Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!security!genrad!grkermit!masscomp!clyde!floyd!whuxle!pyuxll!abnjh!u1100a!pyuxn!pyuxww!mhuxm!mhuxl!ihnp4!inuxc!pur-ee!uiucdcs!parsec!ctvax!uokvax!andree From: andree@uokvax.UUCP Newsgroups: net.micro.6809 Subject: portable os-9 system? - (nf) Message-ID: <5207@uiucdcs.UUCP> Date: Fri, 27-Jan-84 23:02:36 EST Article-I.D.: uiucdcs.5207 Posted: Fri Jan 27 23:02:36 1984 Date-Received: Tue, 31-Jan-84 02:58:45 EST Lines: 106 #N:uokvax:3500028:000:5133 uokvax!andree Jan 26 21:31:00 1984 Here's a good, cheap way to get a portable os-9 system. /***** uokvax:net.micro / sri-arpa!Blackwell@cmu-ri-rover / 9:37 pm Jan 21, 1984 */ >From the Jan 16 1984 Electronic Engineering Times: Sinclair Announces PC 68008-Based $499 Computer Called A `Quantum Leap' In Performance by Richard Doherty LONDON - Sinclair Research Ltd. last week announced what its founder Sir Clive Sinclair called a "quantum leap in computer performance" - a 68008 based, multi-tasking professional computer for less than $500 called the Sinclair QL system. Sir Clive said that he expects the computer, which comes equipped with 128 kbytes of RAM, four integrated software functions and dual 100-kbyte microdrives, to set new price/performance standards for the entire industry. Comparing the machine, which was announced last week near the company's London offices, with systems in the $2500 to $7500 range, Clive Sinclair said the machine was "the company's most important contribution to personal computing since breaking the 100-pound sterling barrier with the ZX-80." The QL system is Sinclair's fourth computer introduction in as many years, and is the first capable of being targeted at business and professional markets. Traditionally, Sinclair has catered to the home market exclusively. Weighing just over 3 pounds, the 5-3/8 x 1-3/4 x 18 inch machine features dual microdrives for program storage and retreival. These endless loop cassette drives access user programs and files in under 3-1/2 seconds, with 15-kbyte/s data-transfer speeds. While just over 200k can be stored on the two standard microdrives, an additional six drives can be added to the QL, for a total of 800 kbytes of online data. The software was designed by Psion Ltd., designers of many of the 5000 programs available for Sinclair's Spectrum computer. Psion has developed the four integrated packages that come bundled with the QL. Software Available These include Quill for word processing; Abacus, which is a spreadsheet; Archive, a relational database and Easel, a drawing and graphics package. All the modules are supplied on microdrive cassettes, and require a total of 320 kbytes of code space. Each program shares data with the other, and makes full use of the 7.5 MHz 68008-generated screen graphics capabilities. Four-color graphics are supported in a 512 x 256 pixel mode (red-green-blue video) and 256 x 256 pixel eight color graphics in a 40 column "TV" format, allowing RF modulator use. Sinclair is offering two operating systems with the $499 QL system. QDOS is a multitasking operating system with windowing capabilities. The window placement is totally under user control, and resembles Microsoft Corp.'s system only as far as it uses a "tiling" display technique. There are no overlapping display areas (as in VisiCorp's VisiOn package) unless the programmer wants them. More than 20 windows, representing the status of over 20 simultaneously running programs, can be displayed at one time. Sinclair also bundles what it calls SuperBasic in a standard 32-kbyte ROM. This multitasking operating system "opens new vistas in Basic's performance and utility for programmers," according to Nigel Searle, manager for Sinclair's Cambridge Research Center. "It puts right all the things that programmers never had in Basic," said Searle. Most Of ROM Available Some of these corrected areas include the capability for procedure-oriented statements and Pascal-like structures. The SuperBasic also accesses a 256-user local-area-network (LAN) capability of the QL system. Searle said that most of the standard 128 kbyte RAM is available to users. That RAM can be expanded outside the machine to a total of 680 kbytes. The QL system also features a 65-key full travel keyboard, two RS-232 ports, joystick inputs and video and sound outputs. A second 8049 processor handles much of this I/O. Cost reductions in the QL evolution were effected by several custom LSI chips, from Ferranti Electronics Ltd and NCR Corp. A 256-user capability LAN is supported by the QL, so that the data can share mutual communications and hardcopy devices. The Nucleus Sinclair said that the QL machine would be "the nucleus for more powerful systems to come." A Winchester drive interface is in the works, as well as Pascal, C compilers, terminal emulation and IEEE-488 capabilities. Sinclair intends to ship the forst machines in the United Kingdom early next month. By summer, the company expects to have FCC approval for sale in the United States. Here, mail-order sales will preceed retail distribution channels. QL customers will receive updates through the newly founded Sinclair Qlub user's group. Searle said that the QL system would not fall under the consumer retail agreements the company has with Timex in the United States. Production is already under way at Thorn EMI's Datatech facility in Feltham, where 20000 machines a month are planned by summer. Sinclair said that Timex (in Dundee, Scotland) is a logical second source. ---------- Sounds hot! Maybe I should wait just a little longer to buy a micro for my home! -m- /* ---------- */