Msg: 5235 *Conference*

07-29-94 23:45:15

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : JILL BINGHAM

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #5229 (QUESTIONS)

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Let's take your questions by the numbers...

 > My little beastie has 29371 bytes free with all files deleted... so I guess
that means I can't expand it any further... or can I?

You are correct, your total byte count can not exceed 29638.  Your count is off
probably due to something in BASIC.  enter the command NEW to clean up that
area.  Anyway, you are correct, you have the maximum RAM in your ... beastie!

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 > Is that what the booster pac does?....maybe I wouldn't have access to
everything at the same time but from what I've read it seems like it creates
several 32k "directories" am I wrong?

You're not too far off.  Actually, the Booster Pak is a great big storage area
for files, along with the OS for multiple ROM access.  Its convenience is its
ability to access these files quickly, and to jump from one option ROM to
another--sort of.  It comes with a special version of TS-DOS built into the
system ROMs.

You don't actually have multiple 32K RAM banks--as is the case of the extRAM
and XR4.  Your files are automatically saved to the RAM disk, thus freeing up
your one, 32K RAM area for use.  The process is fast and painless.

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 > I'm interested "therortically" in getting a disk drive.....but I remember
you telling me I'd have to "upgrade" to TS-DOS....if I did that does that mean
there would be no way to upgrade to the Ultimate Rom and/or Sardine ROM?

Let me try to clear this up for you.  First off, you're not alone in being
confused and concerned.  Having worked with these products for so long, I've
come to realize that there is no, one best solution.  To this, I will address
some thoughts about configurations.

Indeed, having a dependable method of storing your files to magnetic media is
paramont.  It could be a dependable tape drive, or disk drive, or use of
another computer, such as a MS-DOS, Mac, or even a mainframe or mini--if you
have access, of course.  Having a TPDD or TPDD2 is the best idea for someone on
the go, with no other storage media available.  Besides, the TPDD/TPDD2
provides opportunities you do not now enjoy.

As for "having to upgrade to TS-DOS" let me present this concept.  Yes, TS-DOS
really gives you control over your files and your TPDD/TPDD2 but don't panic
about the cost.  I will work with you to make it affordable--to a point, of
course.  In other words, when the time comes, I will bundle a drive and TS-DOS
together into an affordable package.  I can do this depending on the dynamics
of the moment.

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 > I don't know whick would be better for me...on one hand I like the fact that
the "Ultimate has a built in outliner....but Sardine has a spell check...can
you "switch rom's easily?  Is that wise? and does that mean I can't use the
disk drive with the TS-DOS Rom? Arrrggghhh!   decisions, decisions,
decisions.......

Again, don't panic.  Both the Ultimate ROM II and the Sardine ROM have a loader
for TS-DOS disk.  The loader automatically loads and runs the DOS.  The
Ultimate ROM II has yet, another loader for Sardine on disk.

Here are some hot setups for someone with just a Model 100...

 - Model 100
 - TPDD/TPDD2
 - The Ultimate ROM II
 - Sardine on disk
 - TS-DOS on disk

 - Model 100
 - TPDD/TPDD2
 - Booster Pak
 - The Ultimate ROM II
 - Sardine for the Booster Pak

 - Model 100
 - TPDD/TPDD2
 - Sardine ROM
 - TS-DOS on disk

 - Model 100
 - TPDD/TPDD2
 - TS-DOS on disk
 - Use of public domain programs

 - Model 100
 - Booster Pal
 - Tape
 - Use of public domain programs

This list is short, static, and misleading, in that it does not cover all the
options, nor does it address applications.  Thus, use this list with your eyes
open.  Do not take any of these configurations as carved in stone.

Also, don't fret over money.  I will work with you.  Remember, where there's a
will there's a dead person... ahhmmm... I mean there's a way.

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 > BTW....I'm curious...in the on the front of your catalog off to the left
hand side is a large "black" doohicky...is this the booster pac...and from the
pict it looks like it gives a "tilt" to the T100....because if it doesn't I may
consider a power pillow for that reason alone.

Hmmm... grab your catalog... here's what's in the picture.

Starting from the left front wheel of TOON-T.  The black square thing is a hard
cover proped up on a little (hidden) box--used for effect.  You then have a
Model 100, 102, 200--that's the one with the tilt up screen--a WP-2, then above
is a Booster Pak, with a TPDD and TPDD2 in front.  The Booster Pak is hard to
disearn.  Back again to the left hand side, that thin, black stick is a Power
Pillow.  The rest of the "stuff" laying on the tarmac are various manuals and
disks laying around some Club 100 signs we used several years ago in our booth
at the West Coast Computer Faire.

The picture was taken by my friend Jim Koonce, over at his place.  Jim is up on
a ladder taking the picture.  Unfortunately, we took the shots in the afternoon
with the sun over head.  We should have taken the pictures in the morning when
the light was soft (Aka: Sweet Light) so the contrast would be better.  We'll
do better next time.

Thanks for asking good questions.  I hope these answers help.  Again, I
understand the confusion.  Keep the questions coming.  Together, we'll explore
various configurations.  -Rick-

PS: Would you like a color picture of TOON-T?