Path: utzoo!utgpu!cunews!cognos!alb
From: alb@cognos.UUCP (Al Belyea)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Re: Help?  Mail-order IIgs?  IIgs Configuration?
Message-ID: <9576@cognos.UUCP>
Date: 28 Apr 91 14:30:53 GMT
References: <13709.apple.net2@pro-grouch>
Reply-To: alb@cognos.UUCP (Al Belyea)
Organization: Cognos Inc., Ottawa, Canada
Lines: 30


You can assemble a less expensive GS system thru mail order. Pick up a copy
of A+/Incider magazine - its got lots of mail order ads. Some of the ads
have IIGS CPUs, but I'm not sure if they're grey market or not. However, you 
can really save on peripherals from 3rd party companies. Quality Computers
have a very good reputation as a mail-order company. I've also dealt with 
Programs Plus and had no problems.

So, pick up a ROM 03 GS cpu (the current production model) which gets you the
cpu with 1 Meg RAM on the motherboard, the keyboard and the mouse. You can
save a bundle on the RGB monitor by getting a Magnavox (not sure of the model#)
that some of the m.o. companies sell. For a 3.5" drive pick up the Applied
Engineering 800K drive, there are lots of cheap 5.25 drives around too. The only
other thing you may want is a memory board, but if it'll only be used for the
kid's software, most of it should run on the stock 1 MEG system.

Alternatively you can find some really good deals on used systems these days.
Try and find a local store that knows and supports the II series (there seems 
to be less and less of them these days) and ask around. I've seen some really
cheap systems for sale (ie 2 Meg, 40MB hard drive, add-in cards, software) for
about $1500 or less.

Good luck.


-- 
Allan Belyea              UUCP:                          3755 Riverside Dr.     
Cognos Incorporated       alb@cognos                     P.O. Box 9707         
(613) 738-1338 x3822      uunet!mitel!cunews!cognos!alb  Ottawa, Ontario       
"... when in a Desparate situation, challenge." Sun Tzu  CANADA  K1G 3Z4