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From: panek@hp-and.HP.COM (Jon Panek)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp
Subject: Re: HP Vectra PC/AT compatibility
Message-ID: <13060006@hp-and.HP.COM>
Date: 24 Sep 90 18:32:37 GMT
References: <955@bbt.UUCP>
Organization: HP Andover Division (Massachusetts)
Lines: 45

> Ron Rader writes
> 
>   Hi there, folks.  I was wondering if you could give me a hand here.
> I have the chance to purchase an old Hewlett-Packard Vectra AT clone
> fairly cheaply.  I don't know the model number or anything else, but I
> plan on taking the cover off and checking out the chip identification, etc.
> 
You probably have a "Classic" Vectra, which means your uP is an Intel
80286.  Nice chip, by the way.

>   My question pertains to compatibility, as I have absolutely no experience
> with the Vectra clones.  Since HP builds good equipment, I'm assuming the
> system is reliable.  But since HP also likes to do things their own way,
> I'm also wondering about future compatibility problems.
> 
As a previous poster noted, the Vectra is very compatible with the IBM
machines.  I've used the classic for commercial software for several years
now with no trouble.

In fact, Ive also done a bit of low-level work on the beast, writing in
assembly, referencing BIOS calls, using port-level I/O, etc, and have never
run into problems.  You cleverly noted that HP likes to do things their own
way.  This is true in Vectra-land.  Fortunately, all the HP extensions to
the original IBM architecture are fully compatible.  That means that if your
software doesn't know about the HP extensions, it won't try to use them.
Commercial software, clearly, wouldn't attempt to use these hooks.  I'm
pretty sure that what software HP offers actually performs a hardware check
before it tries to use these hooks!  If it's not an HP, it uses standard
BIOS calls.

>   Any software incompatibilities with the AT standard?  What about hardware?
> 100% compatibility is very important in this case.  Also, is it feasible to
> plan on swapping a 386 motherboard (non-HP) into the case, thereby having
> a possible 386 clone for a lot less $$$$?
> 
>   Time is of the essence here, so if you have ANY experience with the
> Vectra clones, PLEASE reply via email (addresses below in my sig).  If
> I get a collection of valuable info, I'll post it.
> 
>   And THANK YOU very much!

No problem.  I hope you enjoy your Vectra as much as I have.

Jon Panek
HP Andover (Medical Products)