7 Aug
2011
7 Aug
'11
10:11 a.m.
On 6 Aug 2011 at 18:47, Tony Duell wrote:
I'm not following that logic. Short of some sort of storage (usually
floppy disk and controller), what's the big difference between most
microprocessor-based terminals and personal computers?
I was using 'PC' to mean a modern-ish machine here...
In any case, not all terminals are microprocessor-controlled.
Unlike modern PCs, most video terminals are not just one ASIC after
anohter. Yes, a custom video controller chip is not uncommon, but most of
the time that's the only unrecognisable part. And a fair number of
terminals are all standard ICs. BGA ICs are not common in video
terminals, and it's much more likely you';ll find proper service
documentatiuon for a video terminal than for a PC.
Part of
me still craves dedicated terminals
since they're just so reliable, and you can just swap
in another when it breaks. No (or few) stored settings.
Or alternaticely, erminals are genrally much easier to repair to
compoent level than PCs.
Many 8-bit personal computers (e.g. Televideo, Intertec, etc.) are
scarcely more than a terminal with a disk drive or two added.
Some CP/M machines were genuinely a terminal and a computer system in the
smae box. The H88/H89/Z90 (etc) springs to mind, they're an H19 terminal
with a CP/M machine packied into the case, communicating serially. The
HP120 and HP125 machines are also really a seaprate terminal (Z80-based)
and CP/M computer (also Z80-based), communciting via a parallel interface.
Sure there are complicted terminals, but be honest. Which would you
rather fix : A VT100 or a modern Wintel PC?
-tony