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From: ch1@unix.cis.pitt.edu (Chris  Helferty)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple
Subject: PC-Transporter info
Message-ID: <19597@unix.cis.pitt.edu>
Date: 17 Sep 89 00:42:27 GMT
Reply-To: ch1@unix.cis.pitt.edu (Jon M. Pearsall)
Organization: University of Pittsburgh
Lines: 48

I've been thinking about an IBM compatible (for help with after hours
work, mind ya!) and I keep seeing those adds for Applied Engineering's
PC-Transporter board.  I was wondering if some souls out there could
give me some information on just how good/bad are they:

	o  What's the theory behind this board?  I mean, is it
essentially just a miniaturized PC motherboard cutting off my Apple's
motherboard or does it really use some components of my Apple's
motherboard to do its work?

	o  How are peripherals handled?  Will it find my printer card
and internal modem?

	o  Does this thing even work?  Is it really compatible?

	o  How fast is it?

	o  How is the display?  Text and graphics.

	o  Very important and confusing for what I've read:  What is
the deal on disk drives?  I think I can use my duodisk to read/write
ibm on Prodos, but then, of course, I can't pop these disks into
any other computer.  Or can I use my duodisk drives as IBM drives?  If
not, do I have to buy the drives offered to go with the board or can
I use any third party ibm drives?  How 'bout the Unidisk? (i think
i might be able to grab onto one of those from somebody)

	o  How is the Ram in Apple mode?  Does it make an easy Ram disk
or extend the memory of the Apple or does it give problems?

	o  How is the larger keyboard of an IBM handled (on a IIe)?
Should I buy an ibm keyboard or is a third party keyboard good?

	o  Are you happy with the one you have?  Was it a good buy?  Or
should I just look towards a true compatible?  From AE's sales pitch
for drives, coprossessors, and keyboards for the thing, I might as well
by a whole new computer.  But I can't really afford that.  If I can
buy a board for $350 - $400 to make my Apple go IBM blue every once in
a while, I'd be happy.  *I don't want to buy keyboards, disk drives, etc.
for the thing.  That, to me, defeats the purpose.*

	o  Any other comments, info?

Thanks,

Jon Pearsall
NASA Industrial Applications Center
Univerity of Pittsburgh