8912

Date/TimeFromToReply ToNumberSee AlsoSubject
02 Dec 89 05:15:5Victor RobertsMark Stueber-4-New Z88 Books
02 Dec 89 05:48:1Gerald LindsaySysop-5-COMDEX and Stuff
02 Dec 89 06:15:3SysopAll-6-MSG-YR1.ARC
02 Dec 89 17:20:3Howard WeaverAll-7-Spellmaster
03 Dec 89 20:58:4Guy SmithAll-811ThinkZ Outliner
03 Dec 89 21:07:2Guy SmithChris Fenn-9-Ranger Computer's?
04 Dec 89 07:01:1SysopGuy Smith811-ThinkZ
05 Dec 89 02:57:3David ZundelCurtis Claar-13-View Data
05 Dec 89 03:10:1David ZundelCurtis Claar-14-Laptops in class
05 Dec 89 03:23:3David ZundelChris Fenn-15-Implants
08 Dec 89 11:28:4James BrandonAll-16-hello!!
09 Dec 89 04:58:4David ZundelSysop-1718ThinkZ bugs
09 Dec 89 06:52:0SysopDavid Zundel171837ThinkZ Bugs
10 Dec 89 15:34:0Curtis ClaarDavid Zundel-2330View Data
10 Dec 89 19:21:0Chris FennAll-2425New Sinclair
11 Dec 89 06:00:3SysopChris Fenn242527New Sinclair
11 Dec 89 19:06:5Chris FennSysop252736OOPS
12 Dec 89 23:02:4Curtis ClaarAll-2855Z88 FA NEWS
14 Dec 89 14:19:4Don IversonAll-29-NEW HANDBOOK FOR Z88
14 Dec 89 23:08:2David ZundelCurtis Claar2330-View Data
16 Dec 89 13:58:1Curtis ClaarAll-31-ql linkup
16 Dec 89 14:09:2SysopAll-32-Z88LINK.SIT/INF
16 Dec 89 14:37:4Dave BennettCurtis Claar-33-QZ
17 Dec 89 07:43:2SysopAll-3441Anniversary
18 Dec 89 05:47:4David ZundelChris Fenn273643Sinclar New Laptop
18 Dec 89 06:01:3David ZundelAll183738Thinkz crashes
18 Dec 89 06:03:4David ZundelAll373839Thinkz query DEL
18 Dec 89 15:59:1SysopDavid Zundel3839-DEL in ThinkZ
18 Dec 89 16:01:1SysopDavid Zundel-40-Birthday
18 Dec 89 19:03:2Chris FennSysop344152Happy Anniv.
19 Dec 89 19:20:4Chris FennDavid Zundel3643-New Sinclair
20 Dec 89 13:35:5Gerry WheelerAll-4445pc linking
21 Dec 89 14:34:4SysopGerry Wheeler444571Linking
22 Dec 89 04:22:5Michael DalessandroAll-4649Z88's in airports
22 Dec 89 04:25:2Michael DalessandroAll-4750Lisp or Logo for Z88
2 Dec 89 19:54:54Len RubinSysop-48-HOHOHO
23 Dec 89 05:18:2David ZundelMichael Dalessandro464953Z88 in airports
23 Dec 89 10:09:5SysopMichael Dalessandro4750-Lisp/Logo
23 Dec 89 11:44:5SysopChris Fenn-51-Stuff...
24 Dec 89 04:19:2Victor RobertsSysop415256Anniversary
24 Dec 89 04:24:4Victor RobertsMichael Dalessandro495354Z88s in airports
24 Dec 89 04:31:5Victor RobertsDavid Zundel535457Z88 use in airports
24 Dec 89 04:39:2Victor RobertsCurtis Claar2855-Z88 FAX NEWS
25 Dec 89 17:58:5SysopVictor Roberts525664Anniversary
25 Dec 89 18:00:1SysopVictor Roberts545758Use in airports
26 Dec 89 04:34:3Victor RobertsSysop575859Use in Airports
27 Dec 89 13:26:0SysopVictor Roberts585960Airports
28 Dec 89 06:30:4David ZundelAll596068Airports
28 Dec 89 08:20:5James BrandonAll-61-z88 spell checker.
28 Dec 89 19:08:3Chris FennAll-6263Wafer Drives
28 Dec 89 20:47:4SysopChris Fenn6263-Memories
31 Dec 89 03:47:2Dave OborneVictor Roberts5664-Agreement
31 Dec 89 15:42:5Chris FennSpaced Sysop-65-Memories

ARCHIVED BBS MESSAGES -- DECEMBER 1989
--------------------------------------

#4 23 02 Dec 89 05:15:52
From: Victor Roberts
To: Mark Stueber
Subj: New Z88 Books

Tell me more about what is in these books. What info beyond what is
already in the Users Guide, the BBCBASIC Reference Manual and the
Z88 Developers NOtes.

