Path: utzoo!utgpu!watserv1!watmath!att!bellcore!cellar.bae.bellcore.com!louie
From: louie@cellar.bae.bellcore.com (Paul Louie)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc
Subject: HP Vectra PC/AT compatibility
Message-ID: <27098@bellcore.bellcore.com>
Date: 21 Sep 90 17:54:23 GMT
Sender: news@bellcore.bellcore.com
Reply-To: louie@cellar.bae.bellcore.com (Paul Louie)
Organization: Bell Communications Research
Lines: 39

In article, <955@bbt.UUCP>, rlr@bbt.UUCP (rader) writes:

>  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!
>
>
>ron rader, jr


Ron, 

I used HP Vectra machines for a long time and I didn't experience any
compatibility problems, ONLY if you stick to genuine HP parts.  Which 
lead to your next question concerning converting it into a 386 clone.
I strongly advice you not to for two reasons.  

First, to save money the common practice is to reuse as much of the 
components as possible.  I would expect boards, such as HD/FD controller 
and Video Board, might have stability problems due to bus speed difference.  
Of course, you would never know for sure until you take the plunge.  But 
just remember one thing, I never knew a vendor that would give you refund 
if things didn't work out.  

Second, it's no longer economically sensible to do the upgrade route.
For example, a system integrator in my area can get me a 386SX clone for
$650, a 386/25 for a little over $1000.  The latest price I've seen for
Haupaugh 386 upgrade board is around $700.  With this kind of price
differential, why bother!

Paul