Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!uunet!sjsca4!chomolungma!poffen
From: poffen@chomolungma (Russ Poffenberger)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: Modest-budget XT color video recommendations?
Message-ID: <1990Jan10.213328.1987@sj.ate.slb.com>
Date: 10 Jan 90 21:33:28 GMT
References: <30666@shemp.CS.UCLA.EDU>
Reply-To: poffen@chomolungma.UUCP (Russ Poffenberger)
Organization: Schlumberger ATE, San Jose, CA
Lines: 42

In article <30666@shemp.CS.UCLA.EDU> wales@CS.UCLA.EDU (Rich Wales) writes:
>I have a "baby-AT" clone -- 8-MHz 286 CPU, XT (8-bit) bus -- with a
>monochrome monitor and a Hercules-clone video card.
>
>I would like to upgrade to some kind of color video system, but simply
>do not have the money available at this time to spend on a high-end
>multisync monitor and 1024x768 super-VGA card.  Neither am I prepared
>right now to upgrade the system as a whole to a "full-AT" clone with a
>16-bit bus.
>
>Can anyone offer recommendations for a reasonably priced color monitor
>and 8-bit-bus VGA card?  Is there any way I can get away with something
>acceptable for a total price (monitor + card) of under $400?  If not,
>then how about under $500?
>

>I am prepared to accept less than blinding speed (as I said, I accept
>the fact that I'm stuck with an 8-bit XT bus).  I'm also prepared to
>accept the limitations of a monitor that is not "top of the line".  In
>short, I know I can't afford a Rolls-Royce color video system right now
>-- or even a BMW or Mercedes-Benz system -- so I'm willing to go with a
>VW or Toyota system if I can find one.
>

I have seen lots of good deals on cheap VGA systems. Personally I went
for an in-between system consisting of a Video-7 Fastwrite VGA and a Panasonic
PanaSync C1391 monitor. Total cost was about $650.

If  you plan to go the cheap route be very careful about buying a system
(especially a monitor) that you haven't seen running. I have seen lots of
these cheap monitors that have serious problems with focus, convergence,
pincushioning (where the sides bow), and other problems.

If it means you have to buy from a local store and pay a little more, you
should do it. You could also scope out monitors at a local store, then order
the same thing mail-order if you can find it cheaper.

Russ Poffenberger               DOMAIN: poffen@sj.ate.slb.com
Schlumberger Technologies       UUCP:   {uunet,decwrl,amdahl}!sjsca4!poffen
1601 Technology Drive		CIS:	72401,276
San Jose, Ca. 95110
(408)437-5254