Newsgroups: comp.sys.handhelds
Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!think.com!laird
From: laird@think.com (Laird Popkin)
Subject: Re: Casio BOSS - Using as a Terminal
Message-ID: <1991Mar28.201555.27035@Think.COM>
Keywords: BOSS, Terminal
Sender: news@Think.COM
Organization: Thinking Machines Corporation, Cambridge MA, USA
References: <2100@gold.gvg.tek.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Mar 91 20:15:55 GMT

In article <2100@gold.gvg.tek.com> cleveland@gold.gvg.tek.com (cleveland) writes:
>
>If have seen some references in posting to the use
>of the Casio BOSS as a terminal. Would someone
>please inform us as to how this is done?
>
[stuff deleted]
>
>I am interested in retrieving e-mail and accessing packet
>bulleting boards while on the road. File transfer is of
>little interest to me.
>
>Any comments?

I would recommend a handheld computer over something like the BOSS.  With
the Atari Portfolio listing for $299 and the NEC Ultralight (not sure if
that's the right brand...) selling in the DAK catalog for $699, there's not
much reason (IMHO) to try to hack a BOSS into being a terminal.  The PF is
a nice tiny machine, but the display and keyboard are both small.  I've
used one at 300 baud, and it's fine, but you can't keep up with 1200 on a
screen that small (about the same as the BOSS' screen).  If you're going to
be doing "serious" telecommunicating, I'd recommend the NEC, since it has a
full sized screen and a larger keyboard.  It won't fit in your shirt
pocket, but it's still quite portable.