7 May
2001
7 May
'01
1:03 p.m.
On Mon, 7 May 2001, Richard Erlacher wrote:
I've yet to hear from anyone to whom one has been
delivered. I'd look
long and hard for someone who's bought one and actually had it
delivered, then ask the relevant questions of them. I personally
wouldn't want one. After all, it's not a classic. When I read that
they're using a regulated supply and so on ... I simply decided I
didn't want or need one. I still have S-100 hardware from back in the
'80's that has yet to be powered up.
Todd Fischer is a good guy and wouldn't screw anyone around, if that's
what you're implying. The Imsai-2's are legit. He is just trying to take
advantage of the sudden interest in old S-100 machines and has come up
with a new design for a modern day hackable computer architecture that
harkens back to days of old.
It still features an S-100 bus and the cool front panel, but has modern
accoutrements such as a VGA interface, PC/AT keyboard interface, serial
parallel, etc.
From Imsai.Net:
"Classic cabinet, Programmer's Front Panel with on-board ZiLOG 20 MHz.
Z8S180 processor, 1 Meg x 9 dynamic ram, Battery-backed Real-time
Clock, Dual Floppy Disk controller, two RS-232 Serial ports, one
Centronics parallel printer port, system monitor firmware, 4-slot
terminated S-100 bus /IEEE 696-compliant interface and motherboard with
4 sockets and guide sets (20 slot terminated motherboard optional), 300
watt switching power supply, PC/AT keyboard interface, VGA display
interface, IMSAI Local Expansion Bus interface, Owner's manual, and
upgrade offers that will ensure value for years to come!"
At $995, it's a bit expensive for a toy, but it's got a large coolness
factor, and is a complete machine ready to fire up and play with. It's
also an instant classic.
When I get the fundage I will certainly consider buying one to add to the
collection.
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
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