On Mon, 7 May 2001, Richard Erlacher wrote:
> I've yet to hear from anyone to whom one has been delivered. I'd look
> long and hard for someone who's bought one and actually had it
> delivered, then ask the relevant questions of them. I personally
> wouldn't want one. After all, it's not a classic. When I read that
> they're using a regulated supply and so on ... I simply decided I
> didn't want or need one. I still have S-100 hardware from back in the
> '80's that has yet to be powered up.
Todd Fischer is a good guy and wouldn't screw anyone around, if that's
what you're implying. The Imsai-2's are legit. He is just trying to take
advantage of the sudden interest in old S-100 machines and has come up
with a new design for a modern day hackable computer architecture that
harkens back to days of old.
It still features an S-100 bus and the cool front panel, but has modern
accoutrements such as a VGA interface, PC/AT keyboard interface, serial
parallel, etc.
>From Imsai.Net:
"Classic cabinet, Programmer's Front Panel with on-board ZiLOG 20 MHz.
Z8S180 processor, 1 Meg x 9 dynamic ram, Battery-backed Real-time
Clock, Dual Floppy Disk controller, two RS-232 Serial ports, one
Centronics parallel printer port, system monitor firmware, 4-slot
terminated S-100 bus /IEEE 696-compliant interface and motherboard with
4 sockets and guide sets (20 slot terminated motherboard optional), 300
watt switching power supply, PC/AT keyboard interface, VGA display
interface, IMSAI Local Expansion Bus interface, Owner's manual, and
upgrade offers that will ensure value for years to come!"
At $995, it's a bit expensive for a toy, but it's got a large coolness
factor, and is a complete machine ready to fire up and play with. It's
also an instant classic.
When I get the fundage I will certainly consider buying one to add to the
collection.
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
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International Man of Intrigue and Danger
http://www.vintage.org
Received on Mon May 07 2001 - 17:03:32 BST