HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: gordon@robots.ox.ac.uk (Gordon Buxton)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Re: Local bus video on Notebooks, is it possible?
Date: 5 Oct 92 15:12:53 GMT
Organization: Robotics Research Group, Engineering Science Dept, Oxford, UK.
Originator: gordon@lucrece.robots

In article <15922@mindlink.bc.ca> Jean_Lemire@mindlink.bc.ca (Jean Lemire) writes:
>I have been quietly wondering about this idea for some time now and I have
>decided to go public with it.
>
>I now that local bus applications are only starting to surface on high end
>PCs but the concept intrigues me.  If it is possible, wouldn't local bus
>video be a great feature for notebooks running Windows or other GUIs ?!!
>
>I believe it would:
>
>-enhance and accelarate display performance

yes.

>-reduce battery run down

I suspect it would in fact increase the drain on the battery.
Normally, your video adapter hangs off the ISA bus and therefore runs
at about 8MHz.  Putting it on the local bus would make it run at
whatever speed the processor does (eg. 25MHz.) Since component power
consumption is reckoned to be approximately proportional to the clock
rate, the video adaptor would use more juice.

>-take up less space thus providing manufacturers ways of cutting size or
>adding other features

This would depend on the bus.  One of the toted advantages of 'Local
Bus' is that you can make it 32 bits wide as opposed to the 16 bits
that ISA give you.  More bits = more PCB tracks = more space used on
the board. Obviously, though, you can only have a 32 bit local bus on
a 32 bit processor such as a 386DX or 486SX/DX.

Also, the higher clock rate might lead to cooling problems in confined
spaces, so it might be self-defeating on this score too.

>-potentially reduce manufacturing costs once the process is well developed
>thus lowering prices

probably correct.

>I may be wrong on one or all these counts but afterall this is not only a
>problem solving group, it is also a forum for disscusion with potential input
>for people in the know that benefits all us technology junkies.  Any input
>would be greatly appreciated.
>
>So...Let it rip!!!

FX: RRRRRRIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPP.

Gordon
From: dnlg_ltd@uhura.cc.rochester.edu (Zaphod Beeblebrox)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Where to find CHEAP Laptops?
Date: 2 Oct 92 20:20:54 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of Rochester (Rochester, NY)

Hello all,
    I have a need for a laptop/notebook computer with a 286 processor, a VGA 
screen, a meg or two of RAM, a 20Mb HD, and a decent keyboard.  The problem is
that I have about $400 to spend on this.  Obviously the machine that I've 
described is "trailing-edge" technology, and is not readily available via 
distributors more interested in 386SLCs and 486s.  Can someone point me to a
reputable place selling either new or used machines of this type?  Thanks, and
please reply to dnlg_ltd@uhura.cc.rochester.edu

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|  Dan Gravatt (DNLG_LTD), N2PRC/AG   |   But if you trick us again, Kirsty,  |
|  Business Manager, Amateur Radio    |   your suffering will be legendary -  |
|  Club Station K2ZWI, Rochester      |   even in Hell."                      |
|  Home Packet BBS-WB2WXQ, Rochester  |         Pinhead, _Hellbound_          |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: bgm@ukc.ac.uk (B.G.MacDonald)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Re: Cambridge Z80
Date: 30 Sep 92 13:08:43 GMT
Reply-To: bgm@ukc.ac.uk (B.G.MacDonald)
Organization: Computing Lab, University of Kent at Canterbury, UK.

Cambridge is owned and operated by Sir Clive Sinclar (I think that is the 
spelling) after Amstrad took over Sinclars' name and computers.
The z88 can still be puchased in Britian.

The z88 is a small Z80 processor based machine, with non standard flash
and ram solid state disks, it has three of these, and a single nine pin 
serial port on the side.
The battery life is in the region of 60 - 100 hrs I think.

The weight is under 2 kgs, and it is around A4 size and 2.5 to 3 cms deep

It has a rubber key board, which has limited travel.

If any one is intrested then e-mail me.

Brian

email: bgm@uk.ac.ukc
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: karger@osf.org (Paul A. Karger)
Subject: Re: Portable mice or trackballs
Organization: Open Software Foundation
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1992 17:18:22 GMT

In article <1992Oct5.062541.14729@ultb.isc.rit.edu>, yxl5388@ultb.isc.rit.edu (Y.X. Liu) writes:
|> In article <1894@shaman.wv.tek.com> andrew@frip.wv.tek.com writes:
|> 
|> >But airlines are beginning to forbid use of any external mouse, so
|> >don't buy it if your main use is air travel.  You need a notebook with
|> >internal pointing device.
|> 
|> Huh? This is the first time I've heard about this. Does anyone know why
|> they'd forbid the usage of a mouse? What if the mouse is attached to the
|> notebook? :)

There could be a problem with RF interference from the cable 
connecting the external mouse to the notebook.  An internal trackball
would benefit from the shielding of the notebook's case.

