Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!ucsd!ucselx!bionet!ames!uhccux!virtue!comp.vuw.ac.nz!munnari.oz.au!bunyip!iceman!zlraa
From: zlraa@iceman.jcu.oz (Ross Alford)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Re: Amstrad PPC640 Laptop
Summary: Amstrad PPC--mixed reactions
Message-ID: <866@iceman.jcu.oz>
Date: 27 Jul 90 03:49:49 GMT
References: <90206.143139JJL101@psuvm.psu.edu>
Organization: JCUNQ, Townsville, Qld, Australia
Lines: 29

In article <90206.143139JJL101@psuvm.psu.edu>, JJL101@psuvm.psu.edu (J.J. Lehett) writes:
> 
>       Has anyone had any experience with this laptop?  If so, I would
> appreciate hearing both the pros and the cons concerning this model
> as I have seen it advertised for some good prices as of late.
>
The Amstrad PPC is quite a reasonable clone of a PC/XT, with monochrome
CGA screen.  The screen is not backlit, but is contrasty enough to use.
I'd put it better than the original NEC multispeed, not quite as good
as the Toshiba T1000, for readability (but a better aspect ratio than the
T1000).  Processor is 8 MHz 8086, meaning about 2.5X as fast as a PC/XT.
Keyboard is 101 (approximately) key extended, which is nice as long as
you're not actually using the thing on your lap.  The large keyboard and
elongated shape make actual laptop use impossible.  It runs on 8 C-cell
batteries, and I've heard they will last about 6 hours.  This might be
an advantage for portable use, as it means you can carry extra batteries
and use the machine as long as you want, plus there are not the usual
problems that NiCads develop with memory and reduced useage times.  The
disadvantage, of course, is that it can cost a fortune to keep buying those
batteries.  One person I know has bought a 5AH gel-cell 12v battery, wired
a connector for it to the external DC jack on the Amstrad.  This seems
like a reasonable solution.

In conclusion:  if you want an XT clone with 2 floppies, 2400 baud modem, and
don't mind a so-so non-backlit CGA screen and a keyboard that prevents
actually using it on your lap, it's not a bad deal.

Ross Alford
zlraa@iceman.jcu.oz