Msg: 7065 *Conference*

04-06-97 14:13:15

From: WILLIAM MCWEENY

To : RICHARD HANSON

Subj: 102/PGDESIGNS OR PSCG RAM MO

Rick,
 
 > The PCSG/AC unit was booted via a ROM+ ROM (I have the code and 
 > can burn these ROMs).  PG Design's unit booted from software 
 > shipped on tape.  That code should be around here, someplace.
 
I think it might be good for me to discuss with you what I had in  mind when I
wrote you about the RAM units above.
 
Currently I have a Model 100 with a "Just RAM" Booster Pak.  This  unit works
pretty well.  (I do have problems from time to time when  I receive a message
stating that the RAM disk has been corrupted,  and asking if I want to reformat
it.  Another problem is that I  haven't gotten the hang of using environments
effectively.)
 
But what I really want is a unit which is smaller, has more than 32K  RAM
(particularly if I can get it up to 96K), and still can accept  an option ROM.
The two I have in mind at the moment are SUPER ROM,  which I have, and TSDOS,
which I would need to purchase from you.  I  want such an arrangements for use
at meetings in distant places,  where smaller and easier to use on my lap are
better.  My question:  is this a realistic approach, or is it more trouble than
it's  worth?  If so, I would like to acquire the various pieces and have  them
assembled (and myself trained to use the package) before  attending a major
event a little over two months from now.  Another  question about the software
for the PG Design unit: could that be  transferred to a TDD1 disk?
 
                            *   *   *
 
On another subject, somewhere, either in a newsletter or in the  conference,
you, and perhaps others were discussing a Model T for  the 21st Century.  I
have done a little thinking about the subject.   I think I would like to see
something similar to current notebook  computers in size and appearance.
Generally, I would like to see it  built along the lines of a contemporary
MS-DOS computer, with  features such as a built in modem and floppy drive, but
not a hard  drive.  The differences: 1) Have the operating system  on a large  
ROM. 2) Have also on the ROM minimum built-in programs such as a  text
processor.  3) Have a huge (1 GB+) RAM disk, configurable as  multiple 'drives'
if desired, for storage of programs and data.  4)  Have the operating system
able to toggle between the built in OS and  one in RAM, such as a version of
MSDOS.
 
Well, so much for fantasy.
 
                            *   *   *
 
Subject 3:  Do you have an Internet email address for Mike Nugent.   I've seen
his compuserve address, but I do not subscribe there.  But  if I can find an
Internet address I'd like to drop him a note.
 
                            *   *   *
 
Finally, several months ago I requested information on the Excel  phone service
you have found so good.  For some reason I didn't  receive it.  Could you send
it to me?  My address is:
 
        William McWeeny
        516 Spencer Drive, NW
        Huntsville, AL 35806
 
Thanks, Bill

                            *   *   *

I thought I uploaded this message a week or so ago, but I cannot now find it.
Therefore, I am sending it again.

Bill