Gigarom 1/Gigarom Macintosh Archives (Quantum Leap)(CDRM1080320)(1993).iso/FILES/TXT/PowerBook RTC #2.cpt/PowerBook RTC #2

Text File | 1992-12-13 | 25KB | 823 lines

What follows is the transcript for the Real Time Conference (RTC) on the subject of Apple Computer's new series of portable computers known as PowerBooks.  This RTC was held December 8, 1992 beginning at 10:30 p.m. EST in meeting room 2 of the Macintosh Users Group (GE-MUG) Round Table on GEnie.  The featured guest for this RTC was Richard Wolfson, author of The PowerBook Companion, (1992, Addison-Wesley publishers)


Notice on door: Welcome to the PowerBook RTC with "Doc" Johnston.
Tonight's special guest is Richard Wolfson, author of THE POWERBOOK COMPANION.

D.E. "Doc" Johnston - Moderator

Transcript follows:

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Why don't we go on and get started?  I'd like to
introduce our special guest here tonight... Rich Wolfson... author of The
PowerBook Companion.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> bow

<[Jim, GL-Mac] JFLANAGAN> <applause>

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> A special welcome Rich.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> What's the protocol?

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> A first question, do you think that Apple will ever
make an up-gradable PowerBook?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> It's not likely. It seems they are more interested in
new systems and upgrades are not part of the plan.

<[Jim, GL-Mac] JFLANAGAN> Rich, are you working on a second edition of
your PowerBook Companion to include the new PowerBooks?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Interestingly, Shreve systems has a 140 upgrade that
includes a faster CPU and FPU

** <[Kent] DRACO> ANNOUNCEMENT: The PowerBook RTC with author Richard Wolfson (THE POWERBOOK COMPANION) is now starting in RTC Room #2.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> It's an interesting concept and I can assure you, it
works. As for color or gray scale screen upgrades. Don't wait. My bet is that none will be coming. done

** <J.O.P.> is here.

** <[jop] J.O.P.> was <J.O.P.>.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Judging from what John Sculley said in his
interview with the Forbes publication ASAP, the pace of Apple's release of new products will remain pretty rapid.  Do you foresee any change in this policy?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> For me it's a big problem. PowerBooks will get rapid
changes and that means I get to constantly redo my book. For the consumer, I think it's great. Unfortunately, there are those that complain that the new stuff
they just bought is outdated quickly. Sorry. That's the price you pay
to be on the cutting edge.

<[jop] J.O.P.> Live from the ER on my Duo 230...hello everyone!  Doc,
Rich :)

<[jop] J.O.P.> Yep, went on a splurge...Xmas gift to myself :)

<[Kent] DRACO> I have a PB 100 and it does just what I got it for. I'm
happy...

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Well, it has made a lot of money for Apple, and is
likely to continue to do so.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> We'll see new PowerBooks in rapid succession.
Including color probably next year. Now if they could only deliver product.
Done

<[jop] J.O.P.> Rich, any thoughts about electronic publishing?  Updates
would be a snap!

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> The PowerBook Companion is COMPLETELY electronically prepressed and it

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> only takes three weeks from what I give them to
having books. The problem is information

** <[Unk] DAVE.REID> is Monitoring.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Rich .... When can we expect to see the next
edition of you book?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Can you see how difficult it is to write about Duo
Docs, Express modems and such when you can't get your hands on one. Then when you finally get enough to write about, they introduce new models.

<[jop] J.O.P.> I see...do you do the prepress yourself?  What I was
thinking was along the lines of an electronic edition....

** <[Unk] DAVE.REID> is here.

<[Kent] DRACO> Hi Unk!

<[jop] J.O.P.> Hey Unk!

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> The 145 was a complete surprise to me. Who knows
what else is in store. done

<[Unk] DAVE.REID> Hi folks!

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> With the pace of new products picking up, your job
must be getting pretty tough.

<[jop] J.O.P.> Rich, wanta try my duo/dock out...get a free trip to
Arizona? <grin>

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Some things I get way in advance. Software and third
party hardware, for instance

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> How about PowerBook utility programs?  Any that
you'd like to tell us about?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> But, It's the apple stuff that takes the most time
to evaluate and sort out. The Express Modem will be the most difficult thing to
date. The upside and downside potential is incredible. done

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Doc, give me that again.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> How about PowerBook utility programs?  Any that
you'd like to tell us about?

<[Kent] DRACO> I'd like comparisons!

