8911

Date/TimeFromToReply ToNumberSee AlsoSubject
01 Nov 89 22:37:2Curtis ClaarNeville Cohen-518time designs
01 Nov 89 22:46:4Chris FennAll-610TV Z88
02 Nov 89 09:33:1SysopJohn Gaudreault-8-Voice Number
02 Nov 89 23:12:4Curtis ClaarChris Fenn610-Harry Z88 Stone
02 Nov 89 23:17:5Curtis ClaarTeller-11-PipeDream --> WordPerfect
03 Nov 89 11:38:4Bill SantosAll-1213Cambridge North America
03 Nov 89 18:38:1SysopBill Santos1213-Cambridge NA
03 Nov 89 22:06:4Curtis ClaarAll-1419Phone probs at CNA
03 Nov 89 22:11:1Curtis ClaarAll-15-phones cont.
03 Nov 89 22:14:3Curtis ClaarAll-1620more CNA
04 Nov 89 06:26:5Gerald LindsaySysop-1721COMDEX
04 Nov 89 06:31:0Gerald LindsayCurtis Claar51822Time Designs
04 Nov 89 07:04:1SysopCurtis Claar1419-Cambridge NA
04 Nov 89 07:07:4SysopCurtis Claar162023MOre Cambridge
04 Nov 89 07:12:1SysopGerald Lindsay1721-Comdex
04 Nov 89 15:35:1Curtis ClaarGerald Lindsay1822-Time Designs
04 Nov 89 15:37:3Curtis ClaarSysop202324Sharp's etc.
04 Nov 89 17:27:1SysopCurtis Claar232441PipeLine
05 Nov 89 15:36:2Howard WeaverSysop-25-Thanks
06 Nov 89 01:44:1David ZundelSysop-2631Z-Term ViewData & CompuServe Vidtex
06 Nov 89 19:47:0Scott SchadAll-2833LOGPAC.BAS
06 Nov 89 19:58:2Richard HawAll-30-For Sale
06 Nov 89 20:24:2SysopDavid Zundel263151Viewdata vs. Vidtex
06 Nov 89 20:26:1SysopScott Schad2833-logpac
07 Nov 89 20:03:0Chris FennAll-34-CNA etc.
08 Nov 89 14:54:1SysopAll-35-October Messages
08 Nov 89 15:24:1SysopAll-36-Z88 East Messages
11 Nov 89 09:56:3Dave BennettAll-3740Z88 Sales
11 Nov 89 17:55:4Howard WeaverAll-3839z88 sales
11 Nov 89 19:40:3SysopHoward Weaver383953Z88 Sales
11 Nov 89 19:43:0SysopDave Bennett374043Z88 Sales
12 Nov 89 15:01:2Norm LehfeldtCurtis Claar244154CNA Stuff
12 Nov 89 15:39:3SysopAll-42-Z88 Bug Compilation
12 Nov 89 18:11:0Dave BennettSysop404344Z88 Sales
13 Nov 89 18:13:3SysopDave Bennett434452Z88 Sales
14 Nov 89 05:42:0SysopAll-45-Downtime
14 Nov 89 05:44:4SysopAll-4647COMDEX
14 Nov 89 17:51:5Chris FennSysop464755COMDEX!
14 Nov 89 17:55:1Chris FennAll-48-more PSION
14 Nov 89 18:00:3Chris FennAll-4950OOPS!
14 Nov 89 22:12:1SysopChris Fenn4950-T1000SE
15 Nov 89 01:01:1Curtis ClaarDavid Zundel3151-View Data
15 Nov 89 01:04:4Curtis ClaarDave Bennett445263how many
15 Nov 89 01:06:2Curtis ClaarHoward Weaver395364ser nums
15 Nov 89 01:08:1Curtis ClaarNorm Lehfeldt4154-management etc.
15 Nov 89 01:10:4Curtis ClaarChris Fenn475556Poqet
15 Nov 89 05:00:1SysopCurtis Claar555657Poqet
15 Nov 89 19:53:5Chris FennCurtis Claar5657-Poqet
15 Nov 89 22:32:4SysopJohn Gaudreault5859-SuperChip
16 Nov 89 19:36:5Chris FennAll-6061More Comdex
17 Nov 89 18:44:4SysopChris Fenn6061-Comdex 89
18 Nov 89 00:01:1SysopAll-62-Computer Case
18 Nov 89 13:21:5Dave BennettCurtis Claar5263-Sales
19 Nov 89 07:13:2Victor RobertsCurtis Claar5364-Serial Number
20 Nov 89 19:49:2Curtis ClaarSysop6566-COMs
20 Nov 89 19:50:2Curtis ClaarAll-6768Penalty
20 Nov 89 20:03:0SysopCurtis Claar6768-Penalty
20 Nov 89 20:33:2Chris FennAll-69-Points
21 Nov 89 20:59:3SysopAll-70-Update to Z88COM Files
22 Nov 89 09:09:1Victor RobertsSysop-7173Automatic reformat in Spellmaster/Quickedit
22 Nov 89 09:17:2Victor RobertsSysop-7274String Arrays in Basic
22 Nov 89 14:21:2SysopVictor Roberts717375QuickEdit Problem
22 Nov 89 14:27:5SysopVictor Roberts727476Stuff
23 Nov 89 05:14:1Victor RobertsSysop737577Exporting Quickedit files
23 Nov 89 05:19:5Victor RobertsSysop747678Strings in BBCBasic
23 Nov 89 06:48:0SysopVictor Roberts757780QE File Structure
23 Nov 89 06:52:0SysopVictor Roberts7678-Kermit
23 Nov 89 06:59:5SysopAndy Russell-79-Tandy WP-2
23 Nov 89 07:23:0SysopVictor Roberts7780-QE File Structure
24 Nov 89 07:22:3Dean MintzerSysop-8182Outliner
24 Nov 89 08:52:2SysopDean Mintzer818289Outliner
26 Nov 89 14:30:3Jim RistowSysop-8385Z-88 NEOPHYTE!
26 Nov 89 15:20:2Curtis ClaarJim Ristow838586inexpensive downloading
26 Nov 89 15:30:3SysopJim Ristow858687Z88 to PC Transfers
26 Nov 89 18:09:5Bruce DurocherCurtis Claar868788Inexpensive Downloading
26 Nov 89 19:38:0SysopBruce Durocher878892Downloading
27 Nov 89 05:24:2Dean MintzerSysop828990outliner
27 Nov 89 05:30:3SysopDean Mintzer8990-Outliner
7 Nov 89 20:40:26Chris FennSysop-91-PC COMPUTING
27 Nov 89 21:59:4Curtis ClaarBruce Durocher8892-amiga version
7 Nov 89 22:04:11Curtis ClaarAll-93-RMG
8 Nov 89 09:38:34Mark StueberAll-94-2 Z88 BOOKS
8 Nov 89 22:09:26Jim RistowCurtis Claar-95-Inexpensive Downloading
8 Nov 89 22:15:25Jim RistowSysop-96-Inexpensive Z88 to PC Transfers

ARCHIVED BBS MESSAGES -- NOVEMBER 1989
--------------------------------------


#5 33 01 Nov 89 22:37:20
From: Curtis Claar
To: Neville Cohen
SEE ALSO #18
Subj: time designs

I believe Time Designs' phone is now answered by a BBS and they are still in
business. But this is all third or fourth generation hearsay.

[Curtis]




 #6 28 01 Nov 89 22:46:44
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #10
Subj: TV Z88

Hey how about the Honorable Harry T. Stone with his Z88 on tonight's
episode of "Night Court"! He was gazing into it as court was getting
started.




#8 30 02 Nov 89 09:33:16 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: John Gaudreault
Subj: Voice Number

I think the voice number is in the log-on bulletin. Anyway, its
(213)371-2373.

Phil




 #10 30 02 Nov 89 23:12:49 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #6
Subj: Harry Z88 Stone

And I missed it! I guess I'll check to see if it's on again this week sometime.

[Curtis]




 #11 30 02 Nov 89 23:17:52
From: Curtis Claar
To: Teller
Subj: PipeDream --> WordPerfect

Teller, There are no PD<->WP conversion utilities yet that I am aware of, but
there is a workable solution until that time comes: Use the PipeDream <-->
Wordstar utility in PC-Link and then the Wordstar <--> WordPerfect utilities
available for IBM-compats. (I've never tried it, but it should work). The
other option would be to save a PipeDream file as plain text and then import
the file as plain text in WordPerfect. This would work, but you would lose the
bolds and underlines and things.

I hope this is of some help to you. Hope to see you around here often.

[Curtis]





 #12 29 03 Nov 89 11:38:41
From: Bill Santos
To: All
SEE ALSO #13
Subj: Cambridge North America

Does anyone know what's going on with the dealer Cambridge North America? I
have been trying to get a replacement for a faulty Z88 to Mac EEPROM Program
cartridge for 2 months, and now today BOTH the 800 number and the long
distance number are disconnected. I know some Cambridge North America
Employees call here; What's goin on?




 #13 33 03 Nov 89 18:38:15 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Bill Santos
REPLY TO #12
Subj: Cambridge NA

Bill, that is a problem. the most recent log-on by a CNA person was by Marc
Gaguiere (spelling may be wrong); check back 10-20 messages.

Dealers and distributors for the Z88 have been very transient, it seems. I
deal with Sharp's in Mechanicsville, VA. They have a long history of support
to Sinclair (and now Cambridge) products. Unfortunately, many of the
distributors signed up by Cambridge North America seem to have been very small
and/or new to the computor business. For a new and somewhat stuggling product,
that's a prescription for failure. Alas! I think that the Z88 is good
product which would have fared better with a "real" distribution network;
imagine if it had been marketted by Tandy!!

Phil




 #14 32 03 Nov 89 22:06:48
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #19
Subj: Phone probs at CNA

This is also in Area #2 as PHONES.NOV3 (but it has no LF's there).

I called around tonight and ended up with this:

LATE BREAKING NEWS
CURTIS CLAAR NEWS SERVICE
23:00 MST
3 NOVEMBER 1989

LATE BREAKING NEWS
CURTIS CLAAR NEWS SERVICE
23:00 MST
3 NOVEMBER 1989


Cambridge North America is alive and thriving

Friday, on the Z88-BBS in Calif., the news broke that all the phones
for Cambridge North America had been disconnected. This information was true,
but slightly misleading.
Roy Hobby, Senior Account Rep., in a late-night interview Friday said
in addition to the strike at New England Telephone, all the phone numbers at
CNA were in the process of being changed (imagine the problems possible when
workers are striking -- he said it was such a mess Friday, he went home
early.)
He said the phone company told them everything would be fine Monday
morning. Starting then, two toll-free numbers should be again operational:
800-888-3723 and 800-366-0088. Also two new toll numbers should be up then.
He was pretty certain the numbers were 207-879-2200 and 207-879-2211 (but
he did not have them at home, so call the 800-numbers if no luck with the
new toll numbers).
Hobby was not sure just why all this phone mess happened. But he
guessed that CNA was getting the new numbers to re-assert its independence
from New England Sales, adding that CNA has already moved into a


#15 32 03 Nov 89 22:11:10
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: phones cont.


from New England Sales, adding that CNA has already moved into a separate
building from NES (a "parent company" that originally helped CNA out with
money, but no longer is "affiliated with CNA in any way, shape, or form").
Until fairly recently they were sharing the same building (and I received a
package with a "New England Sales" envelope with CNA stamped over it).
So everything is fine with CNA if the phone company keeps its promise.
But the problem of grey-market and the Sharp's conflict is still
a big one, no matter how many phones are working. Hobby explained the grey-
market and non-FCC-approved machines and I told him that no matter what the
explanation, the consumers are confused and even enraged when they're told
if they want a Z88 they must buy it only from CNA. I suggested that rather
than taking a competitive stance with Sharp's, they should try to work
WITH him. He said he will look into it (wouldn't that be great!! instead
of having CNA constantly working against all of Mark's efforts, they could
be a part of it...). He said this same problem had been on his mind for
quite awhile.
Hobby said he will call into the BBSes more often and he will also
tell everyone around the office how much calls from CNA employees mean to
the BBS callers. He now understands the importance of it as a feedback medium
and appreciated me getting this potential rumor cleared up. He didn't really
understand just how important the BBSes cold be to both CNA and the consumers.
Hobby also mentioned "a neat new product" from Cambridge. He obviously
could not release any information about it, but said it should be out in
March or April (so let's give them until March until we start wanting info
on it).
Relating to personnel: "Die-Hard" Dan Feeney is still there.


