Path: utzoo!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!unix.cis.pitt.edu!pitt!vax.cs.pitt.edu!jonathan From: jonathan@cs.pitt.edu (Jonathan Eunice) Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops Subject: Re: Zeos 386sx Notebook Message-ID: Date: 17 Mar 91 07:24:07 GMT References: <1991Mar06.000416.20221@karnak.cactus.org> <20823@shlump.nac.dec.com> <1991Mar6.173916.24254@news.cs.indiana.edu> <1991Mar07.174129.6289@karnak.cactus.org> Sender: news@pitt.UUCP Organization: University of Pittsburgh Computer Science Lines: 52 A few +s and -s of my Zeos 386: GOOD: Battery life - 2+ hours easy - turn screen to 1/2 power, turn battery-save features to max (1 minute idle to screen shutdown, 3 minutes idle to drive shutdown), and 2 battery packs will take you across the Atlantic (if you also have dinner). Btw, this is with full speed on the CPU; turn it to 1/2 speed and save more. Screen - crisp, readable Battery charger - works nicely, looks good, fits in case ok (though no special place for it), and generally very convenient Power transformer flexibility - works great on European and US power - no converters necessary Keyboard - not any better than competition, but BYTE panned the kbd, yet it works/feels find for this touch-typist - arrow keys and Home/End/Pg Up... work with Function key, and this seems convenient - only problems are: easy to accidentally rest hand on Function key, and space bar sometimes a little hard to hit Upgrade policy - excellent upgrade policy to larger disks/memory/etc - ship it back and pay only the difference in price - wonder, however, about the upgrade turn-around time BAD: Default software - no sleep/resume mode - DOS costs extra (not in ROM etc) - no battery watch software (though Travelling Software now supports Zeos) - real area Zeos could improve upon Power transformer size - huge - no place to put it in carrying case, though it can be stuffed in outside "misc" pocket. Disk drive size - 20 MB already filled - good news that 40/60 MB will be available Screen - (yes, I know it's also listed as a good thing) - even this backlit, active matrix display is not nearly as good a real monitor, especially for Windows Modem - didn't buy one given no FAX capability - understand that it will be available RSN I am very pleased with the Zeos. It was cheap, yet seems well-designed, functional, durable, etc. Combined with the upgrades becoming available, it's a fantastic machine. Great price/performance.