Classic != IBM AT

From: John Ruschmeyer <jruschme_at_exit109.com>
Date: Tue Nov 3 17:28:40 1998

> On Mon, 2 Nov 1998, Alice Blakeman wrote:
>
> Still though, this may be a good stepping off point to discuss whether
> there are any near classic models that will have some appeal. Many
> 386/486 cpus will flow to the landfill post y2K and it would be a good
> idea to get a head start on a personal want list if any qualify.
>
> So, any unique models or features? ALR? AST? Northgate? Zeos? Everex?
> Leading Edge? Anything with a cool LED readout? Plenty of IBM models of
> course. Backplane models? Stuff with odd cpu or riser cards?

Hmm... well, there's the Zenith 248 (a '286) and its '386 decendant which
were passive backplane, as were some Wyse systems.

The Wyse machines as well as the Dell System 210 (another 286) were
interesting for their cool LCD readouts.

ALR is interesting in that it made some screamers, usually with a modular
architecture that would let you upgrade processor generations by replacing
a processor module. (Too bad that the modules were usually too expensive
to make that worthwhile.)

I also happen to have two Zeos 486's with the so-called "Modular" motherboard.
Basically, the ISA slots, all the ports, and most of the logic is on the
motherboard. A processor daughtercard contains the CPU chip, cache module,
and oscillator. Apparently, they made both 386 and 486 systems with this
setup, though both of mine are 486s (a DX33 (now DX2/66) with the
TurboCache module and a DX50 (not a DX2!) with no cache). Both are in what
Zeos called its "Supercase" desktop case (fair amount of space, *two* fans).

You might want to add the Dell System 220 to the list. This is a low-profile
20mhz '286 system that came out about the same time as the first PS/2s.
Dell was clearly following what it assumed was the trend since the system
only had a 3.5" floppy (no room for an internal 5.25") and a 3'5" IDE
hard disk (miserable Conner 340), onboard VGA, etc. It's interesting in
that it was from the era when the debate was over whether a *really*
fast 286 was actually a better deal than a 386. Unfortunately, I chucked
mine several years back after it died.

Anybody know if Dell ever produced any of the System 100s? These were an
8088 (possibly 8086) box which I think was supposed to compete with the
PS/2 Model 25.

Then there's the MCA boxes. A Tandy 4000 (5000?) is interesting in that
it was, I believe, the first non-IBM MCA box. Similarly, there is probably
something to be said for some of the NCR MCA boxes.

Portables- probably anything in a lunchbox format is interesting. Anything
that uses Pen input is interesting. Any "luggable" after the Compaq
Portable II is probably interesting just on the priciple that it likely a
standard board and could be upgraded to something "current". Personally,
I have a soft sport for the NCR Safari NSX20, a fairly early "notebook" and
definately very stylish. (I just saw one in an AT&T closet and would kill
to get it. I personally have the successor the SL/25 aka 3171, but mine has
the typical broken plastics where the hinges attach.) Needless to say also
that the IBM 110 (sold only in Japan), the ThinkPad with the "butterfly"
keyboard, and the Toshiba Libretto will all also be pivotal.

This, of course, is just the PC compatibles.

Then you have the instant-classic iMac and the 20 Anniversary Mac. I also
suspect that the 601-based PowerMacs will have some collector status as
being first of a breed.

Speaking of which, there is the BeBox.

I'll leave someone else to sort out the collectable workstations and other
computers.

<<<john>>>
Received on Tue Nov 03 1998 - 17:28:40 GMT