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From: halp@batcomputer.tn.cornell.edu (Bruce P. Hzlalpern)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple
Subject: Re: Laser 128?
Message-ID: <1602@batcomputer.tn.cornell.edu>
Date: Sun, 30-Nov-86 10:48:36 EST
Article-I.D.: batcompu.1602
Posted: Sun Nov 30 10:48:36 1986
Date-Received: Mon, 1-Dec-86 06:40:49 EST
References: <569@cullvax.UUCP>
Reply-To: halp@batcomputer.UUCP (Bruce P. Hzlalpern)
Organization: Theory Center, Cornell U., Ithaca NY
Lines: 9

comp.sys.apple
Organization: Theory Center, Cornell University, Ithaca NY
Keywords: Laser 128, Apple IIc clone

The Laser 128 is distributed in the United States by Central Point Software, 9700 SW Capitol Highway, #100, Portland OR 97219 tel: 503-244-5782. Price is about $400. It can be purchased from a number of sources. It is an Apple IIc clone. Its advantages are: lower price, built in numeric pad, function keys, slot (=slot #7) for add-on card, and parallel (as well as serial) port. Its disadvantages are inability to run some Apple IIc software (e.g., Macroworks, Apple IIc utility disk, Expanded Bookends. NOTE: 
It does run AppleWorks, at least v1.2. Haven't tried v2.0 on it), somewhat larger size than IIc (although still portable), and necessity to return unit to Central Point for service (my experience with their warantee service is good: turn-around of about one week, no hassel).
             
It's certainly an excellent first computer for a young person, or for anyone who doesn't want to spend a lot of money (note that a video monitor, printer, second disk drive [one is built-in, as with a IIc], must be purchased separately, if needed. Otherwise, only low-resolution, 40 column display will be possible on a normal TV. 
            
My application is as a dedicated unit, taking in joy-stick positions thru the game port (it does this at about 300 hz, rather faster than needed), and then automatically processing results. Works very well.