Just a hypothesis - I don't know for sure.
From: presiden@fraser.sfu.ca (Pat Presidente)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Re: IBM L40SX MOUSE PORT PROBLEMS!
Date: 30 Sep 92 08:50:39 GMT
Organization: Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C., Canada

grichard@swimming.cis.ohio-state.edu (Golden Richard III) writes:

>In article <1a9vkuINN6fa@gershwin.crhc.uiuc.edu> impact@crhc.uiuc.edu (Temporary Account for HP visitors) writes:
>>Nick Laflamme <NLAFLAMM@vma.cc.nd.edu> writes:
>>
>>>I use an IBM trackball on the number pad's mouse port.  I assume it's a
>>>standard PS/2 mouse port; IBM was just as willing to sell me a PS/2
>>>mouse as the trackball.  :-) I have no idea what's involved in trying to
>>>use a non-PS/2 mouse on that kind of input port.
>>
>>>Hope this helps,
>>>Nick
>>Thanks, I think we've come to the conclusion that a SERIAL mouse
>>will *NOT* work if you use the 9-pin to DIN converter cable
>>that often comes with Microsoft mouses.
>>
>>Now the question is: Is there a difference between a Microsoft BUS
>>mouse and a IBM PS/2 mouse? And does only IBM make PS/2 compatible
>>mouses or are there third party PS/2 mouses? Are there even
>>third party Microsoft Bus mouses?
>>
>>Thanks!
>>PS Just wished IBM did a better job with their manual....
>>


>I know this probably doesn't help much, but my Toshiba 3300SL has a
>PS/2 mouse port and I'm using a Logitech Serial Mouseman w/ a 9pin to PS/2
>mouse port adaptor under OS/2.    Several mice I tried (including the
>First Mouse by Logitech and an Imse stylus mouse which HAD a PS/2
>mouse port connector) did not work under OS/2 when connected to the
>mouse port.   I guess the point is (at least under OS/2, I haven't
>really experimented w/ straight Windows or MS-DOS) that the particular
>mouse DOES matter when trying to get a mouse connected to the PS/2
>connector to work.


>--Golden




>-- 
>Golden Richard III             OSU Dept. of Computer and Information Science
>grichard@cis.ohio-state.edu                                   (614) 292-0056


I use the PS/2 adapter cabe on my Microsoft Ballpoint mouse.  It also
works fine in the serial port.  The Ballpoint and L40Sx go great
together.  I've never been a fan of IBM mice (we have some of them at
the school where I teach).  There is no comparison to the Microsoft
mice.  The IBM buttons seem to wear out easily and do not have near
the sensitivity of the MS mouse buttons.  The IBM Trackball?? looked
like a big nightmare to me.  I'm glad I went with the Ballpoint.
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: ahall@nmsu.edu (HALL)
Subject: Sharing Ethernet Cards
Organization: New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL6]
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1992 21:36:49 GMT

Recently, somewhere I saw a package ( software/hardware ) that allowed a
notebook to access the Ethernet card in a desktop.  I completely dismissed
it at the time, but now I have a notebook and can't remember the ad.  Does
anybody out there use this or know where I can find it?  Any help is greatly
appreciated.
A. Hall

Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: igoodman@seg14.cigseg.rtsg.mot.com (Igor Goodman)
Subject: SAMSUNG 386SX laptop for sale
Organization: Motorola Inc.  Arlington Heights, IL
Distribution: cigseg
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1992 22:31:06 GMT
Originator: igoodman@seg14
Keywords: 386sx, laptop, for sale


FOR SALE: SAMSUNG 386SX 20 MHZ notebook (laptop) computer.
Brand new, still in the original box, tested to insure functionality.
Must sell,  since I have no use for it. Main features include:

        * 2MB RAM expandable to 8 MB
        * 80 MB internal hard drive
        * 10 inch sidelight 640x480x64 levels VGA display
        * 1.44 MB internal floppy
        * Ports: parallel, serial, external monitor, PS/2 type mouse
        * 2.5 - 3 hour battery, AC adapter, Carrying case
        * MS-DOS 5.0 and Windows
        * Weight 7 lb with battery
        * Size 8.5" x 11" x 2.1"
        * Full documentation including manufacturer's warranty card

As you know the display is one of the most important items in a laptop.
This unit has an excellent quality display which is clearly visible under
wide range of ambient lighting including direct sunlight.

