Path: utzoo!utgpu!watserv1!watmath!att!cbnewsj!mec From: mec@cbnewsj.att.com (michael.e.connick) Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops Subject: Re: Poqet PC Message-ID: <1990Jul9.135128.4256@cbnewsj.att.com> Date: 9 Jul 90 13:51:28 GMT References: <7741@pbhyf.PacBell.COM> Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories Lines: 62 In article <7741@pbhyf.PacBell.COM> lfog@PacBell.COM (Lee Fogel) writes: > Does anyone have any information/experience with a new > *truly* portable laptop called the Poqet PC? It looks like > the next step in portable PC's. Here's a quote from the > broshure: > > "The Poqet PC is a full-fledged MS-DOS PC. It has 512K of RAM > and 640K of ROM... It has a full-function keybard and an > 80-character by 25-line display. And it can run up to 100 > [yes, one-hundred] hours on just two AA alkaline batteries... > it's about the size of a videocassette. And it weighs around > a pound." I don't want to start sounding like a salesman for Atari, but the Portfolio offers most of what the Poquet offers for a whole lot less. It contains a clone of MS-DOS 2.11 in ROM and will run "very well-behaved" MS-DOS programs. Its full-function keyboard is superb, offering relatively long-travel keys and an optional keyclick. Its 40-character by 8-line display is very readable and can optionally be setup as a moving window over an 80X25 virtual screen. The Portfolio runs for 4 to 6 weeks (with HEAVY usage) on 3 AA batteries. It's virtually the same size as the Poquet and weighs just under a pound. > Other features: > CMOS Microprocessor: 80C88 running up to 7 MHz. > RS-232C serial port (allows 119 BPS). > Supports CGA and MDA modes. > I/O expansion bus. > Two slots for RAM or ROM memory cards. > Some ROM-resident software is included (file transfer, calculator, etc.) > Runs Lotus, WordPerfect, ACT!, Lucid 3-D and other DOS3.3 applications. > 12 function keys, embedded keypad. The keyboard is almost full sized. > Peripherals include a 3.5 inch, 1.44MB disk drive operating on 4 AA > batteries, Serial and Parallel cables. Portfolio features: CMOS Microprocessor: 80C88 running at 4.92 MHz. 60-pin system expansion port supporting serial and parallel interface units Only supports proprietary graphics mode One slot for RAM or ROM memory cards Terrific ROM-resident software including text editor, Lotus 1-2-3 compatible spreadsheet, address/phone directory with tone dialing, simple calculator, very nice appointment scheduler with support for alarms, and a simple file server application that can be used with the parallel interface unit. Only runs very well-behaved MS-DOS programs, but they're easy enough to write on a PC and download to Portfolio. No other peripherals available at this time. > I was quoted a price of $2000. Has anyone actually seen one? Now for the BIGGEST advantage of the Portfolio: street price of about $300! This makes all its limitations compared to the Poquet completely acceptable. I've had mine for over 6 months now and carry it with me everywhere. Would I trade it even for a Poquet? Absolutely! But since the Poquet is over 6 times more expensive than the Portfolio, I'm very happy with the Portfolio for the time being. Let me know when the Poquet is only twice the price of a Portfolio and I'll buy one! ----------------------------------------------------- Michael Connick mec@mtfmi.ATT.COM 201-957-3057 AT&T Bell Labs MT 3F-113 (Dept. 79151)