Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!shadooby!ginosko!usc!hacgate!gryphon!pnet02!lbotez From: lbotez@pnet02.gryphon.com (Lynda Botez) Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple Subject: GS Portable Message-ID: <21029@gryphon.COM> Date: 17 Oct 89 17:40:13 GMT Sender: root@gryphon.COM Organization: People-Net [pnet02], Redondo Beach, CA. Lines: 56 Rumors... I LOVE rumors. Could this be true? Sure sounds good. (10/9/89) -- Apple Computer IIGS Laptop Despite industry speculation, Apple Computer, Inc. is still maintaining its cloak of secrecy surrounding development of the IIGS Laptop, codenamed Malibu, long expected by industry analysts as providing an alternative to low-end users who still need the functionality of a GS but require the portability as well. From sources within the industry, it can be deduced that the Malibu will include the same microprocessor architecture as the IIGS, full stereo sound and the IWM (integrated Woz Machine) chip, as well as some provision for expansion, probably through the use of a low-profile NuBus slot. An internal 2400 baud modem appears to be optional, and will probably sell well, since most travellers will also face the need for telecommunication as well. The Malibu will double as an entry-level machine for GS users, since its gas-plasma display will not allow the use of color. Nonetheless, with its rechargable nickel-cadmium battery assembly, expected usage will vary between 6 to 10 hours on a typical charge, depending on usage. Apple is using advanced CMOS circuitry, and with the use of static RAM, power consumption is expected to be lower than with standard RAM chips; further, the hard drive (optional 40 meg) will automatically power down after a period of inactivity. Chief advantages of the IIGS over other industry laptops are: User interface, low weight, expandability (with its single NuBus slot). There are also ports on the back to accommodate two serial devices, as well as a SCSI port, stereo jack and modem port. Price is expected to range between (US) $900-1400. The announcement by Apple Computer is to take place in Cupertino on 20 October, one month after Apple announced its latest products in the popular Macintosh line, the IICI and the Mac portable. Such committment to the IIGS line indicates that Apple does not yet regard the IIGS line as an evolutionary dead end. nXVFMB--Cuperino, CA [NewsNet 10/9/89 B.Bowker 118A-HF] **** Personally, I think it's fascinating that Apple would release such a machine. The more IIGS's sold, the better. The basic price of course doesn't include the cost of a hard drive; but the NuBus slot sounds interesting. I would assume there would be 1 meg of ram on the motherboard, just like the ROM 3 machine. I wonder how you'd warp it up to speed; a transwarp GS isn't NuBus compatible. Gee, maybe there will be a faster processor. Nah.... Well, October 20th isn't very far away... I guess we'll find out if this is true or not real soon. Sounds like "laptop fever" has hit the computer world really bad. Lynda UUCP: {ames!elroy, }!gryphon!pnet02!lbotez INET: lbotez@pnet02.gryphon.com