Asking price is $1,375.00 (plus shipping if required.)

Please E-mail your offer to:

igoodman@cigseg.rtsg.mot.com        or       slg@ihlpe.att.com
From: lauren@vortex.COM (Lauren Weinstein)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: responses -- and a question about PS/2 mice
Date: 26 Sep 92 19:39:59 GMT
Organization: Vortex Technology

Greetings.  Sometime back I asked a number of general questions about
laptops and promised to summarize the results.  Here is that summary,
along with information I've gleaned from my own research...

-- Most laptops have only one serial port.  Some have two, especially
   high-end units.  I've found at least one (Jetta) where by adding
   one chip (a TTL<->RS232 converter like the MAX232A) where a low
   speed fax modem add-on is supposed to go, you could easily have
   a full second serial port.  (The Jetta manual documents all the 
   connectors so this would trivial to accomplish.)

-- The makers of SXL and SL units are often reducing battery size
   so overall run time on a charge may not be significantly improved.
   However, some units are using the same size batteries as with the
   older units--in this case a longer run time would be expected.
   Use of a FPP chip may significantly reduce battery run time, though
   low power FPP chips are becoming available and would presumably
   do better.

-- Number of gray levels promoted may not be very sigificant.
   Few people can really distinguish more than 16 levels.  There
   may be some applications where the difference between 16/32/64
   would be noticed--but they are probably fairly rare.

-- Virtually all units offer some sort of hard disk spindown function.
   However, some allow you to program the interval, others do not.
   Crashing of hard disks in these units due to movement is comparatively
   rare, apparently.

-- Most units support external VGA.  Most only support 640x480 output;
   some do 800x600.  Some will handle the LCD and external display
   simultaneously--others won't.

-- Some units offer a PS/2 mouse port--in some cases this is a multifunction
   port that can also function as an extenral keyboard port.

-- Ghosting of LCD displays, to at least some extent, seems to be
   pretty much universal.

-- Some units will charge the batteries while the unit is in use.
   Many won't.

-- There are many companies offering parallel port adapters for hard and
   floppy drives, LANs, audio I/O, etc.  No parallel port mouse that
   I can find, though.

-- While some units use standard SIMMs, most use specialized memory
   components, often at a premium price.  Many notebooks use 8 bit
   memory rather than 9 (i.e. no parity).

-- All laptop hard drives should be autoparking.

That's about it on summary data.  By the way, a "non-brand-name" line
of laptops with which I've been favorably impressed from a cost/feature
standpoint is made by "Jetta International".

Now a question.  As I mentioned above, some units now offer a PS/2
mouse port.  I'm not familiar with PS/2 architecture.  I assume the
PS/2 mouse doesn't use the COM2 I/O base or interrupt.  So, what
*are* the I/O base and interrupt used by these units?

I hope some of the above has been of some value.

--Lauren--
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: wkwong@kalman.eng.ohio-state.edu (Waihon Andrew Kwong)
Subject: Parallel-SCSI adaptor for sale
Organization: The Ohio State University Dept of Electrical Engineering
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1992 14:04:50 GMT


I've a Parallel-SCSI adaptor for sale. I used it for 3 months with a
portable PC and Syquest drive. I'm selling this because I'm selling
the portable for a desktop.

It comes with installation software compatiable with DOS5.0. You can
select speed with it but it usually depends on how fast you parallel
port can support.

I would like to sale it for $160, include shipping. It comes with all
the cables you need to connect with the laptop.

E-mail me if interested,
thanks,
Andy
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: tore@cs.uit.no (Tore Larsen)
Subject: Re: Problems with my QBlazer
Organization: University of Tromsoe, Norway
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1992 13:35:38 GMT
Summary: QBlazer doesn't respond to computer.

Hi,

Do you have any hints that will get me past this problem with my modem?

My Telebit QBlazer (S/N: QB 22704) does not return any responses to my
notebook computer (Compudyne 4DX/33).

When I turn on the modem the "MR" LED starts flashing.

When I start the communications softare (MTEZ, Windows 3.1 "Terminal", or
Crosstalk for Windows) the "DTR" LED goes on and stays on until I exit the
software.

As I touch any of the keys on the keyboard the "SD" LED will go on and stay
on for a few seconds.

However there are no responses at all from the modem and the "RD" LED does 
not flash at all.  When trying to dial the MTEZ software reports that there
is no response from the modem and suggests to check the connection and 
wether I'm using the right COM port.

The modem is fairly new and previously worked.

When I replace the modem with an identical QBlazer (S/N: 22705) using the
same cable, software and settings I do get the expected responses from the 
modem.

