Msg: 108 *Conference*

06-21-91 01:08:03

From: ED DAHLGREN

To : MIKE LANE

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #101 (PORTABLE DISK DRIVE 2)

Mike --
 
Rick's advice is well-taken; get input from users and FORMER users before
committing too much to the D/VI.  It and the PDD's were aimed at two entirely
different operating modes, though, so it's not too fair to compare them except
as to what works for you.  You'd be hard-pressed to fit the D/VI into your
briefcase (it's the size of a PC system box) ... and it's darned tough to get
80-column, 25-line display out of a PDD2!  The deciding factor is likely to be
compatibility with the software you're familiar and comfortable with.  (Unless
you like to explore!)
 
Your question made me realize that the Disk/Video Interface has a misleading
name.  It's a video INTERFACE because there's no display built into it, but to
the user it's a disk DRIVE because there's one built in.  It's a standard (but
SINGLE-sided) 5.25" drive with a formatted capacity of 180k.  And there's an
expansion slot for a second, identical, drive.
 
The system disk contains both the Disk Operating System and BASIC and was
written by Microsoft and licensed to Tandy.  Note two things here:  you MUST
have this disk, one way or another, and it IS a DOS while what comes with the
PDD2 isn't.  (Sorry, Rick.)  Tandy doesn't even try to call the software on the
PDD2 disk a DOS, they're file-handling utilities.  Of course this has all been
made moot by the third-party stuff Rick mentioned.  And the fact that the DOS
and BASIC with the D/VI aren't what you'd get with, say, a PC by a long shot.
 
If you do get a D/VI and don't get the disk, it's okay.  I know for a fact that
it's available through Tandy software for $7.50.  It's no problem to order, but
it takes a week or two to receive.
 
Another MUST-HAVE is the ***correct*** cable to connect your 100 to the D/VI.
There are two ... one is a nice normal one that connects to the more
intelligently implemented system bus interface on the 102 & 200, while the
other is a 40-pin connector that goes into the socket down there underneath the
100, next to the option-ROM socket.  You may even find that you've got two
cables hooked together when you get the D/VI; that's okay as long as one has
the spidery little pins that goes into your 100.
 
The third thing that you really OUGHT to have is the owner's manual.  Not that
the D/VI is all that complex, but how else are you going to know which BASIC
commands are available and which aren't?  And there's some good technical
information in the manual, too, if you're so inclined.  The book is only 64
pages, and several of these are blank or else which way the disk should be
facing when you stick it in the drive ... so if you get a D/VI without the
manual, and if you should find that it's not available from Tandy (but it
probably is), you can always spend a little on photocopying to get what you
need from it.
 
And finally, IF you decide to buy a D/VI -- and remember, I'm not twisting your
arm! -- get in touch with me before you write that check.  Chances are that
I'll know someone who has an extra.
 
That's all I can think of off the top of my head, but feel free to ask anything
else that comes to mind.  And I hope some other folks will chip in with their
experiences on the D/VI ... or DD/VI as it probably should have been called!
 
                                                       -- Ed