20 Apr
2006
20 Apr
'06
2:24 p.m.
> [5100]
> No, there wasn't graphics in APL, but there were the so called Print/Plot
> routines for both BASIC and APL that allowed to plot graphs and text on
> the 5103 printer. I have the software and manuals somewhere.
On Thu, 20 Apr
2006, Richard wrote:
So did it have graphical display capability or not? I
thought that
the IBM PC line didn't get graphics capability until the CGA card came
out.
It is quite true that the CGA card was the first graphics of the IBM PC
line. It was announced simultaneously with the 5150 PC (mid August 1981)
BUT!
The 5100 was not the IBM PC line.
They were about as closely connected (in different directions) as the PC v
the IBM Workpad (Palm Pilot), the Macintosh v the Apple ][, and
the Amiga v the Pet, than the 5100 is like the PC.
1970, I saw a one-off NASA vector graphics display that consisted of
a Tektronix scope, connected to a somewhat oversized prototype adapter
that did D to A from tape based data. People were using the Gerber
"Etch-a-sketch from hell" digitizer to punch card decks for pictures.
The first "naked lady" picture on it resulted in rules and regulations.
In those days, graphics to us meant Calcomp plotters, and SC/SD 4020/4060
printer/plotters that output directly to 16mm film.