Incidentally, using a different notebook with the two modems gave the same
results.

I have tried resetting the modem and recalling factory settings to no avail.

Do you have any suggestions?

Is there any sort of "hard reset" for the modem?

Do you know of a non-800 number for Telebit? (I'll be calling from Norway
and the 800 numbers only work in the U.S.)


Thanks!


--Tore
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: bsingh@cory.Berkeley.EDU (Balraj Singh)
Subject: 286 Zenith Supersport Parts for Sale!
Followup-To: bsingh@cory.berkeley.edu
Organization: University of California, at Berkeley
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1992 16:38:51 GMT

Hi,

The following components for a zenith supersport 286 laptop are 
for sale:

-	 lcd screen with a very clean case and 
	 keyboard (original from the laptop)		$60 + s&h

-	 battery pack (original)			$35 + s&h
- 	 ac adaptor and charger				$15 + s&h
-	 286 12Mhz chip					$25 + s&h

all these parts are original. please contact balraj at 
bsingh@cory.berkeley.edu or (510) 649-8346

thanx
balraj



Disclaimer -

	If these were the views of the EECS Dept. at UC Berkeley it 
would be a much cooler place to study...
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops,misc.forsale.computers,isu.market
From: faulkner@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (Brian )
Subject: Re: WANTED: T1000SE memory upgrade (or info about)
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 14:29:22 GMT

sknapp@iastate.edu (Steven M. Knapp) writes:


>Well the subject line says about all.
>I am looking for a RAM upgrade for my T1000SE laptop. 2MB is perferred but I
>would consider 1MB if the price was right(read cheep!).

>If you do not have a card to sell, but have purchased one, could you let me
>know where, how much, and any opinions of the business?

The LA Trade ad in the latest computer shopper quotes 2mb for the T1000SE for
$109...(used to be a lot more)...I'm thinking about buying one...
From: geoffb@coos.dartmouth.edu (Geoff Bronner)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Re: Powerbook 100 vs Powerbook 145
Date: 28 Sep 92 16:05:15 GMT
Reply-To: geoffb@Dartmouth.EDU
Organization: Amos Tuck School

In <92270.115227AUWAC@ASUACAD.BITNET> AUWAC@ASUACAD.BITNET writes:

>P.S.  When's Mac going to have a color PB!?  At least a greyscale would be
>nice.  Greyscale looks a lot better than a bland mono screen.

There are internal and external color LCD solutions for the PowerBook
available from third party vendors. They aren't cheap.

The 160, 180, 210, and 230 are all rumored to have displays that will
support 16 shades (4 bit) of grey.

-Geoff
--
geoffb@Dartmouth.EDU - Computing Support Consultant, Tuck School of Business

                     "My heros don't appear on no stamps."
                                -Public Enemy
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: jdp@sleet.cs.odu.edu (JD Powell)
Subject: random display garbling problem
Organization: Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1992 18:37:46 GMT


	I was having trouble with the video display of my Goldstar
laptop.  It is a model GS520 : 40 MB HD, Phoenix BIOS date 2/10/89,
VGA video adapter, with a monochrome (of course!) LCD screen.  It was
manufactured in 11/91, and I have had it since 3/92.

	Until about a month ago, everything was great.  I use it
mainly for note-taking, small programming chores (hey, it's only a 40
Meg HD!) - it has seen constant use.  Anyway, about a month ago, I
started getting spurious video output.  Inside WordPerfect, Sidekick,
1-2-3, or even custom programs I wrote, at random times the screen
would suddenly become lined with dots denoting the 24 text rows on
screen.  Suddenly it would look like the old handwriting book page we
used in grade school, learning to stay within the lines.  Some of the
chars on screen would be modified (e.g., uppercase to lowercase), but
not to the point of illegibility.

	Suspecting a virus, I ran various scanners on the HD from a
floppy, with reports of no infections.  I doubted this anyway, since I
only loaded ooooold and trusted software on it.  The video mangling is
only an irritation, since no data has been altered or erased from the
HD.  It seemed to be most common when I was in 1-2-3 v. 2.01.  

	Finally, after experimenting with all sorts of configuration
modifications, I turned off the CMOS option that turns off the back lighting
after a certain interval.  The screen no longer blanks after I fall
asleep at the keyboard, but it doesn't do its little dance with the
funny display either.  

