Computer Listing

From: MTapley_at_swri.edu <(MTapley_at_swri.edu)>
Date: Tue Mar 18 00:31:30 1997

John,
        Sounds like fun! I'd like to see a bit more comprehensive listing -
each category may not need to be filled in for every computer, but if you
start by defining a comprehensive list at the outset, at least all the entries
will end up consistent. I'd like to see a list comprehensive enough that I can
take it to a garage sale and know how I can use the box I find there. Also,
remember that as time moves on, more and more capable machines will become
"classic". My NeXT will be right in there in 4 more years or so.... :-)

        Things I'd like to add to the list in any case:
Output device/resolution
CPU type/speed
Mass Storage (floppies, tapes, hard drives)
Operating System(s)

        Things that may or may not belong on the list:
Important Available Software (word proc, telecom, spreadsheet, etc.)
Known Current Vendors/supporters
Benchmark speed (a la Byte Magazine's Seive Benchmark)

        Neat things to be able to do with the list (or database):
Sort by OS
Sort by CPU
Sort by date available
Sort by Manufacturer
Sort by Model Name

        A sample (not necessarily complete or correct) listing for my classic:

Name/Model Rainbow 100A/B/+
Manufacturer Digital Equipment Corporation
Date released/stopped 1983(?)-1986(?)
CPU Z-80/4 MHz + 8088/4.8 (?) MHz
RAM/ROM included 128k/32k(?) (RAM up to 832k (100A) or 896k (100B))
Output Device VR-201 (mono) or VR-241 (color) monitor;
                        avail. graphics to 792 x 240 x 8 bits (?)
Ports included 2*RS-232 (printer, modem); video/keyboard
Mass Storage 2 or 4 * 400k 5.25" floppy; avail. MFM Hard Disk < 80M
Peripherals offerred LA-50, LA-100 Printers
                        Modem (any RS-232)
                        ...
Operating System CP/M-80; CP/M-86/80; MS-DOS 2.0, 2.11, 3.10b; VENIX(?)
Languages included none (avail. Basic, C, Pascal, ...) (need versions)
Important Software Kermit; Lotus 1-2-3; WordPerfect; WordStar
                        (need vsn. numbers)
Benchmark Speed ?
Known Current Support ?

>And somebody would need to tabulate the info (then publish the list monthly).

Not me. But I hope somebody can!
                                                - Mark
Received on Tue Mar 18 1997 - 00:31:30 GMT