HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: ts@cbnewsj.cb.att.com (Tim Su)
Subject: SCSI Interface Thru Parallel Port
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: na
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1992 00:46:21 GMT
Keywords: SCSI, Parallel Port

	Hi:

	I'm looking for information regarding hooking up external
	SCSI drive and CD-ROM through an SCSI adapter on the 
	parallel port of a notebook. Any happy owners out there?

	I'm interested specifically on the brand names and
	model numbers of removable SCSI drive and CD-ROM that
	are proven to be working with notebook PC, especially
	AST notebook.

	Is Tranter the only parallel port SCSI adapter maker?

	Thanks in advance for any information.

	Tim Su
	tsu@io.ATT.COM
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: elfman@leland.Stanford.EDU (Bruce Wayne Yu)
Subject: PB160 or Duo210?
Organization: DSG, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA
Distribution: comp.sys.laptops
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 92 23:10:24 GMT


Being far away from home, i was looking for a laptop instead of a regular 
desktop computer. i came across the PB160 and was ready to buy it when
i saw that the new Duos were coming out.  is it worth getting a Duo with
all that extra equipment or should i just stick with the PB160?  i'm
planning on being an electrical engineering major and might do some stuff
with computer music.  is one more upgradable than the other?

thanks for any input,

Bruce Yu
Stanford University
From: cording@sorokin.anu.edu.au (Dean Cording)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Re: Do laptops need screensavers?
Date: 18 Nov 92 12:05:24 GMT
Organization: Australian National University
NNTP-Posting-Host: 150.203.76.12

hyatt@cis.uab.edu (Robert Hyatt) writes:

>In article <BxM9EK.17y@csfb1.fir.fbc.com> uunet!csfb1!jbrock writes:
>>As I understand it, the purpose of a screensaver (aside from looking
>>pretty) is to prevent a static image from being "burned in" to your
>>screen.  The flat laptop screen in its many varieties is a very
>>different animal from the full sized PC monitor.  Does it share the
>>"burning in" problem?


>No it doesn't, don't worry about the LCD "burning in".... on a CRT, the
>phosphor can slowly burn and "store" an image if it is left on long enough.
>Not so for our laptop/notebook/etc. machines

However, phosphor do suffer from burning in.  We have a Toshiba 3200 with
a phosphor screen that is used for the Lanalyzer on our network.  It
has the display pretty heavily etched into the screen.
>-- 
>!Robert Hyatt                    Computer and Information Sciences   !


--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dean Cording 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: auerbach@ncsu.edu (David D Auerbach)
Subject: Re: Any experience with Personic's Laptop Ultravision?
Organization: North Carolina State University
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 01:09:43 GMT

shim@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (What's my name?) writes:

>   Has anyone had any experience with Laptop Ultravision by Personics? 
>Does it work well?  How is the font?  Does it slow down the video?  And
>how big is the driver?  Thanks!

It works incredibly well; you have a choice of fonts and many are much
better than the native font, and come in useful sizes. It speeds up the video.
It loads high.  
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: mstieb@nyx.cs.du.edu (Michael Stieb)
Subject: Expansion for laptops?
Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix @ U. of Denver Math/CS dept.
Date: Sun, 22 Nov 92 01:44:30 GMT


   After reading a post in this group, a question came to me.  Unless I am
mistaken a docking station for a laptop is always proprietary.  With the
advent of SCSI converters for parallel ports, is is not possible to create
a docking station that only required a parallel port?  I realize at this
time only SCSI devices can be used, but with technology rapidly advancing
it should be possible to eventually add a SCSI keyboard interface or video
interface?  Even if we are not able to add video and a keyboard interface,
could we not just use a case and power supply and daisy chain perephrials?
 DCS offers a product called a slot box that is used to allow a user to
use something like a daughter card to hook into early Tandy's single 8 bit
slot and give the user eight more slots.  I know that the talented
individuals in this industry can offer something like this to us if we
express our desire for it.
Comments?

Michael Stieb
Stieb@outlaw.uwyo.edu

Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: shim@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (What's my name?)
Subject: Any experience with Personic's Laptop Ultravision?
Organization: The Ohio State University
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1992 23:48:47 GMT

   Has anyone had any experience with Laptop Ultravision by Personics? 
Does it work well?  How is the font?  Does it slow down the video?  And
how big is the driver?  Thanks!