	Anybody else experienced this, or anything like it?  Comments
folks?  


			bcnu...JD
From: impact@crhc.uiuc.edu (Temporary Account for HP visitors)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Re: IBM L40SX MOUSE PORT PROBLEMS!
Date: 29 Sep 92 06:18:38 GMT
Article-I.D.: gershwin.1a9vkuINN6fa
Organization: Center for Reliable and High-Performance Computing, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
NNTP-Posting-Host: gershwin.crhc.uiuc.edu

Nick Laflamme <NLAFLAMM@vma.cc.nd.edu> writes:

>I use an IBM trackball on the number pad's mouse port.  I assume it's a
>standard PS/2 mouse port; IBM was just as willing to sell me a PS/2
>mouse as the trackball.  :-) I have no idea what's involved in trying to
>use a non-PS/2 mouse on that kind of input port.

>Hope this helps,
>Nick
Thanks, I think we've come to the conclusion that a SERIAL mouse
will *NOT* work if you use the 9-pin to DIN converter cable
that often comes with Microsoft mouses.

Now the question is: Is there a difference between a Microsoft BUS
mouse and a IBM PS/2 mouse? And does only IBM make PS/2 compatible
mouses or are there third party PS/2 mouses? Are there even
third party Microsoft Bus mouses?

Thanks!
PS Just wished IBM did a better job with their manual....
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: burch@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (Stephen Burch )
Subject: Need a NiCad Battery - Sharp PC6220 notebook
Organization: Illinois State Water Survey
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1992 22:05:24 GMT


The Subject line says it all:  My local vendor of Sharp notebooks is no
longer in business. :-(

Does anyone know a mailorder house where I can find an "EA-621EB" battery?
I see its rated at 9.6 volts and 1.2 Ah.  As I recall this notebooks were
also sold as Texas Instrument and CompuAdd before being discontinued.  So
presumably Nicads should be available  ---

              recommendations?     warnings?
                    typical cost?


Steve Burch (INTERNET: s-burch@uiuc.edu)


-- 

/=============================================================================\
| Steve Burch, Hydrogeologist       ||  DISCLAIMER:  These are my own opinions|
| Illinois State Water Survey       ||       and not necessarily those of my  |
From: hm342st@unidui.uni-duisburg.de (Michael Staats)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: RAM for Goldstar/Profex Laptop
Date: 28 Sep 1992 09:30:48 +0100
Organization: Universitaet Duisburg GH
NNTP-Posting-Host: unidui.uni-duisburg.de
Summary: Need memory expansion

Hello,

one year ago a bought a Goldstart Laptop, which is distributed
in germany under the name of 'Profex LT 55', I think it is
equivalent to Goldstar GS 520 or so. I am looking for a 
RAM expansion (4 MB, or if not available, 2 MB). I've been
searching in various german computer stores and heve posted
an article like this one into a german group, no response.

I would appreciate any  hints (adresses of foreign stores who 
would ship this expansion, layouts of the expasion card, other 
cards which are compatible, ...).

Thank you,
Michael


-- 
Michael Staats, Student of Theoretical Physics, Uni-GH Duisburg 
Wenn dieser Artikel in Deutsch ist: Bitte entschuldigt meine Fehler.
If this article is in english: Please excuse me for my mistakes. 
if (written_in_C(&article)) mistake_msg_to("michael@hal6000.uni-duisburg.de");
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
From: kalin@math.psu.edu ( kalin )
Subject: anyone -- how to break the 640K limit on a HP VECTRA ?
Organization: Penn State 
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1992 04:18:22 GMT


I have an HP Vectra ls/12 with a meg of ram but
the emm.sys enables only 256 of it. Any suggestions
how to get the rest under ms-dos 5.0 ?

thanks 
kalin
From: Jean_Lemire@mindlink.bc.ca (Jean Lemire)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Local bus video on Notebooks, is it possible?
Date: 2 Oct 92 20:51:07 GMT
Organization: MIND LINK! - British Columbia, Canada
Distribution: world

I have been quietly wondering about this idea for some time now and I have
decided to go public with it.

I now that local bus applications are only starting to surface on high end
PCs but the concept intrigues me.  If it is possible, wouldn't local bus
video be a great feature for notebooks running Windows or other GUIs ?!!

I believe it would:

-enhance and accelarate display performance
-reduce battery run down
-take up less space thus providing manufacturers ways of cutting size or
adding other features
-potentially reduce manufacturing costs once the process is well developed
thus lowering prices

I may be wrong on one or all these counts but afterall this is not only a
problem solving group, it is also a forum for disscusion with potential input
for people in the know that benefits all us technology junkies.  Any input
would be greatly appreciated.

So...Let it rip!!!

Jean Lemire
Asia Pacific Management Cooperative Program
Vancouver, Canada
GEnie: J.Lemire
Internet: Jean_Lemire@mindlink.bc.ca

Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops