CompuServe Thread

#A500 Hard Drives

3 messages in this thread
#91698From: Rodney SomersteinOct 31, 1987 8:05 PM
Thanks for the information, Stephen. I already ordered a SCSI controller from C Ltd. They told me that they are just waiting for cases for the cards to get back from the manufacturer, and that it will ship by next Friday. It seems to me, that by placing the expansion chassis under the keyboard, Pacific Peripherals will cause lots of typing problems, as the keyboard would feel completely different if raised 1.5". Are you sure that it won't be placed behind the keyboard, on top of the case? Rodney Somerstein 73167,2165
#91793From: Stephen MaranoNov 1, 1987 7:17 PM
No, I am almost 100% positive that the expansion chassis goes UNDER the case. It appears that there is a hard edge connector, not a ribbon connector joining the two, so that you could not move it. And you're right, it would be awkward to type at that height – I'll try to call the company to verify this. I tested out what a raised keyboard would feel like by putting a book under the A500, and I thought it was awkward. I guess the wise thing to do here is not rush into any purchase – there should be plenty of expansion products coming out soon. Does anyone know of any available or contemplated chassis that are connected to the A500 by a flexible cable?
#91835From: Don Curtis/SYSOPNov 2, 1987 1:06 AM
Stephen, I doubt you'll see a chassis attached by a flexible cable…at least not of any length due to timing and capacitance considerations. What you might see is a desk with a cutout in it so that the A500 fits inside the cutout in such a manner that the keyboard is at the same level relative to the desktop as it would be if no expansion chassis were attached. Something like that would depend on how many A500's were sold, how many bottom chassis were sold, how uniform in size were the bottom chassis and demand for such a device from the users. What you speak of however, is what I see as the main drawback to the A500…with the keyboard and CPU being one unit…any form of expansion can turn the A500 into a cumbersome machine. A detachable keyboard is a major plus for a computer like the A500…and I wouldn't be surprised to see someone try to market something like that to replace the original keyboard. Don