-Sam-

Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: creider@taptet.sscl.uwo.ca (Chet A. Creider)
Subject: care and use of NiMH batteries
Organization: University of Western Ontario, London
Distribution: comp.sys.laptops
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1992 11:06:42 GMT
Followup-To: creider@csd.uwo.ca

There has recently been quite a bit of discussion about the care
and feeding of NiCad batteries.  Can anyone give a similar fact
sheet or even a recount of experience for/with NiMH batteries?

Thanks,

Chet Creider
creider@csd.uwo.ca
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: greff@eecs.umich.edu (vincent greff)
Subject: Buying a laptop Amrel 486DXU33 vs CompuDyne 486DX33
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 92 16:06:29 EST
Organization: University of Michigan
Distribution: comp.sys.laptops

I'm currently in the process of buying a laptop and
I'd like some feedback/impression/experiences from
people using/having used the following:

-Amrel 486DXU33 laptop
-CompuDyne 486DX33 laptop


I'm particularly interseted in battery life and portability.


Thanx in advance for your help.

Vince

E-mail: greff@eecs.umich.edu
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Re: Do laptops need screensavers?
From: fred-mckenzie@ksc.nasa.gov (Fred McKenzie)
Date: 19 Nov 92 13:52:59 EST
Followup-To: comp.sys.laptops
Distribution: world
Organization: NASA/Kennedy Space Center, Florida

In article <BxM9EK.17y@csfb1.fir.fbc.com>, jbrock@csfb1.fir.fbc.com (John
Brock) wrote:
> As I understand it, the purpose of a screensaver (aside from looking
> pretty) is to prevent a static image from being "burned in" to your
> screen.  The flat laptop screen in its many varieties is a very
> different animal from the full sized PC monitor.  Does it share the
> "burning in" problem?

John-

The LCD screens probably do not suffer the "burn" problem.  They have their
own failure modes, but I suspect they will fail at the same rate whether on
or off.  A little heat from being operated, may be beneficial.

The Gas Plasma displays are a different story.  The failure mode is most
likely the result of electrons bombarding anodes, causing ions to be
ejected from their surfaces, which accellerate until they impact with a
cathode, causing metalic material to be ejected from the cathode surface. 
As a result, the cathode loses its ability to emit electrons, and the gas
becomes contaminated.  Once the firing potential of the contaminated gas
increases beyond the available voltage, the characters in that area of the
display will flicker or fail to light up.  Depending on how they are built,
the entire display might be affected, rather than the small areas
associated with phospor burn-in on a CRT.

This is speculation on my part, based on plasma display experience from
many years ago.  Modern displays may have overcome this early problem.  I
don't know if plasma displays for laptops have been around long enough yet,
to exhibit this problem.  Has anyone observed any such failures of their
plasma display?

fred-mckenzie@ksc.nasa.gov
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: schuster@panix.com (Michael Schuster)
Subject: Re: Any experience with Personic's Laptop Ultravision?
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 14:08:49 GMT
Organization: PANIX Public Access Unix & Internet, NYC

In article <1992Nov17.234847.15001@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu> shim@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (What's my name?) writes:
>
>   Has anyone had any experience with Laptop Ultravision by Personics? 
>Does it work well?  How is the font?  Does it slow down the video?  And
>how big is the driver?  Thanks!

It works VERY well. There are many fonts, some good; some not so good.
Video is slowed down only if you go beyond 80x24. Otherwise it seems
faster. The driver is about 16K, and can be loaded high.


-- 
_______________________________Mike Schuster________________________________
NY Pub. Access UNIX/Internet: schuster@panix.com | 70346.1745@CompuServe.COM
The Portal (R) System: schuster@shell.portal.com | MCI Mail,GEnie: MSCHUSTER
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: bross@splatter.nas.nasa.gov (Wilson S. Ross)
Subject: Re: NiCad batteries again
Keywords: Storage, interrupted charging
Organization: NAS Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 92 03:55:52 GMT

My Toshiba battery was force-charged by a friend who has some sort
of generic charging equipment. It had reached a point where the machine
would not operate at all with the battery - even plugged in. Now it has
remained plugged & working for months, i.e, I have overcome the problem
of always shuffling batteries for home use. My other battery (still
good, I hope) sits on the shelf for when I travel. The 'dead' battery
isn't good without the power supply.

Bill Ross
From: jnv@cl.cam.ac.uk (Neil Viljoen)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: PLEASE: Contura Trackball
Date: 21 Nov 92 18:05:08 GMT
Reply-To: jnv@cl.cam.ac.uk
Organization: Cambridge Hardware Verification Group

----
Could anybody with a Contura with a Compaq Trackball (Contura coloured
Logitech Trackman) please mail me the order code on it (should be on the
packaging). I am running in circles to find it PLEASE!

