From: rwb00@avon.as (Robert W Beveridge)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Re: Mac vs DOS Laptops?
Date: 22 Dec 92 18:51:59 GMT
Reply-To: rwb00@avon.as
Organization: Sun Microsystems


In article lovc0u@fangio.wa.com, raoul@fangio.wa.com (Jeffrey E. Benedict) writes:
>
>In article <1992Dec22.014711.2224@ccsvax.sfasu.edu> (comp.sys.laptops), f_riskph@ccsvax.sfasu.edu writes:
>> At the risk of asking too broad a question, I'm interested in comments
>> regarding the pros and cons of Mac versus DOS laptops.  I use both a Mac and a
>> DOS machine in the office and wonder about which I want on the road.  Weight is
>> a factor and so is size.  The DOS machines certainly seem faster and it seems
>> that translation software is improving.
>
>Here's my standard reply:
>
>1. Let software drive hardware.  Since you use both at work, consider
>exactly what you do out in the field.  If you write notes, letters
>and the such, pick the one which runs the word processing software
>you like.  If you crunch numbers, ditto- choose the one which runs
>the numbers software you like.  Since there are packages for both
>which run on both platforms without translation (123, Word, WordPerfect),
>consider the next point:

I would pretty much agree with this. Personally, I mainly use Excel and
Word/Word for Windows on macs and pcs, which are pretty much the same on
the two platforms. 

>2. Do you like function keys or do you prefer a mouse?  IMHO, as a
>PowerBook owner, the PB trackball has it hands down over any of the
>trackball solutions for DOS laptops that hang off the side or are
>embedded in the keyboard.  If you prefer function keys (and there
>are many advantages- speed, macro ability, etc.), get a DOS laptop.
>The PB has no function keys of any type. 

I am quite comfortable with the logitech trackman, but it takes a bit
of getting used to...as does the powerbook trackball. I prefer a mouse to
any trackball solution I have tried.
 
>Again, IMHO, if I was to have a DOS laptop, I wouldn't bother with Windows.  
>Why handicap a system with slow old Windows and a cruddy trackball 
>(or a mouse- just where am I supposed to put the damn thing, anyway?) 
>when there is plenty of fast software for good old DOS that uses function keys?

Here I disagree. Windows doesn't seem slow on my 386SX/25 laptop, and the
trackman works fine. The trackman is detachable, so in most situations, I
can stand it up next to the laptop, which makes it much more mouse-like
then any trackball. I could also plug in a serial mouse, if I really
needed to.

>3. PowerBooks aren't the lightest laptop out there, but the Duo is
>supposed to be better.  An added advantage for the Duo could be the
>DuoDock.  Just slide it into the dock and you are at work at home.
> Slide it out and into the bag and you are on the road.

The Duos I've played with in stores are quite light and compact. I don't
think they had a built in floppy though.

>I've been really happy with my PowerBook 140.  No hardware glitches,
>utter reliability. I carry it with me each day and use it for about
>4 hours each day.  Sure would like the active matrix screen, but that's
>a whole 'nother thang!! ($$$!!!)

Well, cost is a big factor for me, too - one of the reasons I opted for
a Toshiba over a PowerBook. I think the PBs are good machines - but there
are good DOS based machines, too. If one really doesn't care about the
Sys 7 vs Windows (or DOS) issues, then I would just buy whatever machine
has the best features/price/performance - which because of Apple's pricing,
would likely be a DOS based unit...