Vic




 #5 22 02 Dec 89 05:48:10 (RECV'D)
From: Gerald Lindsay
To: Sysop
Subj: COMDEX and Stuff

Well I wasn't too impressed with COMDEX to say the least, it was big, but
there was nothing there that for me made the show. As to laptops and such,
most everyone seems to be concentrating on top end products rather than
introducing affordable low end laptops. I did see a lot of evidence of the FCC
being out in force, nasty little cards saying the units were not type approved
all over the place. Moreover I found (as usual I regret to say) that a great
percentage of the sales people were ignorant of their own product line and
unable to carry out an intelligent conversation. Oh well so it goes..........
Now to get back to reality after being off work for a month.





#6 21 02 Dec 89 06:15:38
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: MSG-YR1.ARC

MSG-YR1.ARC is a big (abt 350K) file with all of the 12 current message files
in it. De ARC with ARCE, also found in File Area 5. For IBM PC use only.

Phil




 #7 23 02 Dec 89 17:20:38
From: Howard Weaver
To: All
Subj: Spellmaster

I am going to buy the SPellmaster and wonder if anybody has a used or unwanted
one for sale at a good price. If so please let me know soonest either here at
on voice phone 907/257-4310 days or 907/272-0168 evenings Alaska Stanard Times
(one hour earlier than Pacific). I am a motivated buyer and a phone call would
almost certainly work on me! Thanks.




 #8 27 03 Dec 89 20:58:48
From: Guy Smith
To: All
SEE ALSO #11
Subj: ThinkZ Outliner

Speaking of outliners, I recently acquired the ThinkZ outline program from
Wordmongers (via Sharp's) and have experienced what I think are a couple of
bugs...I'd like to speak with anybody else whi has this program to compare
notes. Please leave me a phone number and I'll call you. You can also leave
me a message on GEnie at GUYD.SMITH.
Thanks, Guy




 #9 22 03 Dec 89 21:07:20 (RECV'D)
From: Guy Smith
To: Chris Fenn
Subj: Ranger Computer's?

Chris I noticed a message on GEnie you left where you mentioned a disk drive
by Ranger Computer's that allowed Z88's to use 720k disks (?). Could you
please elaborate?
Thanks, Guy




 #11 25 04 Dec 89 07:01:10 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Guy Smith
REPLY TO #8
Subj: ThinkZ

Guy, I haven't seen anything yet I would call a bug -- though there are some
design deficiencies. If you want to call me, I can be reached at
(213)371-2373 in evenings/weekends and at (213)812-2596 during working hours.

Of course, since there are several users here (I think!) and others who might
want to know, you might do better to put it in a message here. Save some
phone costs (perhaps!)

Phil




 #13 24 05 Dec 89 02:57:33 (RECV'D)
From: David Zundel
To: Curtis Claar
Subj: View Data

Sorry in being so long in getting back to you, I haven't been on the board in
a while. I would appreciate the phone number, it would be a fun excursion for
a Saturday afternoon. What I was really interested in was if it was
compatible with the video text system that CompuServe
uses. This doesn't seem likely now.
Thanks, davidz




 #14 24 05 Dec 89 03:10:11 (RECV'D)
From: David Zundel
To: Curtis Claar
Subj: Laptops in class

Curtis this reminds me:
When I was first in college in `84 I had (and still do) an early number Epson
PX-8 Geneva and used to take it to class all the time. That was until my
business law professor kicked me out because he didn't like the sound of the
keyboard. It really wasn't all that loud; I think it was more a reaction to
my inpertinant questions. Work, revolt, travel, and some years later, I am
back in college and still get dirty looks when I walk into philosophy seminar
carrying only my Z88 (with quiet keyboard) wiith full reading notes,
bibliography, and my latest paper in it. Universities are improving though, I
no longer have to print anthropology papers, I send them, their drafts, and
notes and questions to the department BBS.
And so it goes, davidz




 #15 26 05 Dec 89 03:23:35 (RECV'D)
From: David Zundel
To: Chris Fenn
Subj: Implants

I WISH!
I've been using HP calculators (that word is becoming inadequate) sinse the
mid-`70s and am now upto a 28S. At this point I have dubbed them the official
brain annex and reognize that certain types of thinking are impossible (or
infeasable) without it, thus I carry it all the time.
The same is largely true for the Z88; I am very hesitant to write without a
wordprocessor. Technology is addictive, very addictive; without electricity
et al we are all in very serious trouble.
davidz




 #16 26 08 Dec 89 11:28:43
From: James Brandon
To: All
Subj: hello!!

Hi! I'm James, and I am new to this BBS. I just wanted to say hello to you
guys. I've had my Z88 for two months now, and I love it. All my friends want
one, too. My dad told me that the company that I bought my Z88 from is
looking for campus sales reps to sell the Z88 on college campuses. I think
they want individuals or groups. I called them to get the commission
structure. It sounds like it could be a really good thing for us poor college
students !!! I know at least a few of my friends who want one. This place
has great prices, too. For $599, I got the Z88, a carry case, printer cable,
A/C adapter, 128K RAM cartridge, and even a pack of batteries! If any of you
want to call them, here's the name and number:
Cambridge Group 1-800-458-9008.
See ya! James




 #17 26 09 Dec 89 04:58:42 (RECV'D)
From: David Zundel
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #18
Subj: ThinkZ bugs

Phil,
The primary problem is that ThinkZ is not reading system mail. Thus you
cannot import a file name as is PipeDream. Secondly, when you go to Filer to
look-up a file name, it leaves an extraneous control character in ThinkZ's
name entry field. This can be erased but appears to still effect the program.
Another major problem is having entered the program after doing the above
<>EAT (edit title) results in garbage.
The other major problem is that having too many (anything more than three)
instances of ThinkZ as suspended applications seems to bugger system RAM and
requires a soft reset.
There are other minor unpredictabilities that I can't pin down.
You either have a good chip and I and others a bad one, or we are doing very
different things with the program.
Davidz




 #18 26 09 Dec 89 06:52:04 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: David Zundel
REPLY TO #17 SEE ALSO #37
Subj: ThinkZ Bugs

Hmmm...well I had not seen those bugs before (e.g., the <>EAT bit), even tho I
had done some of those functions -- but I can replicate a copuple of them.
May have to do with the number of suspended apps -- since I usually have one
or two, but now have about 10.

Looks like a design problem, not a bad chip. Maybe we will get other reports.
If so, we can colloect them and send them off to Wordmongers for a fix.

Thanks, Dave!

Phil




 #23 26 10 Dec 89 15:34:00 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: David Zundel
SEE ALSO #30
Subj: View Data

The American BBS that supports (Prestel's) View Data, the one I assume Zterm
also supports is US Telecom: 212-925-0843.

Have fun and let us know if it works.

[Curtis]





 #24 23 10 Dec 89 19:21:02
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #25
Subj: New Sinclair

Just saw on TV that Sinclair has announced his new DOS laptop!
Weighing in at 3.5 lbs, it features a 3.5" floppy and you can
get an optional 20 or 40 MEG hard drive. Don't yet know if it
behaves like the Z88 (that would be nice) or if it will still
use EPROMs too. It's supposed to be out in April I don't know
what that equates to in real world time (grin). It's also
supposed to undercut the new PSION DOS machine in price; which
is supposed to retail at $2800 (I think). Sounds pretty neat
huh?




 #25 25 11 Dec 89 06:00:33 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #24 SEE ALSO #27
Subj: New Sinclair

"Sounds" good, but for price ($2800 would be pretty high, unless the HD is
thrown in -- especially with the deep discounts available here on Japanese
products).

I've been lokking at the Atari Portfolio for a *cheap*, small computer. Only
problem is, I cannot find one to look at! Wonder if it is really for sale
yet? Willo be calling them today.

Phil




 #27 24 11 Dec 89 19:06:51 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #25 SEE ALSO #36
Subj: OOPS

I should have been more clear,the price of the PSION DOS machine
was listed at (I think) $2800 (may have been $2500) and the Sinclair
is supposed to undercut that, but I don't know how much.




 #28 21 12 Dec 89 23:02:48
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #55
Subj: Z88 FA NEWS

Coming January 1, 1990.............


....Z88 FAX NEWS....

A monthly fact, news and rumor sheet for the Z88.
Distributed only via fax.

If you have a fax machine at work or at home (or have access
to one) and want some interesting info on Z88 topics, this
could be just for you!


Act now and get the first two issues FREE. Post your name and
fax number here or rush it to Z88 FAX NEWS; 2342 Glendale Ave.;
Casper, WY 82601 or call (307) 766-7026 (FAX or VOICE). If you
like the first two, send $1.00 by the 1st of each month and you get
that month's NEWS, or send $8.00 for the whole year. (More
subscribing and advertising details upcoming, for now, just try
it FREE -- all it costs you now is a few sheets of fax paper).

So come on everybody, give me your name and fax number and give
me a try (and if anybody wants to contribute, that's real cool
also -- anything from tips to stories will be appreciated).

Curtis Claar







 #29 19 14 Dec 89 14:19:43
From: Don Iverson
To: All
Subj: NEW HANDBOOK FOR Z88

There was a recent message describing a new Z88 handbook which was
described as a must have item. A second message asked for details
on this new book. Were the details given in a message I missed or
does anyone else have any further info on this new manual?
Thanks,
Don Iverson




 #30 24 14 Dec 89 23:08:27 (RECV'D)
From: David Zundel
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #23
Subj: View Data

Curtis,
Thanks, will report if it works.
davidz




 #31 18 16 Dec 89 13:58:13
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: ql linkup

I understand that the QL-Z88 Package does
not support speadsheets. Is this entirely
true or is there some way around that?

Or has anybody been working on something
to do that? If not, I will write some
sort of importing thing that would read
and write import/export files. This
would allow import/export between the
Spreadsheet, Database, and Gaphics. Of
course I haven't played around too much
yet, but it appears the only setback
would be that one hase to first export
the file before it's any good.

I think a while back somebody was
working on something like this but more
intelligent (was it you Dave?).

Let me know everybody if spreadsheets
work or not.

[Curtis]





 #32 20 16 Dec 89 14:09:29
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88LINK.SIT/INF

Z88LINK.SIT is a Mac/Lisa prgm for Z88 file transfer. Uploaded from London
and now in file area 1.

Phil




 #33 19 16 Dec 89 14:37:41 (RECV'D)
From: Dave Bennett
To: Curtis Claar
Subj: QZ

Curtis, No it wasn't me. I see in the QZ documentation that the author is
working on converting Archive data. It does not mention Abacus. I usually use
a null modem cable, Q_Link and Z88COM rather than QZ. It is faster and
anything can be transfered. QZ can do batch files though. Dave




 #34 22 17 Dec 89 07:43:28
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #41
Subj: Anniversary

Yesterday was the start of the second year of operation of this BBS,
established on 12/15/88. Thanks to all of you who have come here in the past
12 months, and special kudos to those who have helped establish the files in
the file areas. In terms of Z88 on-line support, this is the place folks come
for help. I'm told that we have more Z88 stuff here than any board in the
U.K. -- and that is probably the case. Let's keep it going, as long as it is
needed.

Phil




 #36 21 18 Dec 89 05:47:41 (RECV'D)
From: David Zundel
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #27 SEE ALSO #43
Subj: Sinclar New Laptop

Chris,
Details or where they can be found please!
davidz




 #37 21 18 Dec 89 06:01:30
From: David Zundel
To: All
REPLY TO #18 SEE ALSO #38
Subj: Thinkz crashes

Crash prevention:
Save and continue <>FS before suspending for another application.
This limits corruption from other applications uses of memory.
Periodically save the outline as text <>PD. This allows the recovery
of everything but links.
Both of these are in the instructions.
Recovery from a crash:
Read in <>FIMP the text version that was last saved with <>PD.
OR
Create a text version by editing the *.DEL file in PipeDream as text.
The format is: first line, title, no indent; all other lines, one
indent for zero level, multiple of indent for lower levels; the
indent must be consistent. Columns cannot be used. The file must be
saved as text then released <>KILL. Read the text file into Thinkz
<>FIMP. This is easier if the outline was <>CLEANed soon before the
crash.
Hope these help.
davidz




 #38 19 18 Dec 89 06:03:41
From: David Zundel
To: All
REPLY TO #37 SEE ALSO #39
Subj: Thinkz query DEL

What does DEL in the OZ area mean? It is caused by using <>FIMP (text
file import)in Thinkz and can only be cleared by flipping to a "clean"
instance of Thinkz or a soft reset.
BTW I recommend keeping a CLI command file in :RAM.0 that does
automatic reconfiguration (Panel, PrinterEd, Diary, Alarms, etc.) for
use after a soft reset. It makes life much easier when working with
buggy software requiring frequent soft resets.
Thanks
davidz




 #39 18 18 Dec 89 15:59:17 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: David Zundel
REPLY TO #38
Subj: DEL in ThinkZ

Dunno -- unless it is just a residual from the screen you get with <>FIMP.
Appreciate the earlier message re recovery from ThinkZ crashes. S'pose I
should collect all the ThinkZ stuff into a TIP file for ARea 2 in time.

Phil




 #40 18 18 Dec 89 16:01:18 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: David Zundel
Subj: Birthday

Thanks, David. I've operated several othere BBS's -- but never one for which
there was such a need (lots of IBM boards!). That makes it worthwhile.

Phil




 #41 18 18 Dec 89 19:03:27 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #34 SEE ALSO #52
Subj: Happy Anniv.


Congradulations Phil,

It kinda snuck up on me. I know I've learned alot by stopping in. My
Z88 has had heavy use since the day I pulled it out of the box and I
probably rely on it more than I should. I have access to many nice
machines (MAC IICI's & 386's) but I still do most of my personal stuff
on the Z. I have to admit though that it's more of a utility machine
and less of a wonder than when I first got it, but that's not bad.
With the help of this board and all the people on it I was able to
get more productive with the Z88. I think I'm gonna buy one of them new
fangeled PSION MC400's with the built in analog-digital conversion but
I'll be using this Z88 too 'till the wheels fall off.
Chris




 #43 18 19 Dec 89 19:20:45 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: David Zundel
REPLY TO #36
Subj: New Sinclair

Sorry David, I heard the report on the Computer Chronicles, and they
weren't very specific. If I hear anymore I'll let ya know.
Chris




 #44 15 20 Dec 89 13:35:52
From: Gerry Wheeler
To: All
SEE ALSO #45
Subj: pc linking

I'm a neophyte so this question may seem
silly. I've checked the messages pertaining
to the question but don't seem to see the
answer.
I would like to transfer text files that
have bold, underline, etc. to my 286 and
have the formating. PCLINK looses carriage
returns (or linefeeds, not sure which)
Anyway, my final destination is wordperfect
5.0 To date I'mm adding an extra carriage
return in my Z88 text as I type, using PTW
and then finally using CONVERT (WP) to get
to my goal.
Is there an easier way? Does Z88COM and
PROCOMM (as mentioned in mess #86 lose the
bold face, underline info?




 #45 16 21 Dec 89 14:34:41 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Gerry Wheeler
REPLY TO #44 SEE ALSO #71
Subj: Linking

Gerry, it's not that the stuff gets lost; it's just that the formatting is not
the same. PipeDream has one way of doing things, Wordstar has another and
WordPerfect has yet another. You can use the utilities in PC Link to convert
PD to/from WS, but not to WordPerfect.

The linefeeds are a different issue. Z88 files generally do not have LF; PC
files do. You can add the LF's in the Z88 using the program FADDER.BAS or CLI
in file area #1 (see the file FILTERS.INF for short description). Or you can
do it in the PC using ADDLF.EXE -- which is maybe in File area #5, or maybe #!
(forget where I put it!).

One approach is to convert to WS and then use a PC program of some klind to
convert to WP. OR you can just add the underlining etc in the PC prior to
printing.

Phil




 #46 17 22 Dec 89 04:22:55
From: Michael Dalessandro
To: All
SEE ALSO #49
Subj: Z88's in airports

What are people's experiences using their Z88's in airports? Specifically,
has anyone had any problems using their machines
after running them through the x-ray machines run by security?
How about any problems after walking through the metal detectors
with them? I'm thinking of avoiding all this and just packing
the machine in my luggage, but I'd like to know from people who
carry their machines on board planes if they've run into any
difficulties/




 #47 20 22 Dec 89 04:25:29
From: Michael Dalessandro
To: All
SEE ALSO #50
Subj: Lisp or Logo for Z88

I'd like to know if there are any implementations of Lisp or Logo for
the Z88 - I'd be extremely interested in obtaining either one of these
languages for my machine

Michael




 #48 3 22 Dec 89 19:54:54
From: Len Rubin
To: Sysop
Subj: HOHOHO

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR--THANKS AGAIN FOF BEING THERE
(HERE) WHEN I NEED YOU (LIKE WHEN I CRASH AND LOSE PROGRAMS I FORGOT TO BACK
UP!!)




 #49 24 23 Dec 89 05:18:21 (RECV'D)
From: David Zundel
To: Michael Dalessandro
REPLY TO #46 SEE ALSO #53
Subj: Z88 in airports

Michael,
I was once lazy and allowed the Z88 to ride in my briefcase throygh the x-ray
machine; it erased the system RAM but seem to leave everything else intact.
It's a hassle and probably isn't healthy. Don't know about the metal detector
but I wouldn't recommend it either; they have a very powerful magnetic field.
Do not put it in your luggage: luggage is often x-rayed (especially
post-Lockerbie) and they use a more powerful machine. Besides, you can't use
it in the airport, on the plane, or when you get off. I recommend you demand
a hand inspection. That is my normal procedure: I carry a great deal of
computerized and photo equipement and go through many security points.
davidz




 #50 24 23 Dec 89 10:09:51 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Michael Dalessandro
REPLY TO #47
Subj: Lisp/Logo

None that I know of.




 #51 18 23 Dec 89 11:44:56
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
Subj: Stuff...

How's the holiday treating you, Chris? What's it like in Vegas, weather-wise?

Any good Z88 programming projects come to mind? It's been 8-9 months since I
did my last one, mainly because almost all that I need exists. And no one
else is doing much development now, either.

Been looking at the Tandy WP-2. But it is very limited in memory. And its
comm program seems to have problems above 1200 baud, or at least it is so
reported in the Model 100 Forum of CIS.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Phil




 #52 20 24 Dec 89 04:19:29 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #41 SEE ALSO #56
Subj: Anniversary

Congratulations to you, Phil, for keeping this board going!

Many of us would not be getting as much use from our Z88s if this
board and your expert help had not existed.

Vic




 #53 23 24 Dec 89 04:24:49 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Michael Dalessandro
REPLY TO #49 SEE ALSO #54
Subj: Z88s in airports

My Z88 has been going through x-ray machines all year, and I have never
lost any files and have never had any problems with security people.

My Z88 goes on every business trip (and too many personal ones!).
Since I probably fly about once every three weeks, that means my Z88
has been through the x-ray machine over 30 times, with no ill effects. This
includes one trip to europe, with their stronger x-rays.

In the early days I had some questions whether the repeated exposure to x-rays
would erase my eproms, like UV light does. My solid state physics friends tell
me that x-ray photons do not get absorbed by silicon, so the eproms as readily
as do UV light photons, so the eproms should not be damaged.

Vic




 #54 23 24 Dec 89 04:31:57 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: David Zundel
REPLY TO #53 SEE ALSO #57
Subj: Z88 use in airports

I disagree with the comment "you can't use in in the airport, on the plane, or
when you get off". I certainly DO use my Z88 in the airport, both before and
"after" flights, when waiting for connections. Depending upon the airline, you
may even be allowed to use it on the plane. USAir sometimes does not like the
computer on, but United has never complained.

Vic




 #55 17 24 Dec 89 04:39:26
From: Victor Roberts
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #28
Subj: Z88 FAX NEWS

Tried to contact 307-766-7026 and only received an answering machine, no FAX.
Please send sample issue to Victor Roberts at 518-387-7597. This is a FAX
machine at work, so please do not FAX first copy until Jan 2 or later. Thanks!
I am looking forward to your newsletter.

Vic




 #56 17 25 Dec 89 17:58:53 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #52 SEE ALSO #64
Subj: Anniversary

Thanks, Vic -- wouldn't have lasted so long without loyal regulars like
yourself. Happy Holidays!

Phil




 #57 17 25 Dec 89 18:00:12 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #54 SEE ALSO #58
Subj: Use in airports

Ummm.. think you lost the context Vic. I think David meant that he should not
check it through as checked luggage because *then* he could not use it in the
airport, on the plane, etc (since it would be in the cargo hold!). At least
that's how I remember the thread of the conversation.

Phil




 #58 14 26 Dec 89 04:34:38 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #57 SEE ALSO #59
Subj: Use in Airports

Phil,

Thanks for the correction. You are right, the comments about not being able
to use the Z88 on the plane did refer to those times you might put it in your
checked baggage.