Cheers and thanks

-- 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neil Viljoen			|  Tel: +44-223-334688
Univ. of Cambridge		|  Fax: +44-223-334678
Computer Laboratory		|  
Pembroke Street			|  Email: jnv@cl.cam.ac.uk
Cambridge CB2 3QG		|
England				|
Xref: sparky comp.sys.laptops:4350 comp.sys.sun.hardware:5729
From: rseymour@reed.edu (Robert Seymour)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops,comp.sys.sun.hardware
Subject: Re: SUN Sparc-Compatible Laptops
Date: 18 Nov 92 22:16:10 GMT
Article-I.D.: reed.1992Nov18.221610.4563
Reply-To: rseymour@reed.edu
Organization: Reed College, Portland, OR

In article <83631@ut-emx.uucp> sjk@ut-emx.uucp (Phil Alvin) writes:
> 
> I am interested in getting information on Sparc-compatible laptops,
> but I don't know where to start.  Who makes such things?  What do
> they cost?  How compatible are they?  Is it possible top set one up
> to run with a large drive, etc. at one location and stand-alone
> when travelling with it?  Where should I look for more information
> and pricing?  Are there academic pricings available?
> 
> Thanks much for any information,
> 
> Scot

	Tadpole makes a SPARC based notebook called the SPARCbook. They only  
sell direct. It was reviewed in UNIX World December 1992 (or UNIX review). It  
can hold two 2.5" HDs or one HD and one FD. The test configuration of 32MB RAM  
and two HDs ran $19,995. It doesn't have a SCSI port, but the parallel can be  
used to add one. Look at the article for more information.

--
Robert Seymour				rseymour@reed.edu
Departments of Physics and Philosophy
Artificial Life Project			Reed College
Reed Solar Energy Project (SolTrain)	Portland, OR
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: norwest@tessa.iaf.uiowa.edu (norwest)
Subject: Info needed for Unix on laptops!!
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 22:15:05 GMT
Organization: University of Iowa, Image Analysis Facility

I am looking for any information on ANY Unix that runs on ANY laptop.

Specifically:  
  - Hardware Brand
  - Software Flavor
  - Est. Cost

Jon Hoverson
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: daled@cadence.com (Dale DePriest)
Subject: Re: Tandy 3800HD (Cyrix processor)
Organization: Cadence Design Systems
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 18:43:24 GMT

Doug writes:

The processor is a Cyrix Cx486SLC processor, apparently a low-power 486sx20
clone.  For this price, I can buy a name-brand non-Tandy 386-25 (I also
noticed that the 386-25 and real 486sx20 machines list MUCH higher).
 
End Doug:

I have also been watching this machine.  Although the new sales prices
on the 4800's are making the decision a tougher one.  Here is what I
have been able to piece together about the Cyrix chip.

Internally it is a 486 processor in that it executes approx 1 instruction
per clock.  The SLC designation should indicate that it has some
power management and low power modes but I don't know for sure.  It has
a 1K cache inside as compared to intels 8K.  It only has a 16bit bus and
is thus similar to the 386sx instead of the 486sx which is why Radio
Shack puts it in their 3800 series.  The modem and battery are a lot 
cheaper as well.

The results of all this is that it should perform similar to a 386sx
operating at somewhere near 33MHz or better depending on memory wait
states and cache hits.  (This is only conjecter)

There are some other laptops out there using this chip.  Anybody
got any definitive data?



--
    _      _     Dale DePriest  		San Jose, California
   /`) _  //     daled@Cadence.COM		voice: (408) 428-5249
 o/_/ (_(_X_(`	 
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: tligman@andy.bgsu.edu (thomas ligman)
Subject: Re: Compudyne 3SXL/25 problems (was: Dell NL25)
Organization: Bowling Green State Univ.
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 15:19:49 GMT

In article <1eh98lINNgn5@swan.doc.ic.ac.uk> jg@doc.ic.ac.uk (Joao Jose Costa Gondim) writes:
>
>
>I am quiite happy with my Compudyne 3SXL/25, in terms of speed,
>capacity, battery liife, and the overall feel.
>
I too am happy with all of these things...

