3 Nov
2000
3 Nov
'00
12:38 p.m.
I've been watching the Altair, IMSAI, and SOL-20 listings on
eBay lately, more out of curiosity to see what they go for than
anything else, but noticed something odd about a SOL-20 image. In
the listing, the picture definately showed a SOL-20, but instead of
the normal front panel showing 'SOL Terminal Computer' in both white
and yellow lettering, this machine has a single 'Interactive
Computer' in whie stylized 'computer font' across the front. Is this
an OEM version of the SOL-20 sold under another name? The URL for
the image in question is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=463806006&ed…
Thanks and take care
Jeff
--
Power Computing PowerCurve, 400mhz G3, Mac OS 9.0.4
Collector of Classic Microcomputers and Video Game Systems:
http://www.geocities.com/siliconvalley/lakes/6757
3 Nov
3 Nov
12:04 p.m.
On Fri, 3 Nov 2000, Jeff Hellige wrote:
I've been watching the Altair, IMSAI, and SOL-20
listings on
eBay lately, more out of curiosity to see what they go for than
anything else, but noticed something odd about a SOL-20 image. In
the listing, the picture definately showed a SOL-20, but instead of
the normal front panel showing 'SOL Terminal Computer' in both white
and yellow lettering, this machine has a single 'Interactive
Computer' in whie stylized 'computer font' across the front. Is this
an OEM version of the SOL-20 sold under another name? The URL for
the image in question is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=463806006&ed…
That's very interesting. I've never seen this before. I'll fire off a
note to Lee Felsenstein (the designer) to see if he can shed some light on
it.
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintage.org
1:24 p.m.
New subject: Rationalizations
When I picked up my first old machine it was to give linux
networking a try. My brother in law had an old 386 that he
couldn't use and I figured that it would be a challenge.
Then a 486 appeared and then another, then I picked up an
IBM XT because it was original and for $.50 cdn I figured
the paper alone was work that much. I then stared adopting
any unwanted and FREE machines, I then stretched that to any
I could buy with pocket change. Then I saw a MAC II si for
$15 it seemed like a good deal. My wife reminded me tonight
that she actually bought that one for me so I hadn't yet
spent more than pocket change on a machine yet. Tonight I
got her to buy me an Amstrad PC1640 it was only the second
one I'd seen and this one was complete except for the
joystick. The main power comes through the monitor and
there is a slot for batteries on top of the case. Well
there's still that AT&T unixPC calling me from across town.
I did just pick up 6 free machines (Mac si, (2)LC, quadra,
Toshiba 2400 and amiga2000) so with all that pocket change I
saved I'm not really going over budget like I would be if I
picked up a sparc 10.
8:54 p.m.
New subject: Rationalizations
On Sat, 04 Nov 2000, Mike Kenzie wrote:
...got her to buy me an Amstrad PC1640 it was only the
second
one I'd seen and this one was complete except for the
joystick. The main power comes through the monitor and
there is a slot for batteries on top of the case.
I've got the 1512, also without a joystick. I think the joystick was
optional, anyway. I've stuck a 10Mb hard disk outside it, so when I last used
it (a couple of years ago), it was running DOS 5 and GEM Dekstop 1. Good
machines for their time, except I didn't like the keyboard. And the batteries
didn't last very long, even with alkalines.
Seeing as it's now stuck in a box in my loft, I'm going to be looking to
off-load it to whoever wants to have it, along with a couple of IBM ATs (one
without a keyboard), a couple of Epson PC+ (with 3 monitors each), a Sanyo
almost-PC compatible (don't know the model number as it's sitting at home),
and *possibly* (haven't decided yet) an Epson AX/2 (286). Pick-up in the UK
only (I live off M40 Jn. 3 for a rough idea). Ideally would like to swap
any/all of it for a DEC RA70 or RA71 drive. And also a ribbon for a DECWriter
IV. I'll be starting to get rid of it when I come back from Uni, so after the
2nd December.
Dan
--
dankolb(a)ox.compsoc.net Oxford University Computer Society Secretary
--I reserve the right to be completely wrong about any comments or
opinions expressed; don't trust everything you read above--
4 Nov
4 Nov
3:41 a.m.
New subject: Rationalizations
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1:34 a.m.
That's very interesting. I've never seen this before. I'll fire off a
note to Lee Felsenstein (the designer) to see if he can shed some light on
it.
*boggle*
"Gee, that's an interesting little creature. I think I'll go ask god if
he made that with more fur...."
*wanders off mumbling incoherently*
g.
3:25 a.m.
On Sat, 4 Nov 2000, Gene Buckle wrote:
Ok, Lee is not a god. He's just a regular guy like everyone else here.
He comes to every VCF, and he's been one of the Exhibit Judges since the
beginning. You meet a lot of neat people at the VCF, and Lee is one of
them. But if you approach him like he's a god or something, he'll look at
you like you're insane and will want to get away from you as quickly as
possible.
Lee can also be found at:
<http://www.nerditude.com/>
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintage.org
That's
very interesting. I've never seen this before. I'll fire off a
note to Lee Felsenstein (the designer) to see if he can shed some light on
it.
*boggle*
"Gee, that's an interesting little creature. I think I'll go ask god if
he made that with more fur...."
*wanders off mumbling incoherently*
5:20 a.m.
Ok, Lee is not a god. He's just a regular guy
like everyone else here.
He comes to every VCF, and he's been one of the Exhibit Judges since the
beginning. You meet a lot of neat people at the VCF, and Lee is one of
them. But if you approach him like he's a god or something, he'll look at
you like you're insane and will want to get away from you as quickly as
possible.