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Sure, I spent the weekend with them all

<[jop] J.O.P.> Tell more!

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> GUM first. It's not that great. The cardinal sin was
that it cut out in the middle of a download. You would have thought

** <[Erik] MACSPECT> is Monitoring.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> they would have looked carefully at CPU. CPU is not
that great either. I hate the interface and it also has some problems still
with serial port monitoring.

** <[Unk] DAVE.REID> not Monitoring.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Neither give any real indication as to how long your
battery will last. Sure they give numbers. But they are totally misleading.

<[jop] J.O.P.> Rich, Billy Steinberg was cooking up the definitive PB
utility package..anything you can tell us about?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> For file syncing, there's Inline Sync and
PowerMerge. PowerMerge is simple and works but seems to be under powered and the interface is confusing. I

** <[Bart] B.FARKAS1> is here.

<[Bart] B.FARKAS1> Hi

<[Bart] B.FARKAS1> sorry I'm late

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> like Inline Sync but it's too is cumbersome. The file
Syncing part of GUM (it's called something else and distributed by Symantic but
excuse me as I forget the new name) is OK but way under powered.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1>

<[Bart] B.FARKAS1> was trying to sell my car

<[Kent] DRACO> Hi Bart

<[jop] J.O.P.> Hi Bart!  :-)

** <FUCHSIA> is here.

<[Bart] B.FARKAS1> Jeff, you comin tomorrow?

** <[#Amy#] FUCHSIA> was <FUCHSIA>.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> I would still use the public domain stuff until
something better comes along. And you may see something very good real soon
now.

<[#Amy#] FUCHSIA> Hellos!!!!

<[jop] J.O.P.> Hi Amy!

<[Unk] DAVE.REID> Hi Amy.

<[Kent] DRACO> Hi Amy

** <[Erik] MACSPECT> NEP (ex-GUM) does file synch. too.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> NEP. Yeah. That's it.

<[Leonard BBS] BIBLIA>  Hi Amy!

<[jop] J.O.P.> Sure am Bart...in the ER tonight, and was able to break
away!

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Rich - With Christmas coming, any gift
recommendations for your favorite PowerBook owner?

<[Kent] DRACO> <listening eagerly>

<[#Amy#] FUCHSIA> I hope I GET my powerbook before Xmas :\

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Besides a new PB :-)

<[#Amy#] FUCHSIA> Its on 'order' so my dealer says :\

<[jop] J.O.P.> Rich, can you say anything about Billy's package?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Well, The PowerBook Companion would be a good choice.  Another is Xtras for System 7 by Sharon Aker. I think it's the best set of
utilities for the price.   (24.95)  The Heiractical Apple menu is worth the money
alone.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Then there's PowerSwap for the 140/145/160/170/180
users with 2 or more batteries. I like that

** <[Erik] MACSPECT> Who made the Apple menu hierarchical extension?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> On the more expensive side, the case that Apple
sells in their catalog is wonderful.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> And of course. Don't forget the DUO 230 and Duo Doc
for your children. <g>

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> done

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Any chance that GEnie will be mentioned in your
next edition?

<[#Amy#] FUCHSIA> hee hee

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> OK. I left it out because I had no experience with
it. I can't say that anymore so look to see it included. I promise. <Rich
red-faced>

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Thanks.  <grin>

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Please excuse my spelling and typos I'm doing the
best I can with what little I've got.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Jeff, what was your question?

** <[Leonard BBS] BIBLIA> has left.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> are you waiting for me?

<[Dave@MacHD] MACLAMP>

** <[Dave@MacHD] MACLAMP> has left.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Jeff had a question about Billy's package.

<[jop] J.O.P.> Doc, I was trying to pry some info from Rich on Billy
Steinberg's PB utilities...but maybe Rich can't tell ;-)

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> I'm under non-disclosure about PBtools. What I will
say is that it will probably be worth the wait. Sorry.

<[jop] J.O.P.> brb folks...gotta check a patient...

** <[Erik] MACSPECT> The NDA syndrome :)

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Questions? My fingers are getting cold

** <ZTERM> is here.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> How about the supply thing?

** <[Erik] MACSPECT> Rich, got any experience with NEP?

<[Kent] DRACO> Rich - what modems would you recommend for a PB100?

<[#Amy#] FUCHSIA> hello Dave

** <[Dave] ZTERM> was <ZTERM>.

<[Kent] DRACO> Hi Dave!