>But there are a few minuses, and I would like to hear fromm
>othher owners if they have the same problems.
>
>1. The first problem iis apparent in what is wwritten here, some
>   keyys repeat themselves. Anybody knows some cure?

I called Tech support on this and they said to put this line in my autoexec:
oops... that explains why it's been happening to me... call tech support
and they'll help you...

 >2. The other problem is with the clock. When iit
enters in
some >   of the sleep or doze modes, it returns with the wrong time,
>   as if the clock stopped while sleeping. And it keeps thhe wrong
>   time even after rebootting. Again, any suggested cuure?

I never noticed this, but I'm probably just stupid...
>
>3. Lastly, just a question. Anybody knows how much costs its internal
>   fax-modem? IIs it easy to install? (the manuual says it should be
>   done by a dealer, but I am at 10.000 miles from the nnearest one)

It's VERY easy to install if you have an exacto and don't mind cutting
your computer open and it costs $99 for send only, $199 for send and
receive. > > 
-- 
                        *************************
                        **tligman@andy.bgsu.edu**
                        *************************
"Fuck me gently with a chainsaw" -a line from the movie "Heathers"
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: doug@cc.ysu.edu (Doug Sewell)
Subject: Tandy 3800HD (Cyrix processor)
Organization: Bush in 92 ? NOT!
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL4
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1992 03:36:03 GMT

A recent Radio Shack flyer listed their 3800HD machine for $1688, down
from $1999.  The new flyer advertises the same price for the machine.

This is a 60MB disk/2MB RAM (user-upgradable to 4MB with standard SIMMs,
you don't have to pay their outrageous price) machine shipped with DOS5
and Windows.  The keyboard and screen seemed decent (I'm going to have
to check it out some more).

The processor is a Cyrix Cx486SLC processor, apparently a low-power 486sx20
clone.  For this price, I can buy a name-brand non-Tandy 386-25 (I also
noticed that the 386-25 and real 486sx20 machines list MUCH higher).

Comments ?
--
Doug Sewell, Tech Support, Computer Center, Youngstown State University
doug@cc.ysu.edu	   doug@ysub.bitnet	<internet>!cc.ysu.edu!doug

cat core | uuencode bunny.dropping | mail jp@tygra.michigan.com
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: 96kfd@williams.edu (Kyle F Downey)
Subject: Broken bonds--Nippon and Librex?
Organization: Williams College, Williamstown, MA
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 01:12:41 GMT

	I am about to purchase a used notebook, and someone has called
my attention to the fact that Librex is now an "orphan" of Nippon
Steel, i.e., the producer has gone out of the notebook business. Does
anyone have any idea how easy it will be to find used/new upgrade
components or replacement parts? The computer meets and (in some
facets) exceeds my needs, which are not going to change (mostly word
processing), so I'm not too worried about things like RAM
availability, but what about battery replacements? How standardized
are batteries for laptops and notebooks? Thanks in advance.


Kyle  


Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops,comp.os.ms-windows.apps
From: syny@crux2.cit.cornell.edu (R Craig Stevenson)
Subject: Software Mouse (e.g. K-U-I by softac) Recommendations?
Organization: Cornell Information Technologies
Date: 22 Nov 92 21:08:39 GMT

As a laptop owner (Toshiba 3300SL), I find that having to connect an
external mouse device each time I want to use Windows is rather
cumbersome and annoying.

I am looking for recommendations on software which will emulate a
mouse using keyboard keys (such as the arrow keys).

I am specifically looking for recommendations on the K-U-I software by
softac.  They are offering their product for $39.95.  [I always hate
when people post about software offers but don't include any phone
numbers, so here is theirs: 1-800-362-5939]

Thanks,
Craig Stevenson

Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: hyatt@cis.uab.edu (Robert Hyatt)
Subject: Re: Do laptops need screensavers?
Organization: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 18:58:34 GMT

In article <168A4DC6A.97994779@wsuvm1.csc.wsu.edu> 97994779@wsuvm1.csc.wsu.edu writes:
>In article <1992Nov13.010708.23010@panix.com>
>schuster@panix.com (Michael Schuster) writes:
> 
>>In article <BxM9EK.17y@csfb1.fir.fbc.com> uunet!csfb1!jbrock writes:
>>>As I understand it, the purpose of a screensaver (aside from looking
>>>pretty) is to prevent a static image from being "burned in" to your
>>>screen.  The flat laptop screen in its many varieties is a very
>>>different animal from the full sized PC monitor.  Does it share the
>>>"burning in" problem?
>>
>>An engineer at Matsushita's display labs debunked this stuff here
>>this summer. You cannot shorten the lifetime of passive LCD displays using
>>black-on-white vs. white-on-black, nor can you "burn in" a pattern
>>by displaying it too long.
>>
>I have Toshiba T3100SX with Gas Plasme display, and you can most definately
>burn the screen. (I know I've done it)
> 
> 

I've got an old Toshiba 3100/20 that I've used as a home machine for 5 years
plus with kids playing games, leaving it on overnite, etc.  To this date,
the display looks just like new.


