Kaypro II - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

23 Aug 2012

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 Message: 20 
Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2012 15:31:40 -0400 
From: Allison < ajp166 at verizon.net > > 

On 08/23/2012 01:06 PM, Fred Cisin wrote:  <snip> 
...
   Why didn't
the Otrona catch on? 
 Charlie Chaplin [clone] carrying a table with computer down stairs wasn't 
 enough? 
  Osborne was first, smaller and had a 5" screen. 

Kaypro was later, had better screen, keyboard, more IO, and generally 
better. 
I'd agree the Darth Vader lunch box look as less than kool but it was 
durable. 

Allison  
Regarding why the Otrona did not catch on (other than in some circles, such as the JPL): 

1. Price. Much more expensive than either the Osborne or Kaypro. I think I paid over $3500
for my 8:16, with a substantial educational discount. 
2. Screen size: 5". 
3. Late arrival. The O1 and Kaypro were already established. I saw my first Otrona at a
Chicago FOG meeting. 

I heard the Osborne described as a Buick, the Kaypro as a Chevrolet and the Otrona as a
BMW. 

BTW, I still have my 8:16, which I had aftermarket upgraded to 512KB RAM . 

Bob 