IBM 5120 info needed

From: Grant Zozman <gzozman_at_escape.ca>
Date: Wed Sep 17 21:59:50 1997

My second job as a computer programmer put me in front of an IBM 5120.
It was a desktop model which incorporated a B&W monitor, keyboard, and
two 8" floppy drives in the main cabinet.

In addition, there was an optional dual disk drive expansion unit which
contained two more 8" floppy drives. This unit was the size of a small
filing cabinet, and rolled on casters.

There was also a wide carriage dot-matrix IBM printer with it.

If I remember correctly, I believe BASIC was in ROM. When the computer
accessed the floppy drives, it shut the screen off for timing or speed,
resulting in a flashing screen that drove you batty by the end of the
day! IBM also produced a model 5110 which I believe was a similar
machine to the 5120. The machine was manufactured around 1979, and the
only thing it has in common with the original PC is the big red power
switch. From what I understood at the time, IBM basically disowned the
5120 when the PC became popular.

I would like to approach my former employer to procure this machine for
my collection, but have been unable to find any info about it on the
web. Does anyone know how common/uncommon these units are? Any other
info would be much appreciated.

Grant Zozman
gzozman_at_escape.ca
Received on Wed Sep 17 1997 - 21:59:50 BST