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Apple has blown it. That's a big problem. What can I
say. It's a bad situation. done

<[#Amy#] FUCHSIA> Congrats on the (not so) new arrival

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> How about modems?  Any recommendations?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Sure. The new PSI PowerModem III is very nice. I
like the software a bit better than the Global Village Gold.

** <J.WEEKS8> is here.

<[#Amy#] FUCHSIA> hello J Weeks :)

<J.WEEKS8> SORR

<J.WEEKS8> SOR

<J.WEEKS8> HIHI

<[Dave] ZTERM> what software comes with the PSI modem ?

<J.WEEKS8> HIBYE

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> For a bargain. APS is selling a 2400 baud internal
for under 100. It's made by PSI and a good present suggestion.

<[#Amy#] FUCHSIA> J Weeks, what software are you using?

<J.WEEKS8> QUICKLINK

** <[Erik] MACSPECT> not Monitoring.

<J.WEEKS8>

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> I've yet to see one of the new Apple modems so I
can't say anything about them.

<[Unk] DAVE.REID> I gotta go folks, I'll see y'all anon.

<J.WEEKS8> SO

<[#Amy#] FUCHSIA> Oh....

<[Dave] ZTERM> later Unk

<J.WEEKS8> I AM IN

<[#Amy#] FUCHSIA> yes u are

** <[Unk] DAVE.REID> has left.

<[Bart] B.FARKAS1> I must say, my powerbook 100's battery life is
depressing.  Even with the drive stopped and the screen low, I only get about
an hour before the warning is this normal?

<[#Amy#] FUCHSIA> I gotta go too.  Bye all!

<J.WEEKS8> I BYE

<[Bart] B.FARKAS1> bye

<J.WEEKS8> B

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> There are some other alternatives out there that
work, but the Fax software falls behind the PSI and Global Village stuff

** <[#Amy#] FUCHSIA> has left.

<[Jim, GL-Mac] JFLANAGAN> Bye, Amy! :)

<J.WEEKS8> B

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Anything I left out? Done

<J.WEEKS8> hhelp: i need some info on supercard. whe

<J.WEEKS8> how do i leave this room

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Call Bill Appleton. He lives in Tennessee.

<[Dave] ZTERM> Did PSI write their own fax software?

<J.WEEKS8>

<[Jim, GL-Mac] JFLANAGAN> Type: /room 3

** <J.WEEKS8> disconnected.

** <MARK.HIATT> is here.

<[Dave] ZTERM> hi Mark

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> No. Not on this go round. I forget who did it for
them. But the interesting thing is the PowerModem III will, with the right
software, have voice mail capabilities. That software, they're doing in-house.
You should see it at the end of next year. done

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Voice mail for a PB?  That should be interesting.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Very

<[jop] J.O.P.> back...catching up :-)

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> You'll need a larger HD than a 20, I can assure you.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> When that happens, the market for large drives
should pick up.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Speaking of drives, will we be seeing any larger
that 120 M any time soon?

<[Dave] ZTERM> I'm not sure what kind of audio quality you can get thru
a modem interface (for voice mail).

<[Jim, GL-Mac] JFLANAGAN> Same as a phone.

<[Kent] DRACO> HI Mark!

<MARK.HIATT> (Hi, Everyone)

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Yeah, 160s are just around the corner. You'll see
prototypes at

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> MacWorld from the larger vendors. Next year well
have 200's. I

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Promise. done

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> That came through bad. let me do it again.

<[Dave] ZTERM> my PB has an IBM drive.  yuck

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Yeah, 160 are just around the corner. You'll see
prototypes at MacWorld from the larger vendors. Next year well have 200's. I
promise. Done

<[Kent] DRACO> How's that, Dave?

<[jop] J.O.P.> Rich, what's your opinion on the pros and cons of
internal vs. pocket external modems for portables?

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> That's incredible.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Why go external when you can get 14.4 inside?

** <[Vicki] V.LINDSAY> not Monitoring.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Did you see the file on opening the Duo I posted on
AOL and CIS. You

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> may want to get it and  make it available here too.

** <M.CLARK22> is here.

<[Dave] ZTERM> internal makes it one less thing to plug in

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> I haven't seen it.

<M.CLARK22> *exit

** <M.CLARK22> has left.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> I have a file on opening the Duos. It's not for the
faint of heart.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Would you tell us a little about it?