-- 
!Robert Hyatt                    Computer and Information Sciences   !
!hyatt@cis.uab.edu               University of Alabama at Birmingham !
From: geoff@tyger.Eng.Sun.COM (Geoff Arnold @ Sun BOS - R.H. coast near the top)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops,comp.sys.sun.hardware
Subject: Re: SUN Sparc-Compatible Laptops
Keywords: What / where are they?
Date: 16 Nov 92 05:03:39 GMT
Organization: SunSelect
NNTP-Posting-Host: tyger.east.sun.com

Quoth ctalbott@mksol.dseg.ti.com (christopher j talbott) (in <1992Nov15.221752.27708@mksol.dseg.ti.com>):
#There's an company called Tadpole Technologies which manufactures a
#SPARC-compatible laptop.  It's called a SPARCBook, and it's basically
#a Sun SPARCStation IPC/IPX in a laptop case.  It uses the exact same
#motherboard as the IP? series.

Nope. You're thinking of the BriteLite - that *does* use an IP[CX]
motherboard.  The SPARCbook uses the same CPU as the IPC but is
otherwise a completely custom design, using lots of PC components. For
example, there is no SCSI port, but there is a parallel port which can
be used with the Trantor parallel-to-SCSI adaptor to hook up external
SCSI devices.

# I'm not sure what size drives they offer,

The new drive size is 180MB. You can have one HD and one floppy, or two
HDs (360MB) and no floppy. I opted for the latter, but only after
checking carefully: you *can* install the OS from CD locally or over
the net... :-) I just hope I don't run into too many software packages
that require a local diskette for licensing info.

#but at last count, the screen they provide is 1024x768, which is not quite
#as large as the Sun-standard 1152x900, and it's monochrome.

Tadpole offers both monochrome and active-matrix colour screens, both
640x480 (VGA). You can also drive an external VGA monitor at 800x600.
The active matrix display is gorgeous, but I couldn't justify the extra
$2K... :-(

#I think the
#basic SPARCBook starts at around $6000.  You should be able to find an
#ad for them in either UNIXWorld or SunExpert.

Pricing increases rapidly as you load on RAM and features. A fully
loaded colour system will eat up the best part of $20K. The only real
disappointment is that the built-in modem is only 2400 baud (9600 baud
for FAX): with V32bis SLIP (and later PPP) would be really usable.
Maybe someone will come up with a parallel-port ISDN interface.

#Another entry in the SPARC laptop arena was a company called RDI, with
#a product called BriteLite.  A company called AnDataCo (800-334-9191) was
#marketing them for a while, but the last information I have about it is
#over a year old.

RDI is still in business, I beieve. The BriteLite is a laptop rather
than a notebook (the SPARCbook is only 6.8 pounds), and it  needs
mains juice. The gas plasma screen is a full 1152x900, I think.
It's a nice box, but I won't trade my SPARCbook (you'll have to pry
my cold fingers, etc. etc. etc.)
--
Geoff Arnold, PC-NFS architect, Sun Select. (geoff.arnold@East.Sun.COM)
-----------
News software that enforces a four-line .signature limit is responsible for
the fact that these postings just go on and on and on and seem to end in mid-
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops,misc.forsale.computers,misc.forsale.computers.pc-clone
From: 96kfd@williams.edu (Kyle F Downey)
Subject: Wanted: PCMIA modem/information
Organization: Williams College, Williamstown, MA
Date: Sun, 22 Nov 1992 16:27:14 GMT

	How and where could I get a PCMIA-based 2400 baud modem? Are they very
expensive? Does anyone have one used, perchance?
	The college is going campus-wide ethernet access next summer.
Will there be ethernet adaptor available in PCMIA form then? Would
they be very expensive in comparison to desktop 16-bit ethernet cards?
	Also, any thoughts on the Librex T-series notebooks?

	Thanks in advance.

Kyle F. Downey
96kfd@williams.edu


Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops