CoCo's *are* real... (was: OT: PC Motherboard with a vacuum tube

From: tim lindner <tlindner_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Fri Sep 6 16:20:00 2002

> On Fri, 6 Sep 2002, Roger Merchberger wrote:
>
>> Define "real" -- Admittedly, the CoCo1's chicklet keyboard sucked bigtime,
>> but The CoCo2/3's keyboard is as good as anything made nowadays... (that's
>
> With one glaring exception: NO CONTROL KEY.
>
> What computer comes without a CONTROL key?

Sellam's been dying to bring that up. Did you notice that "Control" key on
that CoCo 3 of yours?

Anyway I think most CoCo 1-2 terminal emulators use the Break key as a
control key. Not very slick, but it worked.

What really sucked was the 32 column screen. I never bought one of the many
80 column cards, they were all serial based. Only useful under OS-9.

It is funny how many places you wil find Motorola's VDG (MC6847).

> That and the RF video out only with no built-in composite video output
> would have made the CoCo a complete lemon if it weren't for the
> brilliance of the users that managed to extend and expand it. And OS-9
> was also a definite plus.

I'm curious, what experience have you had with OS-9?

--
tim lindner                         tlindner_at_ix.netcom.com
"Life. Don't talk to me about life." - Marvin, the android
Received on Fri Sep 06 2002 - 16:20:00 BST

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