Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!seismo!rochester!ritcv!tropix!rcm
From: rcm@tropix.UUCP (Robert C. Moore)
Newsgroups: net.micro.pc
Subject: PC lookalikes
Message-ID: <170@tropix.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 13-Nov-83 12:48:04 EST
Article-I.D.: tropix.170
Posted: Sun Nov 13 12:48:04 1983
Date-Received: Tue, 15-Nov-83 00:37:20 EST
References: uiucdcs.3698
Lines: 25


	On the compatability of "lookalikes," I have some simple
experiences to share.  The COMPAQ is available here, but not the PC (at
least not within 4 months.)  So, desiring to get SCALD (a schematic
design and logic simulation program from Case Tech. Inc) up quickly, I
examined the Compaq.  It is *identical* (except for weight) to the PC,
the man told me.  Run some IBM demos on it, I asked.  He tried and
couldn't.  Run COMPAQ demos on the PC, I asked.  No soap.  He then
admitted Basic had some incompatibilities also (ie wouldn't run, due to
ROM differences.)

	*Identical* hardware interface, I was told.  Except the
hardware graphics boards required to support CAD don't work (the
Hercules, in particular.)  SCALD comes with its own hardware graphics
board to provide a measure of software protection, so that settled it
for me.  But I now understand that compatibility has been stretched
beyond reasonable limits of accuracy regarding PC lookalikes.

	This is one of the systems which Columbia, in their Nov BYTE
article said was of the highest level of compatibility!

	Conclusion -- wait for IBM to deliver the real thing.

					Bob Moore
					seismo!rochester!ritcv!tropix!rcm