#16 32 03 Nov 89 22:14:30
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #20
Subj: more CNA


Relating to personnel: "Die-Hard" Dan Feeney is still there. Jeff
has left CNA. Maurice G. is in Boston working for CNA (except for him, the
whole operation is wisely consolidated in Portland, Maine). Nigel Searle is
no longer president, but is still consulting for CNA on a part-time basis and
Jack Boles is now president. Boles is well-known in international circles.
Hobby said he is excited about what's happening at CNA; it's growing.
He said things will go really good, then they'll be bad for a while, and then
they'll get better. He also said he has enjoyed the decreased return rate
in the year he's been with CNA. The return rate is the percentage of units
returned (keep in mind, they sell them with a three-week trial). He said
at first it was around 20% and now it's down around 5%.
He said a lot of other encouraging things and he re-assured me that
a lot of the things I said the Z88 community was bugged about was concerning
him, too. (Personally I think if CNA would just try to make friends with
Mark at Sharp's they'd both be a lot better off... I don't know, any other
ideas anyone?). Hobby also said they're going to start carrying more products
pretty soon (CNA is "envious" of Sharp's in this respect).
Anyway everyone, sit tight until Monday. Everything appears to be
fine. Plus, they've figured out some of their marketing blunders (like
the Home Shopping Network thing) and are now actively and agressively fixing
them.

[Curtis]





 #17 30 04 Nov 89 06:26:51 (RECV'D)
From: Gerald Lindsay
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #21
Subj: COMDEX

November 13-17 in Vegas (of course), I don't know what day I'll be there as
I'm detouring by way of the Great White North (and hey I'm on Vacation anyhow,
who needs a schedule). I guess I'll go straight to the Cambridge booth to see
what goes. Perhaps I'll see you there, I'm going to try and tie up with Chris
Fenn while I'm there to say Hi and Bye on my way through.

Gerald




 #18 31 04 Nov 89 06:31:02 (RECV'D)
From: Gerald Lindsay
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #5 SEE ALSO #22
Subj: Time Designs

Believe it or not I got a mailing from Time Designs yesterday! My new member
package (3 or 4 months late), included some flyers explaining some
changes/reorganization what have you. I think they need to at least keep in
contact with one of the BBS's or Genie so the word can get out that they are
still alive and well and living in Argentina ! I know a lot of people
that have not subscribed because of the lack of information from the
principles made it appear they had gone under (not unknown in the computer mag
industry ).

Gerald




 #19 31 04 Nov 89 07:04:11 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #14
Subj: Cambridge NA

Thanks for the info, Curtis. Unfortunately, poor phone response was never the
only problem. Comments on trancience of dealer network are still valid -- at
least here in the L.A. area.

Phil




 #20 31 04 Nov 89 07:07:49 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #16 SEE ALSO #23
Subj: MOre Cambridge

Well -- the problem is that talk is fairly cheap, even at long distance phone
rates. Sharp's has always delivered. Since I bought my Z88 at a local dealer
(who quit THAT business shortly thereafter) I can't say anything about FCC
approval of Sharp's machines. Mine does have a stamp -- but still generates a
horrendous omount of RFI (e.g., with my Model 100, Z-150 and Toshiba T1000
runniing, I can operate ham radioi HF bands just fine in the same room -- not
so with Z88). So I am not sure exactly whether that stampt on the bottom of
my Z88 re FCC approval means much!!

Phil




 #21 31 04 Nov 89 07:12:13 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Gerald Lindsay
REPLY TO #17
Subj: Comdex

Alas -- that is a terrible week for me. I have classes on Tue and Thurs (a
two-day class!!) and a BIG meeting on Wed. That sorta makes it undoable for
me -- unless I was there for one day, like Monday (of course, from L.A. that
is a feasible approach).

Phil




 #22 31 04 Nov 89 15:35:10 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Gerald Lindsay
REPLY TO #18
Subj: Time Designs

Alright, Time Designs finally comes through again (the usual 3 or 4 months
late).
I'm still waiting for my Pipeline#3 so I know when to send in my piece for
Pipeline#4. But I'm reeeeeaaaall good at waiting patiently. Seeya 'round.

[Curtis]





 #23 32 04 Nov 89 15:37:30 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #20 SEE ALSO #24
Subj: Sharp's etc.

Yep, Sharp's always delivers. No matter what.

[Curtis]





 #24 36 04 Nov 89 17:27:14 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #23 SEE ALSO #41
Subj: PipeLine

Heck, send it in. The way things are going it may get into #3!!




 #25 29 05 Nov 89 15:36:21 (RECV'D)
From: Howard Weaver
To: Sysop
Subj: Thanks

Thanks for the reply; I'll check that SPELMSTR file right now.




 #26 28 06 Nov 89 01:44:19 (RECV'D)
From: David Zundel
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #31
Subj: Z-Term ViewData & CompuServe Vidtex

Phil,
Bizare thought: is there any affinity between CompuServe Vidtex (videotext)
and the British ViewData support by Wordmonger's Z-Term?
Well?
davidz




 #28 28 06 Nov 89 19:47:08
From: Scott Schad
To: All
SEE ALSO #33
Subj: LOGPAC.BAS

I uploaded logpac.bas and logpac.doc. this is a port of my petroleum geology
software to analyze oil well logs from ms-dos to the z88. enjoy!




#30 30 06 Nov 89 19:58:29
From: Richard Haw
To: All
Subj: For Sale

For Sale:

Portable Disk Drive for the Z88, includes original packaging and version 1.2
of ZN-DOS on a 32K EPROM cartridge, only $200.00.

Z88 to centronix printer adapter, only $40.00.

CASIO Boss (Model SF-7500, 64K), only $125.00.

Leave a message here, or on Genie R.HAW1.




 #31 28 06 Nov 89 20:24:24 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: David Zundel
REPLY TO #26 SEE ALSO #51
Subj: Viewdata vs. Vidtex

Beats me, David!

Phil




 #33 28 06 Nov 89 20:26:11
From: Sysop
To: Scott Schad
REPLY TO #28
Subj: logpac

Thanks, Scott -- first new program in a couple of months!!

Phil




 #34 25 07 Nov 89 20:03:01
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
Subj: CNA etc.

