The MDS-800 was an Intel development system using multibus cards. It's not a typical "hobbyist" system, although it's a very high quality computer. It normally ran Intel ISIS operating system, but CP/M is available for it. You will have a very difficult time finding multibus boards or ISIS software for this machine, although, again, it will run CP/M as well. As to the terminal, my suggestion would be: None of the above. What I use as terminals for old PCs is a PC running terminal emulation program. Often, the best thing to do is to get an old, working, monochrome laptop, usually a 386 or 486, you can buy these for $5 on E-Bay. My "main" terminal for one of my systems, is an old Zenith Z-Note 386 laptop, running DOS and Windows 3.1, I use the "terminal" program from Windows 3.1. For one of my other computers, and IMSAI, I use a serial port on my "main" computer (this one, a Pentium 4 3.06GHz), and Hyperterm under XP. That's all that you need, really. You don't need a "real" terminal, although you can certainly buy one if you wish, and if weight and size are not an issue. But if weight and size are any issue at all, it's hard to go wrong with a $5 to $10 386 or 486 laptop. *********** From: "Andy Allaway" <aaallaway(a)hotmail.com> Subject: Intellec-mds 800 To: cctech(a)classiccmp.org Message-ID: <BAY22-F32lfF3NixvGv000a3c51(a)hotmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed I am considering buying a classic pc. The one I might buy is the intellec mds 800. It comes with a drive also. I dont know much about vintage pc's but would love to be like you all. I thought starting with one of the best pc's would be good. So my question is, if I were to buy this pc, what type of monitor/keyboard do I hook up to it? Where can I get one? I think I need a tty serial monitor/keyboard. (Thats what I read online, what does that mean?) Is the ebay below a terminal that will work on the this intellec? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=170&item=511… d=1&ssPageName=WDVW Or do I have to buy a vintage one like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1247&item=51… rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW I want to test this intellec before I buy it and want a monitor/keyboard to hook up to it before I buy it. I also dont want to spend alot for the monitor/keyboard since the pc is quite costly. Thanks for your advice, Andy ps, if I buy this intellec, what can I do with it?