The point I was trying to make was that the hand luggage x-ray machine has
never damaged any files in my Z88. The original message, #78 at this time I
believe, had suggested only hand inspection of the machine.

Vic




 #59 14 27 Dec 89 13:26:08 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #58 SEE ALSO #60
Subj: Airports

I've never seen ANY problem with my Z88, either -- when put through the
carry-on check x-rays. But in an earlier message, one use did report losing
stuff that way. Of course, there is a fair chance of that being coincidental
to the real cause of the data loss.

Now some airports (e.g., Tokyo) make you turn it on and prove it computes.
Saw one fellow with a VCR get hung up for 30 minutes because his VCR batteries
were dead and he could not prove it was functional!!

Anyway, for the nervous, hand checking is an out -- and sure beats the heavy
x-ray dose that checked items get!

Phil




 #60 16 28 Dec 89 06:30:40
From: David Zundel
To: All
REPLY TO #59 SEE ALSO #68
Subj: Airports

This is getting to be a long thread, but for closure . . .
When I travel, I generally carry a briefcase full of electronic equipement and
magnetic media. My rule of thumb is if I don't personally know what radiation
levels and strength of magnetic field a possibly source may have, that
briefcase gets no closer than absolutely necessary. Murphy is an exacting
(and expensive) teacher.
I am usually carrying high-speed film, so hand inspection is routine. I plan
for this when I pack the case.
No, silicon doesn't absorb x-ray, much. However, I havn't seen a report on
the effects of long-term exposure.
The only time I will take the risk (admittedly slight) is on the way home.
Having equipement fail when away from base is difficult and very expensive.
If you need it and you are not going to have a back-up or be able to affect
immediate repairs, do not expose it to any unnecessary risks. "A stitch in
time . . ."
davidz




 #61 14 28 Dec 89 08:20:56
From: James Brandon
To: All
Subj: z88 spell checker.

I heard that there is a spell checker available for pipedream. Does anybody
know if that is true or not?
Thanks. Also
I hope that everybody has a great New Years eve/day.
James




 #62 13 28 Dec 89 19:08:37
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #63
Subj: Wafer Drives

The new Electronics magazine has an article on Anamartic's new Wafer
Stack silicon hard drives. Anamartic is one of Sir Clive's other
companies. Interestingly enough; Fujitsu is a major investor in this
project (Fujitsu also has alot to do with the new "Poqet"). Tandem is
also an investor in Anamartic and may be one of the first to use them
in one of their own products (OLTP system). The "Wafer Stacks" are
about 6"X 6"(soon to shrink to 5.25",and then 3.5"). The current
product holds 40 MEGs with a 3 ms (FAST)access time. You can stack up
to 4 of these drives together. Don't look for Clive to offer one soon
for the Z88 as they are selling for $11,680 each. While this sounds
like a fortune; it's not too bad compared to other solid state drives.
DEC's ESE20 is a 120 MEG solid state drive that sells for $120,000
where as 160 MEG worth of Anamartics Wafer Stack will go for about
$28,760 incuding controller and SCSI I/F. The savings in cost come from
higher chip yeild as the entire wafer is used instead of cutting up the
wafers to smaller chips to then be wired back together. The bad bits
are mapped and indexed on a flash EPROM so the drive will avoid them.
One other obvious benefit from this system is that the reliability is
excellent due to the lack of moving parts. C'mon Clive, just throw one
in with every Z88 (..and make up for the loss in volume ).

Chris




 #63 15 28 Dec 89 20:47:45 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #62
Subj: Memories

Ah -- but when will they be space-qualified (and what will they cost THEN)???

Your spaced-out Sysop




 #64 12 31 Dec 89 03:47:21 (RECV'D)
From: Dave Oborne
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #56
Subj: Agreement

I agree Vic - and I'm speaking from England, home of the Z88. Its an excellent
machine, full of surprises if you look hard at it. Just like this BB. Thanks
again for setting it up - and a Happy New Decade to everyone.




 #65 10 31 Dec 89 15:42:59
From: Chris Fenn
To: Spaced Sysop
Subj: Memories

Hmmmm....they didn't mention nothin' about that stuff. Is that a
special certification for reliability? Oh, I did goof; access time using
a SCSI I/F is less than 1 ms, the 3 ms figure is for the DEC unit.