Msg: 6693 *Conference*

07-25-96 11:40:41

From: THOMAS MCKEAN

To : RICHARD HANSON

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #6692 (DARE TO DREAM)

> Hmmmm... so the Model 100 is big with the disability community, eh?

Very much so.  In fact, when I spoke at the conference in '95 (that was in  
Greensboro, North Carolina), I actually held up my Model T and said this would
be one of the better computers you could buy for your child.  At least to  
start.  After my talk, several parents and professionals came up and played  
with it.  Let me tell you I had many VERY interesting .DO files at the end of  
the day to read!  :)  

The title of my presentation was, "Creating A Care Package For The Individual  
With Autism."  It was a look a material possessions that would (or had the  
potential to) improve the quality of life of those afflicted.  I used my own  
life experience as a guide, as well as the many thousands of people I have  
talked to about it over the last four years in my tours.

The presentation was a wild success.  I don't do it anymore because it requires
that I haul along a lot of props (i.e. Model T) and I like to travel light.  It
was recently suggested that I make slides of some of it, and carry the smaller
items.  I considered this and reviving the talk, but I felt that the "hands on"
aspect would be lost.  And I think the "hands on" is what made it work.  I had
several items and I passed them around the room.  There were always at least  
two or three hundred people there (if not more), but I always got everything  
back.  No one in the autism community is going to steal from me.  Not after all
I have done for them.  Can't say the same for anyone else, though.

Anyway, my most recent thought was to expand the presentation into a book.  I  
am working on that now.

>> Imagine if Tandy and others were still supporting this beast.
>> I wonder what advancements may have been made by now.
>> Ah well, no use dreaming.

> I will dare to dream.  It would be "the" laptop computer by now.  It would
> focus on its strengths; long battery life, instant on, built in ROM-based
> software, RAM-based file storage, compatable, compact, fun!
>
> Introducing the "new" Tandy Model "T"urbo...

I can't wait to read on...  :)

> * 80C386 @ 33 Mhz
> * 80 x 24 LCD (super twist but not backlit or color)
> * Color SVGA output jack
> * Full ANSI SVGA (albeit in monochrome) support
> * 9600 baud modem (this is the highest, most compatible speed)
> * TELCOM w/extended script and built in Club 100 BBS address
> * 4 MB RAM (20ns), expandable to 32 MB (external)
> * MSDOS on ROM (instant on) w/RAM-based config files
> * 1.44 3.5" floppy (external) MSDOS format
> * Option ROM slots with expansion slot-bus
> * Solar array recharging built into a flip up cover
> * The same, full size, wonderful-touch keyboard
> * RS232 port w/software switchable null-modem settings
> * Thieft alarm w/proximity beeper
> * MSDOS-compatable printer port and connector
>
> The basic unit would sell for $500 or $250 with a 2-year subscription to
> the Tandy ISP network at $15/mo unlimited access.  Includes built in
> Netscape ROM with pre-wired Tandy home page.

Only one thing to say about this: DREAM ON.  :(

> Tandy would "clean up" with a system like this!!!

Maybe so, but do you think they would DO it?  If Tandy wanted to "clean up,"  
they could just as easily write a Model 100 emulator for the MS-DOS.  I am very
surprised that there isn't one out there already.  (Well, there is, of sorts.
There is a word processor that works EXACTLY like the Model T that is available
for MS-DOS.  It is the same, right down to the function keys.  TEXT on your  
IBM.  The only difference is THIS "TEXT" has an 80x24 screen.  Other than that,
it is TEXT all the way.)  That same guy E-Mailed it to me and I have NO idea  
what happened to it.  :(  Maybe I should try to find it?  *Blink*

Here goes Thomas, digging through his rubble...

                                                               stc

BTW, I am curious, in this Model "T"urbo, would there be a built in FAX option?
I use mine so much that would be a requirement...

AND: I saw that you are now GIVING AWAY the DeskLink.  I pondered being angry  
at you for this.  Then I decided I was happy to support Club 100 and let it go.