Concerning the great Sharp's/CNA debate: Mark at Sharps express's a
genuine interest in this hobby of computers while CNA has projected a
dry vending machine image with no profile what so-ever. They don't seem
to realize that it's us benign "hackers" that got the Z88 into the
limelight with our word of mouth,letter writing, and above all;our
communication with other established computer user's via BBS's
(thanks Phil)(and Gerald). You would hope that they (CNA) might take a
little time to say howdy (if not thanks) to us dedicated Z88 users.

PS Good info Curtis, it would be nice to establish a communication
link.




 #35 26 08 Nov 89 14:54:17
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: October Messages

October messages (AREA1MSG.O89) are now available for download in File Area
#5. Will be added to the file listing tonight -- but you can get them now.

Phil




 #36 29 08 Nov 89 15:24:12
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88 East Messages

New in File area 5 - Z88EAST.001 archives Z88-related messages from Gerald's
ZED 88 BBS in Virginia. This first increment is inception (August) thru
11/7/89.

Phil




 #37 23 11 Nov 89 09:56:37
From: Dave Bennett
To: All
SEE ALSO #40
Subj: Z88 Sales

Does anyone know how many Z88s have been sold in the U.S. and worldwide?
I heard a number of about 30,000? Is this worldwide?




 #38 25 11 Nov 89 17:55:47
From: Howard Weaver
To: All
SEE ALSO #39
Subj: z88 sales

Let's see who amongst us has the highest and lowest z88 serial numbers. That
might give us a clue about sales. Mine's 015700.




 #39 27 11 Nov 89 19:40:37 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Howard Weaver
REPLY TO #38 SEE ALSO #53
Subj: Z88 Sales

Well, mine is 016414 -- a bit higher than yours. But I would bet that Chris
Fenn has the lowest one here, since he had his in early 1988 (or maybe even
sooner than that). Got mine in Oct/Nov 1988 (about a year ago) and started
this BBS in Mid-Dec 1988.

Phil




 #40 27 11 Nov 89 19:43:02 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Dave Bennett
REPLY TO #37 SEE ALSO #43
Subj: Z88 Sales

If I were all that interested, I would give Mark at Sharp's a call. Doubt if
he has official data, but he should sure have a good "feel" for the volume.

Phil




 #41 27 12 Nov 89 15:01:25 (RECV'D)
From: Norm Lehfeldt
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #24 SEE ALSO #54
Subj: CNA Stuff

Curtis,
The most encouraging thing in your messages is that Nigel Searle is no
longer running CNA. Going all the way back to ZX-81 days, I have thought
that Searle's apparent lack of organizational ability was the key to
Sir Clive's marketing failures in the U. S.
During the introduction of the QL I would call the office in Nashua, NH
and invariably get a bored phone answerer who seemed barely aware of
who he or she was working for.
Let's hope things are changing for the better.
From the beginning, the elegance of Sinclair products has beaten the
pants off the clunky, memory wasting DOS environment machines, and has
offered access to technology at prices that make Apple look like real
pirates. Too bad the marketing and support has been in the hands of
incompetents.
Regards,
Norm




 #42 29 12 Nov 89 15:39:36
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88 Bug Compilation

The file Z88BUG.001 (File Area 2) is a compilation of Z88 bugs from a U.K.
user. Note that he has an early machine with ROM version 2.2. Presumably
most of these bugs were fixed for version 3.0 (which most U.S. owners are
likely to have). But maybe not!

IN any case, it makes interesting reading. And if it misses your "favorite"
bug, leave a message. We can start on Z88BUG.002 any time!

Phil




 #43 26 12 Nov 89 18:11:04 (RECV'D)
From: Dave Bennett
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #40 SEE ALSO #44
Subj: Z88 Sales

I doubt that Mark would have that information too. By the way my serial no is
002996. I have had my Z88 over a year. I bought it used from
someone who bought it in early 1988. Dave




 #44 27 13 Nov 89 18:13:34
From: Sysop
To: Dave Bennett
REPLY TO #43 SEE ALSO #52
Subj: Z88 Sales

Ah -- well you likely have ROM 2.2 in yours -- which means you should be
interested in the Bug report file in File Area 2!

Phil




 #45 26 14 Nov 89 05:42:06
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Downtime

System was down last night while I did an all-night repair/reformatting
(non-destructive!) of the hard disk with Disk Technician. Was tricky due to
the DOS in the beast (had to use a Toshiba laptop DOS to get it to work), but
it seems to HAVE worked.

Phil




 #46 25 14 Nov 89 05:44:49
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #47
Subj: COMDEX

Anxiously awaiting report from COMDEX (which I could not make due to a class
tonight and Thurs nite). Chris or anyone, let us know what goodies you see --
especially would like to hear about the new Toshiba T1000SE!

Phil




 #47 24 14 Nov 89 17:51:59 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #46 SEE ALSO #55
Subj: COMDEX!

COMDEX report:
Very busy this year; close to 130,000 attendees which makes it the
biggest yet! Cambridge is a no-show. Perhaps they did not want to set
up until their "neat new product" is ready (spring Comdex?). Too bad,
I wanted to say howdy. Many good little laptops out there. My favorites
were the Toshiba 1000SE which had a very nice screen (Toshiba put on a
little Siskel & Ebert movie critique skit). I thought the 1000E was
much nicer than the Zenith multispeed mainly because of the screen.
TI is back in biz with a couple of '286 laptop,s they had some nice
features but were very boxy. The booth that floored me was PSION's
(any Sinclair QL user will be familiar with them as they did the good
software that shipped with the QL). The new 4.3 lb. 30 hr. DOS laptop
of PSION's is a knockout; the screen is not back-lit but it's a very
nice black on bronze. Built in Laplink (installable on other DOS
machines) DOS 3.3 on ROM,768K RAM,1 MB RAM DISK, and four slots for
flash EPROMS (up to 8 MEG. later). Unlike the Ultralite a parallel port
is standard and you don't have to buy the external disk drive just to
print your documents. Although a 3.5 1.4 MEG battery powered disk drive
is available. There is also a _FAST_ serial port supplied. Microsoft
co-develoved the FLASH EPROM system which is sure to set a standard.
Hitachi developed the screen technology. At less than $2500 this is a
very nice DOS settup.




