Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!sun-barr!newstop!sun!concertina!fiddler
From: fiddler%concertina@Sun.COM (Steve Hix)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple
Subject: Re: GS Portable
Message-ID: <126528@sun.Eng.Sun.COM>
Date: 19 Oct 89 23:28:42 GMT
References: <21029@gryphon.COM>
Sender: news@sun.Eng.Sun.COM
Lines: 48

In article <21029@gryphon.COM>, lbotez@pnet02.gryphon.com (Lynda Botez) writes:
> 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
>	[...]
>      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.

If this ever actually exists, it'll use Lead-Acid cells:  

Unless the NiCads are truck-sized, you won't be able to use the display
while on battery power.  (They suck lots more juice than LCD displays.  Most
of the plasma displays won't run at all off batteries.)

> 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.

A reasonable extrapolation, given the recent Mac Portable.

>      Chief advantages of the IIGS over other industry laptops are: User
> interface, low weight, expandability (with its single NuBus slot).  

Oops...NuBus drinks too much power.  Re: Mac Portable.

> 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.  

Highly unreasonable extrapolation, given the recent MP!

------------
"...I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by 
reorganizing: and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion 
of progress, while producing confusion, inefficiency and demoralization."
	- Petronius Arbiter, 210 B.C.