<[jop] J.O.P.> If you want to use a 14.4 modem with multiple
portables...I uploaded your file here Rich :)

<MARK.HIATT> Are they pretty scary, inside?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Thanks. You're on the ball JOP

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> It's not that is scary. It's just that it's difficult
to get inside.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Interestingly, the hinge covers are disposable and
the recommended

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> procedure is to replace them each time you open a
Duo for a drive or modem.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> The memory, on the other hand is VERY easy to do.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> My recommendation is that the modem be left to a
Apple tech. It takes over a half hour to do, even if you're an expert..

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> The whole machine has to come apart to get a modem
inside. I complained to Apple early on and suggested they include

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> installation in the price. Unfortunately, they won't
listen and some dealers will charge lots.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> I bet you'll hear stories of 100 dollar charges. So
much for the inexpensive price. Done

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Kind of back to the original hard to open Mac?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> This makes the Mac 128 to 512 upgrade look easy.
Believe me on this one.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> More more, I'm just getting going.

<[jop] J.O.P.> Rich, is memory available for duos yet?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Yes. Apple memory is the only stuff I would use
today and it is beginning to come to the surface.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> If you could write your own utility program, what
would it do?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> some of the other vendors have had some too, but I
would be careful at first.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Be especially careful on memory for the 160 and 180.
That is completely new and there have been lots of problems so far. done

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> If you could write your own utility program, what

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> would it do?

<[Dave] ZTERM> I have the 10 M card from chip merchant. No probs so far.
(PB160)

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> I'll get shot for this one.

<[jop] J.O.P.> So until things settle down, stick with apple for
memory...sounds safe :)  Apple wants about $500 for 8 meg module (bring duo up
to 12)...not too bad

<MARK.HIATT> 10MB in a take-it-with-you Mac?   Wow!

<[Dave] ZTERM> 14 meg total

<MARK.HIATT> :P

<MARK.HIATT> That's it.  You're off my Christmas list, Dave.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> It would be one part CPU. One part GUM, one part
Inline sync and 10 parts PBtools.

<MARK.HIATT> Have you seen the new Symantec package, Rich?

<[Kent] DRACO> BRB

** <[Kent] DRACO> has left.

<[Dave] ZTERM> Im waiting for Global Vill to send me a modem

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> yeah. That's what I've been calling GUM but it has a
new name now. NEP I think.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Want my opinion. Again?

<[Dave] ZTERM> thats why you're here! :-)

<[jop] J.O.P.> Gee Rich, since you mentioned PB tools <grin> any chance
we'll be able to buy it at MacWorld?  Yeah, I'm a persistent pest ;)

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> OK. But I did do it before you came. <smile>

<[Jim, GL-Mac] JFLANAGAN> Quote: "The file Syncing

<[Jim, GL-Mac] JFLANAGAN> part of GUM (it's called something else and
distributed by Symantic but excuse

<[Jim, GL-Mac] JFLANAGAN> me as I forget the new name) is OK but way
under powered."

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> NEP made the critical mistake in cutting out (going
to sleep) in the middle of a download. Do you what a package that was tested so
poorly?

<[jop] J.O.P.> Yech!

<MARK.HIATT> Wow.  What happened to GUM, then?  I'd heard good things
about Guy's program.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> As for PBTools. Once again, I don't know when it may
be available. If it is indeed a product. <g>

<[Jim, GL-Mac] JFLANAGAN> GUM is NEP.

<[Bart] B.FARKAS1> gotta go

<[Bart] B.FARKAS1> thanks for the info Rich!

<MARK.HIATT> <=---- Trying hard to keep up.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> More, more.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> The PowerBook has changed a lot of things in the
way we do computing.  I foresee some changes in work habits.  But is the
docking feature of the Duos a step backward?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> I disagree!

<[Bart] B.FARKAS1> jeff?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> If you don't need it. Get a 180.

<[Bart] B.FARKAS1> OK?

<[jop] J.O.P.> Here's a question for you Rich, why does my external
Rodime spin down when hooked to the duo dock after 15 minutes or so?  The duo drive keeps on running, the Rodime spins up when accessed.  Problem is,
sometimes I wonder if the Rodime will keep spinning /sen 3 1500 it is!

<[Bart] B.FARKAS1> gotcha Jeff

<[jop] J.O.P.> okay Bart!  See ya then  :-)

<[Bart] B.FARKAS1> bye

** <[Bart] B.FARKAS1> has left.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> JOP-Your external drive should not spin down at all
when connected to a Doc. I don't think. I did not have that problem.