 #48 24 14 Nov 89 17:55:11
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
Subj: more PSION

MC200,MC400

Also at PSION,is a new range of non-DOS machines that are very
interesting. I see alot of inspiration from our prized Z88's in these
new machines. Weighing about 4.5 lbs with a battery life of 60-75 hrs.,
these machines use a multitasking OS,graphic ICON based I/F and have a
built-in mouse-like pointer system. The screen is a 640-400 black on
bronze that is very nice.They have lots of good software built-in
including PSION's OPL procedural language of which I've heard alot of
good revues and the built-in scientific calculator can be linked to it.
The applications can be launched much like the Z88 only in a
windows-like environment. The keyboard is a nice conventional type that
had a nice feal (although I still like the Z88 keyboard). There are 4
expansion slots to put RAM,ROM, or FLASH EPROM cartridges. The DIARY
program will let you veiw it 3 months at a time and with the voice
modual you can link voice to DIARY entries *see PS*. The built-in
database is a nice one that is file compatable (and future program
compatable) with the database I program at work. There is also terminal
emulation, alarms,text processor. There is also a spot for the optional
modem. I can see me using my trusty Z88 for many years to come, but I
think this may be my higher end laptop I need (approx.$1500, alot more
moola than the Z88 but in range with the lower end DOS machines).

PS did I mention the voice record & playback feature? It will store 8
minutes of speech in 64K, the voice modual allows you to edit the sound
etc..




#49 25 14 Nov 89 18:00:34
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #50
Subj: OOPS!

Zenith Multispeed=Zenith Minisport

Anything else I shoud see at Comdex?, I may go back Thursday.
Chris




 #50 24 14 Nov 89 22:12:17 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #49
Subj: T1000SE

Based on what I've heard, and my use of a T1000 for over two years, I think
the T1000SE will be my next lapper. But the Z88 will be here until it dies --
use in mtgs and small size plus long battery life make it unique (to date!).

Phil




 #51 25 15 Nov 89 01:01:16
From: Curtis Claar
To: David Zundel
REPLY TO #31
Subj: View Data

View Data: British low res, qui, color graphics
Vidtex: CIS, non-View Data

There is one BBS in USA that supports View Data. I wonder how Wordmongers got
color on the Z88. Maybe that program is worth it afterall!! Anyway, I'll post
the BBS number if you want it.

[Curtis]





 #52 26 15 Nov 89 01:04:45 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Dave Bennett
REPLY TO #44 SEE ALSO #63
Subj: how many

I couldn't get that figure out of Mr. CNA. I don't know if he couldn't tell me
or just didn't know that friday at midnight. Call the toll-free number and ask
them (and then ask them why they haven't called in to the BBSes for quite some
time.

[Curtis]





 #53 27 15 Nov 89 01:06:29 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Howard Weaver
REPLY TO #39 SEE ALSO #64
Subj: ser nums

ok, we have:

015700 and mine is:
023400

everyone else, add yours.

[Curtis]





 #54 26 15 Nov 89 01:08:13 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Norm Lehfeldt
REPLY TO #41
Subj: management etc.

Agreed.

[Curtis]





 #55 25 15 Nov 89 01:10:44 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #47 SEE ALSO #56
Subj: Poqet

Is the Poqet Computer there? I read it goes **100** (not a mistype, one
hundred) hours on 2(two) AA's and it's DOS and its an 80x25 (or thereabouts)
screen and it's about $2000.

[Curtis]





 #56 27 15 Nov 89 05:00:11 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #55 SEE ALSO #57
Subj: Poqet

Recent issues of BYTE and PC Mag discussed the Poqet. Seems a little smaller
than normal, keyboard-wise. And it is not clear you can get a DOS application
into it without buying it on ROM (meaning it is more pricy, cannot by moved
from your existing DOS computer, and availability is limited for most Apps);
not sure of this latter -- but it would be a limitation!!

Phil




 #57 26 15 Nov 89 19:53:52 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #56
Subj: Poqet

They were there, next to Fujitsu who I think may have an interest in the
company. It's a nice little machine. Kinda pricey. I got a chance to try the
keyboard out.Not bad.




 #59 23 15 Nov 89 22:32:46
From: Sysop
To: John Gaudreault
REPLY TO #58
Subj: SuperChip

John, re your question: I think THINKz (the outliner on Superchip) is very
nice (see my review of it in File Area 2 -- THINKZ.REV?); ZTerm is also very
nice, but missing some features I need (which is why I wrote Z88COM -- see
Z88COM.INF in File Area 1), but ZTerm is absolutely essential for accessing
certain boards, since it bypasses the internal Terminal emulator in the Z88
(which has a few shortcomings -- see Z88BUG.001 in File Area 2).

I don't know about ZTape, since I never use Cassette with the Z88.

FYI -- my current Z88 configuration is: Slot 1 -- 512K RAM; Slot 2 --
SpellMaster (see SPELMSTR.REV in File Area 2); Slot 3 -- THINKz. I have
several other ROM programs that seldon get into the machine (such as ZTerm and
zBase). Zterm is nice, but not needed very often. zBase is basically an
emulation of dBase II, but with less capability (but very usable with one of
the many special "front-ends" folks have developed -- as in one of the file
areas here (#3? --don't look there much myself!!).

Phil




 #60 23 16 Nov 89 19:36:56
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #61
Subj: More Comdex

If anyone wants to hear about what I saw at Comdex check out:
COMDEX89.TXT only about laptops.
Chris




 #61 25 17 Nov 89 18:44:46 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #60
Subj: Comdex 89

Thanks for the file, Chris. Looks like you agree with me re the Toshiba
T1000SE. I have a T1000 and (at work) a T1200HB. The T1000SE looks like a
great compromise between them. Likely I will replace my T1000 with one when
they come available (in January, I think).

BTW -- for those who want to read Chris' file, it is COMDEX89.TXT and can be
found in File Area 5.

Phil




 #62 22 18 Nov 89 00:01:11
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Computer Case

Just bought a Le Mans case for my T1000. NIce thing is that you can
re-partition it for about ANY computer -- and take some folders of paper stuff
along, too. Bought it at 1st Computer in LA area for $75 -- compared to abt
$100 for the Tosh cases which have less flexibility.

Big advantage for me: I can now travel with a single bag -- vs. a briefcase
plus a computer case. Le MAns is niely padded, too.