I pretty much figured that, but you have to admit that it's pretty damn
unique to be able to ask the guy that designed a computer if you have a
question about it. I think that's one of the things I enjoy the most
about preserving older computers. There's so damn much _class_ behind
them. :)
g.
6:09 a.m.
On Sat, 4 Nov 2000, Gene Buckle wrote:
I pretty much figured that, but you have to admit that
it's pretty damn
unique to be able to ask the guy that designed a computer if you have a
question about it. I think that's one of the things I enjoy the most
about preserving older computers. There's so damn much _class_ behind
them. :)
It's not common to be able to actually still talk to the designers of
things we consider historical, which is another aspect that makes this
hobby unique.
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintage.org
3 Nov
3 Nov
1:13 p.m.
I've been watching the Altair, IMSAI, and SOL-20
listings on
eBay lately, more out of curiosity to see what they go for than
anything else, but noticed something odd about a SOL-20 image. In
the listing, the picture definately showed a SOL-20, but instead of
the normal front panel showing 'SOL Terminal Computer' in both white
and yellow lettering, this machine has a single 'Interactive
Computer' in whie stylized 'computer font' across the front. Is this
an OEM version of the SOL-20 sold under another name?
The "name plate" is just a piece of paper behind clear
plexiglass, like the front panel of an IMSAI. Anybody
could resell it and put whatever they wanted to in the
space.
Bill
2:07 p.m.
I'd always assumed, not having the opportunity to get up
close and personal with one, that the 'name plate' panel was plastic
with the lettering silk screened or otherwise painted on it? How is
the plexiglass held onto the front of the machine?
Jeff
The "name plate" is just a piece of paper behind clear
plexiglass, like the front panel of an IMSAI. Anybody
could resell it and put whatever they wanted to in the
space.
Bill
--
Power Computing PowerCurve, 400mhz G3, Mac OS 9.0.4
Collector of Classic Microcomputers and Video Game Systems:
http://www.geocities.com/siliconvalley/lakes/6757
1:37 p.m.
On Fri, 3 Nov 2000, Jeff Hellige wrote:
I'd always assumed, not having the opportunity to
get up
close and personal with one, that the 'name plate' panel was plastic
with the lettering silk screened or otherwise painted on it? How is
the plexiglass held onto the front of the machine?
It slides into a slot that holds it in place. If not for the wood sides
it could slide out on either end quite easily.
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintage.org
3:10 p.m.
That's good to hear...it bodes well for being able to find a
replacement backing or possibly even make a repro without too much
trouble. If UPS doesn't destroy it enroute, it looks like I may be
aquiring a SOL-20, but without that particular piece.
Jeff
On Fri, 3 Nov 2000, Jeff Hellige wrote:
--
Power Computing PowerCurve, 400mhz G3, Mac OS 9.0.4
Collector of Classic Microcomputers and Video Game Systems:
http://www.geocities.com/siliconvalley/lakes/6757
I'd always assumed, not having the
opportunity to get up
close and personal with one, that the 'name plate' panel was plastic
with the lettering silk screened or otherwise painted on it? How is
the plexiglass held onto the front of the machine?
It slides into a slot that holds it in place. If not for the wood sides
it could slide out on either end quite easily.
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintage.org
3:06 p.m.
I'd always assumed, not having the opportunity to
get up
close and personal with one, that the 'name plate' panel was plastic
with the lettering silk screened or otherwise painted on it? How is
the plexiglass held onto the front of the machine?
WARNING! BAD ASCII ART FOLLOWS...
Looking from the side (like you cut it in half in a parallel plane to
the wood sides), the sheet metal is shaped something like this:
___
_ \
/I\/ <--Top cover hooks here
|I
|I
|I
|I
|I
|I
|I
\I/\
- |
|
Single lines are the metal, the "I" characters represent the plexi.
You smooth the paper to the back of the plexi and slide it into
position as one piece. Then this piece (which is one solid piece
including the area around the keyboard) hooks onto the front bottom
of the case and drops in between the wood sides. The wood side panels
cover the ends so the plexi can't move. Then the top cover hooks
onto the front cover and drops over the back of the frame and is
held in place with screws.
3:19 p.m.
You smooth the paper to the back of the plexi and
slide it into
position as one piece. Then this piece (which is one solid piece
including the area around the keyboard) hooks onto the front bottom
of the case and drops in between the wood sides. The wood side panels
cover the ends so the plexi can't move. Then the top cover hooks
onto the front cover and drops over the back of the frame and is
held in place with screws.
And I meant to add that it is a very clever design. Much better
(more functional, easier to use) than anything OSI ever came up
with. Their look-alike, the C4P, stinks in comparison. You have
to turn the case upside down to open it, all of the components
are attached to the metal that makes up the upper surface of the
case, miserable to work on.
4 Nov
4 Nov
1:12 a.m.
The C4P looks cheaper, more stripped down. Since it used
it's own proprietary bus, vice the S-100, at least you would need to
worry about opening the thing too often! It's styling was definately
taken from the SOL though.
Jeff
And I meant to add that it is a very clever design. Much better
(more functional, easier to use) than anything OSI ever came up
with. Their look-alike, the C4P, stinks in comparison. You have
to turn the case upside down to open it, all of the components
are attached to the metal that makes up the upper surface of the
case, miserable to work on.
--
Power Computing PowerCurve, 400mhz G3, Mac OS 9.0.4
Collector of Classic Microcomputers and Video Game Systems:
http://www.geocities.com/siliconvalley/lakes/6757
8766
days inactive
8767
days old
15 comments
7 participants
participants (7)
-
ard＠p850ug1.demon.co.uk -
bills＠adrenaline.com -
dankolb＠ox.compsoc.net -
foo＠siconic.com -
geneb＠deltasoft.com -
jhellige＠earthlink.net -
KenzieM＠sympatico.ca