.sys.ti
>- 
>- 	Today I went to a thrift shop here and saw a TI 99/4A being
>- sold for $10.  Besides the computer and the power supply, some booklets
>- and TV/cassete cables are included in the package.  Does it worth going
>- after this machine?
>
>
>
>>No, not really, unless you are going to go alllllll the way. And that 
>>would cost big! Believe me, I know...
>
>>Andrew webster              andy-w@ersys.edmonton.ab.ca 
>
>
>Andy, why not?  It all depends on what the person wants to do with the machine.
>
>It all depends on what you want to do with the system.
>
>    ____
>     / o n y.

I agree.  haven't many of us started with the console only?
There are Users Groups with members havind a console and cassette recorder only.
Many people don't want to upgrade, but still get a lot from a minimal system.
It is very desirable to get the Extended BASIC cartridges.  If one plans on
Assembly, then the Mini Memory cartridge provides the possibility for a tape-
based minimal system.

In case you haven't known (And I bet you haven't) it is possible to run XB
program from the memory expansion and assembly programs from a CASSETTE system
if one has a stand-alone memory expansion (or 32K mem exp built into the
console).  There are assembly loaders, as well as hi-speed loaders for cassettes.
And CS1*FINDEX will help the cassette system owner create tapes with loaders,
namely- a system where the computer finds the program on the tape (without the
hassle of FF-PLAY-REW-PLAY-FF... on the recorder).  All these wonders can be done
with just a console, memory expansion unit, compatible tape recorder and XB 
cartridge.

More details on getting more from a cassette system are in the PD book "How to
get the most from your cassette system" by Mickey Schmidt and Mike Wright.
For those who have or plan to get the book- all programs in that book, and many
more, are available from many UG libraries (e.g., the Lima UG, or Jim Peterson's
Tigercub) for a nominal or no fee.  I have 3 disks with cassette system goodies
as per the above, available for the asking (though I would appreciate receiving
some programs from your personal disk library in exchange).  You will see again
how the 99/4A does things which TI told us it won't.

Personally, when I started with that console, I never planned to upgrade.  It
just happened....   I am sure there are many 99/4A's that never got upgraded
and are not getting much use.  But, if $10 is not a big expense for the person
who posted the question, it's worth trying.

The TI-99/4A also has one of the best collections of cartridge-based programs
for education, games, programming, personal enrichments, home/office...  all
very simple to use.

Having some limited experience with other home computers, I think the TI-99/4A
is the most exciting.  And, since the user community has forced the operating
system open, it is one of the most versatile, too (provided you remember its
limitations and are willing to accept them).

Have fun!
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ti