Phil




 #63 22 18 Nov 89 13:21:54 (RECV'D)
From: Dave Bennett
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #52
Subj: Sales

Curtis, Maybe CNA knows, maybe not. Perhaps only the parent company in England
has the figures. Maybe I will call CNA. Dave




 #64 22 19 Nov 89 07:13:23 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #53
Subj: Serial Number

My Z88 is 021073. Purchased last Dec.
My brother bought one in Oct of this year, I will try to get his S/N.

Vic




 #66 18 20 Nov 89 19:49:25 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #65
Subj: COMs

Yes, I will indeed do that. In fact later this morning when I was sleeping I
rememred seeing that and thought it might help. Thanks again.

[Curtis]





 #67 18 20 Nov 89 19:50:27
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #68
Subj: Penalty

Well, I never thought I would never get penalized for taking notes on my Z88.
I really like walking into Biology class (lecture) and plop down with my Z88
and take notes. (boy that's some bad grammar)

Well, anyway, today, since it's Thanksgiving week and everybody's usually gone,
the instructor said "Take out a piece of paper, write your name on it and put
FIVE POINTS under it." Well I didn't have any paper or a pen so I didn't get
the free five points. Oh well.

[Curtis]





 #68 18 20 Nov 89 20:03:08 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #67
Subj: Penalty

Hmmm...sounds like time to borrow a piece of paper and prick a vein --
ANYTHING for five free points!




 #69 18 20 Nov 89 20:33:24
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
Subj: Points

Gad! I know what you mean Curtis. I don't even look for a pencil and
paper anymore I look for a keyboard. Lucky for me the closest one is
usually my trusty Z88. Pipedream is so easy to get at that if I have
any more than a couple of calculations I'll just do a quick spreadsheet
and have something to print if I need it. I don't think of the Z88 as
my computer anymore, more like a brain extension. C'mon Clive, when
are the Z88 implants due out? (Ha!)




 #70 18 21 Nov 89 20:59:34
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Update to Z88COM Files

I have made *minor* updates to Z88COM files (Z88COM.INF, Z88COM.DOC &
Z88COM23.ARC) to reflect a minor fix of 10/10/89 and to tell how to patch the
program for pulse dialing phone systems. Note that the minor fix is defined
in the INF file and can be made by editing one line in the program. The
"pulse patch" is equally simple (defined in the DOC file).

Phil




 #71 15 22 Nov 89 09:09:19 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #73
Subj: Automatic reformat in Spellmaster/Quickedit

Phil,

Do you know how to turn off the automatic paragraph reformat in Quickedit
which occurs every time you do a block move command <>BM,
or a file insert command, <>FML ?

As you know, Quickedit does not distinguish between "hard" and "soft"
carrage returns as Wordstar does, for example. Therefore, when you do reformat
a paragraph, everything up to the next blank line is considered to be part of
the paragraph.

I keep a number of lists, like phone numbers which do NOT have a blank line
between entries. If I use the block move command or file insert command, all
those separate entries get reformatted into one big paragraph. This is not
much fun!

I did determine that Pipedream (remember Pipedream?) does NOT do this
automatic reformatting. I would hate to have to go back to Pipedream just to
solve this problems. Please tell me there is a solution in Quickedit.

Vic




 #72 17 22 Nov 89 09:17:23 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #74
Subj: String Arrays in Basic

Phil,

Do you know if there is any way to declare indexed arrays
of strings in Basic. For example:

A$(1) = "Hello"
A$(2) = "Goodbye"

HP Basic has a dimension statement which lets you specify n arrays, each m
characters long, and then call them with just the first, i.e. n, index. As far
as I can tell, a two-dimensional character array in Z88 Basic will not let me
do the same thing. If I say DIM A$(5,24), I will have 5 string arrays, each 24
characters long (25 characters long?),
but I will only be able to specify a single element of this array, such as
A$(2,13).

The need for all this is that I have finally decided to work on a version
of Kermit for the Z88. Xmodem has various problems on our VAX computers at
work. I am told these problems are related to the networks connnected between
the various VAX machines and the modem pool, since parts of these netwoeks do
not deal well with control characters, which are part of the xmodem protocol.
I downloaded a version of Kermit written in HP Basic from Columbia, and am
working to convert it for the Z88. If I ever get it completed, I will, of
course, send you a copy for your bbs.

Vic




 #73 15 22 Nov 89 14:21:23 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #71 SEE ALSO #75
Subj: QuickEdit Problem

In a word -- No. I haven't used it for much except straight text, and I don't
do much block moving -- except to move a whole paragraph around to change
topic orders. So I've never seen that phenomenom.

I can agree that going back to PD is not a great idea -- but maybe, just for
lists, it would not be too hairy.

The wraps in QuickEdit seem to be only on the screen, ala the RS Model 100.
When exporting a file to a PC, each paragraph becomes a single long line, with
a single CR at the end of the paragraph.

You may want to use one of the file dumpers in file area 1 to inspect a file
that has been inserted to and see where there are really CR's. Could be that
when you insert to a para, all internal CR's get stripped or something.

Phil




 #74 17 22 Nov 89 14:27:53 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #72 SEE ALSO #76
Subj: Stuff

Good on the Kermit -- but I hope it ends up being machine language. Compare
Z88TRM (basic) and Z88COM (m/l) and see why!

I'll have to study the string declaration bit; I've never needed that I can
recall. I'm surprised there is a problem, though -- but BBCBasic is a bit
wierd!

Might want to take alook at some of the string-intensive programs here (like
WIZARD). It uses READ statements to declare variables, I think -- but is
written in the short form of BBCBasic (hard to read!).

Phil




 #75 18 23 Nov 89 05:14:17 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #73 SEE ALSO #77
Subj: Exporting Quickedit files

Phil,

I think the structure of Quickedit files depends upon how you "export" the
file. I use the Pipedream compaible <>FS command, and then just send the file
to my PC with Z88COM. When I then use the Pipedream to Wordstar converter from
PCLINK, all my lines are formatted just as they were in the original. I
believe paragraphs get turned into one long line when you save with the Expprt
Text option <>FXS.

Vic




 #76 20 23 Nov 89 05:19:53 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #74 SEE ALSO #78
Subj: Strings in BBCBasic

Phil,

My original message is incorrect. BBCBasic does handle strings in just the
manner I need. This episode shows how much my mind can be damaged by reading
too much HP Basic!

