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From: porter@cbmvax
Newsgroups: net.micro.atari16
Subject: Re: ST based lap computers: A query.
Message-ID: <153@cbmvax>
Date: Sat, 26-Apr-86 08:19:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: cbmvax.153
Posted: Sat Apr 26 08:19:00 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 14-May-86 06:24:42 EDT
References: <14187322@ucbvax>
Lines: 54

> In article <8604121914.AA24184@ucbvax.berkeley.edu> RDROYA01%ULKYVX.BITNET@SU-Forsythe.ARPA writes:
> >
> >Does anyone out there think Atari will ever develop a lap computer based
> >on the ST?  I would love to have a 68000 computer that would fit in my
> >backpack.
> >Are there real practical reasons why this cannot be accomplished?  The market
> >in PC lap computer seems pretty active, so there's money to be made.
> 
> The current "minimums" for a "real computer" seem to be a full travel
> qwerty keyboard, 80 column by 25 line display (640/400 graphics
> preferred), 400K non-volitile storage, and 1/2 to 1 meg volitile
> storage for ram disks, and general program usage.  Many would also
> include a hard disk in their "minimums" list as well.  Getting all of
> that into a single "box" that is both light-weight, and compact, is no
> easy chore.
> 
True.  There are some limitations with portable technology.
After having designed a portable for Commodore, here are some
of my thoughts...

1. Motor (in disk drives) and Batteries are mutually exclusive.
   Solid state mass storage is the only way.  The entire Commodore
   LCD computer ran on less than 100mA from 4 AA cells.  The lowest
   power disk drives today are FIVE times this hungry, just for the
   disk!  Here we have the classic case of the tale wagging the dog.
   Hard disks...forget it.

2. LCD displays are still expensive.  An 80x25 line display adds about
   $300 to the list price of a computer.  It just can't compare to
   a $99 monochrome monitor.  Color LCD look terrible.  There have
   been recent advances in LCD technology called "SuperTwist" which
   have a much better viewing angle, and a yellow/green background
   with black letters.  But the electronics to drive this display
   is still VERY costly.  (16 plus 100 pin flat packs)!

3. CMOS memory is always one generation behind NMOS memory (DRAMS).
   How's 64 - 28 pins packages the size of an EPROM hit you for 512K?
   Customers of course don't understand why you can buy a Tandy
   1000 PC clone with monitor for $999, but still you must pay TWICE
   this for a portable PC clone.  (Toshiba's got a new one out)

4. Mice.  All these new computers have mice.  What in the $%&# do
   you do with a mouse on a portable computer?  "Excuse me, can
   I borrow your leg to roll my mouse on?"  Nice pick up line, eh?
   Or, "Now which pocket did I put that mouse in...hummm...".

5. Does anyone make a CMOS 68000?  

Well, there have been alot of manufacturers looking for the magic
formula for portable computers, but NO ONE has found it yet.  I am
afraid we must wait for technology.

Jeff Porter
Commodore Engineering