Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!hp-pcd!hpfcso!hpfcdc!perry
From: perry@hpfcdc.HP.COM (Perry Scott)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp
Subject: Re: 720 3.5" floppy disk DOS compatibility??
Message-ID: <5570640@hpfcdc.HP.COM>
Date: 17 May 91 16:28:27 GMT
References: <91128.110445X03@psuvm.psu.edu>
Organization: HP Fort Collins, Co.
Lines: 25

>Is HP 720 3.5" floppy disk drive able to read a DOS format disk?  I talked to
>a HP sales rep, but didn't get a clear answer.  Or do I have to use SoftPC3.0
>listed in HP price list to just read a DOS disk?  Another question, what's the
>performance of SoftPC3.0, I heard it's similar to a 20-25 Mhz 386, is that true
>If this is the case, it is certainly usable.
>
>Can anyone from HP comment on this?  Thanks.
>
>Xiaowu Chen
>Penn State


I'm not really an authority, but the number batted around here is that
the 720 running the SoftPC emulator feels like a 25MHz '386.  Not having
ever used a PC that fast, I wouldn't know.  The floppy is just another
UN*X device file, coming in the blocked and character flavors.

I don't know if we bundle the dos{cp,rm,ls,..} commands with SoftPC, or
if they come with the base product.  They exist on the internal 8.05
integration releases, so maybe they are part of the base product.

Perry Scott
HP Ft Collins

UN*X is a registered trademark of AT&T