HP Basic requires that the length of all strings be declared in DIM
statements. Therefore, a statement like DIM A$(8)[24] sets up 9 strings, each
of which is 25 characters long. You can then call them as A$(i).

What I did not realize last night is that BBCBasic does not require the
string length to be declared in a DIM statement. All strings have variable
length, up to 255 characters. Therefore all I need to do to get the equivalent
statement in BBCBasic is say DIM A$(8).
On the issue of machinen language. You are right about speed. However, the
first cut will not use any machine language, as I am working now just to get
the code to run with the right protocol. If I ever achieve that, I will
convert the packet send/receive routines to machine code. Right now I would be
happy to see a Kermit transfer, even at an effective baud rate of 110 baud.

Have a good Thanksgiving.

Vic




 #77 19 23 Nov 89 06:48:05 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #75 SEE ALSO #80
Subj: QE File Structure

Hmmm...well, I *think* I looked at the structure of a native QE file (saved to
Filer with <>FS) using one of my Hex dumpers and decided that the wraps in the
file were only on-screen -- except at the end of a line. I remember
concluding that one can use QE to edit a Basic (CLI) file without introducing
extraneous line breaks. But I will go back and take another look to confirm.

Phil




 #78 18 23 Nov 89 06:52:01 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #76
Subj: Kermit

Sounds like the logical thing to do re Kermit development. In fact, I based
Z88TRM on an old IBM Basic Xmodem program, then converted the send/receive
stuff to M/L -- the very thing you have in mind doing! IT is a very good way
to prototype.

A plus of making your Kermit M/L is that we might be able to interface it with
Kermit on a PC (e.g., in Procomm) and do batch file transfers for backup and
other purposes -- at 9600 baud. That would be a NIFTY new capability, beyond
your current intent!

The Kermit project is something I had in mind doing some months ago -- even
found a very good book with some of the code needed. But my personal usage of
the Z88 does not include any VAX or mainframe interfacing -- so it was kinda
hard to get real motivated. Glad you are tackling it!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Phil




 #79 17 23 Nov 89 06:59:56
From: Sysop
To: Andy Russell
Subj: Tandy WP-2

Andy, there is a growing set of archived messages on the Tandy WP-2 in the
Model 100 Forum of Compuserve (GO M100SIG if you are a Compuserve user).

It is NOT a Z88 clone. It is pretty much a standalone word processor with
good capabilities. It appears its telecom capabilities are flawed a bit, at
least from reading the Model 100 Forum messages. And in its unexpanded state,
it has only 22K of usable memory.

Another issue is file volatility, a problem it has in common with the Model
100/102/200. The Z88 seems much more likely to protect your data, even when a
soft reset is needed.

Dimensions are similar to the Z88 -- but it weighs over a Lb more.

Phil




 #80 17 23 Nov 89 07:23:02 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #77
Subj: QE File Structure

Ooops! YOu are indeed correct. I just checked out a native Quickedit file in
my Z88, and it DOES have CR's in it. So it is necessary to save it with <>FXS
to not have them. Maybe I concluded that I could edit BAS/CLI files IF I
saved them via <>FXS.

Whatever -- thanks for correcting my misconception -- which could have bit me
at some time in the future!

Phil




 #81 14 24 Nov 89 07:22:31 (RECV'D)
From: Dean Mintzer
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #82
Subj: Outliner

Hi Phil
I just finished reading your review of ThinkZ and was not
suprised to hear that you are an outliner user. I would like to
suggest to you a program called MAXTHINK. It is put out by a guy
named Neil Larson from CA. He is one heck of a smart dude and is
more into thinking and organizing textual information than just
computer programing. If you are interested, I will either give
you his name and # or give him yours for more info. Plus, his
programs, several now, are only $89. A reasonable price for an
excellent program. Plus, his personal phone support is great.
I'm a believer!. Happy Holidays, Dean




 #82 18 24 Nov 89 08:52:22 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Dean Mintzer
REPLY TO #81 SEE ALSO #89
Subj: Outliner

Dean, what computer does MaxThink run on? Seems if it was Z88 or PC I would
have heard about it. Name sounds familiar, but that's about it. Maybe it is
fo the Mac; I "own" 10 or so at work, but I'm not a Mac user (mainly because
my uses are limited and I am a protability nut -- and even the Mac Portable is
a bit on the BIG side!).

Tell me more!

Phil




 #83 12 26 Nov 89 14:30:30 (RECV'D)
From: Jim Ristow
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #85
Subj: Z-88 NEOPHYTE!

I READ AN ARTICLE IN THE CURRENT ISSUE (NOV) OF COMPUTER SHOPPER AND THEY
LISTED "GREY MATTER" BBS AS A PLACE TO OBTAIN INFORMATION AND HELP WITH THE
SINCLAIR Z-88 COMPUTER. I CONTACTED GREY AND HE RECOMMENDED YOU AND ANOTHER
BOARD IN VIRGINIA. I NEED HELP IN GETTING BETTER DOCUMENTATION ON THE Z-88
AND AN INEXPENSIVE WAY TO AT LEAST DOWNLOAD TEXT FILES FROM THE Z-88 TO MY
IBM-AT-CLONE. CAN YOU HELP? I'LL CHECK BACK LATER IN THE WEEK...THANKS!




#85 15 26 Nov 89 15:20:24 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Jim Ristow
REPLY TO #83 SEE ALSO #86
Subj: inexpensive downloading

Jim,
Phil's program (I've forgotten what it's called but it's in the download
section) works pretty well for that. If you ned unformatted text transfers,
just go into the Printer Editor and take all the special codes out and then
just Print your file to your IBM. Do this from Pipedream to a Terminal program
on the IBM end that is set to Capture to a buffer. This is very inexpensive,
and then you'll just import the text as text into your favorite IBM
wordprocessor.

I am also working on a generic transfer etc. program for the Z88 which will
allow all kinds of things (hopefully) to be done on the Z88 with instructions
from another computer. It will work kind of like a crude BBS. You will operate
it from a Terminal program on another computer. All you have to do on the Z88
is start the program and then you can get directories, transfer, copy, delete
files. So it can be generic, I think I'll stick with Xmodem on the transfer
protocol. MORE LATER

[Curtis]





 #86 14 26 Nov 89 15:30:38 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Jim Ristow
REPLY TO #85 SEE ALSO #87
Subj: Z88 to PC Transfers

At present, I do it with Z88COM on the Z88 and PROCOMM on the PC. That way I
can send both Text and Binary files in either direction at 9600 baud.

An alternative is to use FLTIBM on the PC and Inp/Exp ([]X) on the Z88. But
that works only with ASCII files -- but also supports 9600 baud.

I own PC-Link, but find it much slower, even when supposedly operating at 9600
baud.

YOu will need to manufacture a null modem cable, unless you buy PC-Link (which
provides you with one).

For Z88COM look at Z88COM.DOC/INF et al in File Area 1 (Z88COM23.ARC has it
all in ARChive form). For FLTIBM, look at Z88FLT.TIP, FLTIBM.DES & FLTIBM.ARC
-- also in File Area 1.

The file SERIAL.INF tells you how to wire a null modem cable for IBM-Z88
transfers.

Phil




 #87 15 26 Nov 89 18:09:51 (RECV'D)
From: Bruce Durocher
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #86 SEE ALSO #88
Subj: Inexpensive Downloading

Any chance for an Amiga version? If I could tell my Amiga customers that
there was specialty transfer goodies it might make them more eager to go Z88
as well...




 #88 14 26 Nov 89 19:38:08
From: Sysop
To: Bruce Durocher
REPLY TO #87 SEE ALSO #92
Subj: Downloading

IN a sense, yes. If you have an xmodem comm program on the Amiga, it should
interface nicely with Z88COM on the Z88 (if Amiga xmodem supports checksum
erro correction). You will need a null modem cable (I've got NO idea what
that is for an Amiga, tho!).

Let us know if you try it and of any success (or -- arghh -- lack thereof).

Phil




 #89 11 27 Nov 89 05:24:23 (RECV'D)
From: Dean Mintzer
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #82 SEE ALSO #90
Subj: outliner

No, this is for the PC. Neil Larson isn't big into advertising. I came
across this by accident. I have used it exclusively ever since.
His address is Neil Larson
44 Ricon Rd. Kensington, CA 94707 415-540-5508.
He also has a bulletin board at 415-540-6114.
I'm sure you will like it.
Dean




 #90 10 27 Nov 89 05:30:32
From: Sysop
To: Dean Mintzer
REPLY TO #89
Subj: Outliner

Thanks, Dean. I've tried ThinkTank, Ready! and finally have settled on PC
Outline. One advantage of the latter is that it will do full documents (a WP,
too) and is small (about 80K) -- apparently written in machine language.

But I will check out MaxThink when I get back from my upcoming trip to HOuston.

Phil




 #91 7 27 Nov 89 20:40:26 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
Subj: PC COMPUTING


Phil, the new PC Computing(Dec)magazine has a big layout on the new
notebook computers; including the Toshoba T1000SE and the new PSIONs
both the Tosh and the PSION columns were favorable. The Tosh was the
only one that had no entry in the "Cons" column. They also had an
article covering the featherweights including the Z88. Of course no
mention of the Z88's nifty task-switching OS, but it was lamented about
how expensive it is:"$549 to $1,530 depending on memory" and it wasn't
mentions that it handles it's memory much better than most others, or
that it will expand to 1.5 MEG.. Oh well...I guess I just expect too
much! Is suggested retail really at $549?

Oops Toshoba=Toshiba




 #92 10 27 Nov 89 21:59:44
From: Curtis Claar
To: Bruce Durocher
REPLY TO #88
Subj: amiga version

Like I had mentioned before, what I'm working on is a crude, functional,
GENERIC transfer program. On the Amiga end, you just have some terminal
program running, on the Z88 end, you have my program running, and you connect
them with a Z88-to-Amiga cable (probably derivable from the instructions for a
Z88-to-PC cable).

Let me emphasize this will be CRUDE when I'm done with it (I think), but it
should, for the most part, work (I don't know this either yet).

Keep watching here in case I finish it soon.

[Curtis]





 #93 8 27 Nov 89 22:04:11
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: RMG

I read on the Bullpen that as of 11-26-89, RMG (Rod Gowen) is OFFICIALLY out
of the Z88 business. He mentioned a sellout of hie Z88 stock.

Boy, CNA really knows how to kill a product. I wonder who's hairbrained idea
it was to discontinue dealers and distributors. IBM and Apple certainly didn't
make it on a telemarketing approach. And then there's theroblem of the $8
million debt. I guess they thought the more they spent, the more they would
make -- auotmatically. I'll never know I guess.

[Curtis]





 #94 7 28 Nov 89 09:38:34
From: Mark Stueber
To: All
Subj: 2 Z88 BOOKS

Sharp's has 2 new Z88 books in. 1st is Z88 Dabhand Guide. This is a book all
Z88 owners should own. $34.95. Other book is Z88 Magic $29.95. Sharp's Box 326
Mechanicsville, Va. 23111 (804) 730-9697.
Mark Stueber




 #95 6 28 Nov 89 22:09:26
From: Jim Ristow
To: Curtis Claar
Subj: Inexpensive Downloading

Thanks for responding to my request for help. I downloaded the files
recommended by our Sysop and will review them. In the meantime, I found a
sales rep who says he has a package that includes software and cable for about
$50.00. Seems a bit high to me and he knows absolutely nothing about the
package or how it works. All I really want to do is use the Z-88 as a
"travelling briefcase laptop" and be able to download all of my notes and
miscellaneous "thank you letters" to WordPerfect 5.0. Of course, if I could
find a way to use the Z-88 for name/address/telephone with autodial, that
would be great. I presently use HOTLINE 2.2 and it's fantastic -- does about
everything and anything one would want in using the telephone. Outside of
that, the instruction book I have is pathetic...I doubt that I will learn how
do do much more than wordprocessing from this dismal thing. If you know of
anyone who has better documentation, please let me know. Thanks again, for
your help. Jim Ristow




 #96 8 28 Nov 89 22:15:25 (RECV'D)
From: Jim Ristow
To: Sysop
Subj: Inexpensive Z88 to PC Transfers

Thanks for your response, I downloaded the files you suggested and will review
them. I just left a message for Curtis Claar (you may want to take a look at
it...can't remember the message #...I'm (quite obviously) a BBS-Neophyte!
Thanks again....Jim Ristow