<[jop] J.O.P.> Uh ohh...can you say APS ;)

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> But, I will look into it. Get to me in a few days.

<[jop] J.O.P.> will do Rich-thanks

<MARK.HIATT> How did you come to write this book, Rich?

<MARK.HIATT> Can you tell us a little bit about the process involved in
getting the deal, getting the Macs, and getting it written?

<[jop] J.O.P.> Doc, the duo/dock is ideal for folks that need power on
the road, yet not have it wasted when not traveling...solves file syn problems
too!

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> I'll make a long story short. Sharon Aker and I are
partners. Addison-Wesley wanted her to write a book on the Classic with only
one meg. We thought it was a ridiculous idea. I had just seen a PowerBook in
cupertino (may before the intro) and suggested they look into that. Sharon
thought I would do a better job with the PowerBook book as I like the hardware
side. So I said yes and you see it.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Mark-your question again please.

<MARK.HIATT> Well, I was asking about how you found a publisher, and
then how you got the Macs and then how you wrote the book, that's all.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> I was there, OK. I was lucky. Sharon does this for a
living. I was in the right place. Usually, you have to pitch an idea to a
publisher.

<MARK.HIATT> I use my PB100 to write Mac reviews for Computer Shopper,
and I guess what I was saying is "When I grow up, I wanna be just like you" --a
MacBook writer.

<MARK.HIATT> :)

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> It's hard for someone to break in. But it can be
done.

<MARK.HIATT> Okay, thanks.

<[jop] J.O.P.> Rich, can you say a few words about Apple's approach to
PB support, both as a user and an 'insider'?

<[jop] J.O.P.> Mark,  I thought your name looked familiar!

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Nobody should aspire to be like me. Shoot higher.

<MARK.HIATT> Hehe.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Sure. I think SOS-Apple is a great idea and it's
working great too.

<[jop] J.O.P.> So you think this type of support will continue?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> The performa in home service is also getting rave
reviews. Dealers on the other hand lack the ability to get the job done. In
lots of cases.

<[jop] J.O.P.> Agreed

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Also, Apple is not really supporting the large
clients much anymore. Especially not the colleges. A BIG mistake IMO.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> What more can I say?

<MARK.HIATT> Rich, what's the biggest mistake people make, when buying
a new PowerBook?  Is it believing that they don't need more RAM or HD space?
Not picking up an extra battery or two?  Do they buy too low in the range for
their needs, or too high?

<[jop] J.O.P.> Yeah...I'd say a good number of us started mac'ing via
the educational program

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> That's a hard one. Give  me a minute.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> I say most really don't evaluate their needs much.
For instance. The speed difference between the 160 and 180 is not much. But the
screen is. If you're going to use the machine as a primary writing machine, if
you get a 160 you're making a mistake.

<MARK.HIATT> Who makes the best carrying case, for PowerBooks?  And
what makes a good case?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> But, If you get a 180 just because you wanted one
that's a waste too. I say, buy the most machine you can afford to put double
the HD space you think you'll ever need in and memory till it hurts.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Then, there's the DUO.

<MARK.HIATT> Hahaha!  Just like desktop Macs, then, on HD and RAM.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> That's where people will make mistakes. It's not for
everyone. but it is a great machine for those that need it.

<[Jim, GL-Mac] JFLANAGAN> What kind of people _need_ a Duo?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> JOP send that again please

<[jop] J.O.P.> At 4.x pounds, it's even more portable than the trusty
PB 100 :)

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Yes. But lots more expensive when you get the needed
accessories.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> And, If you're not Mac savvy, you'll end up carrying
a floppy and adapter too.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Don't get me wrong. The Duo is my choice. But the
180 is a better one for many, if not most.

<[jop] J.O.P.> And that gets at Jim's question...

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> which was?

** <[Erik] MACSPECT> is here.

<[jop] J.O.P.> who is a duo best for

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Those that have a desk machine and go on the road
a lot and wish to take the desk machine with them.

<[jop] J.O.P.> Hi Erik :)

<[Erik] MACSPECT> Hiya Jeff :)

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> So who's the 180 best for?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> If I only had one PowerBook, and no desk machine. My
choice would be the 180.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Doc. You got cut off on my screen. Again please.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Actually, you answered my question.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> OK.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> I wanted to know who you thought the 180 was best
for.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> The screen is to die for!

<[jop] J.O.P.> Rich, do you foresee an 040 portable in the future, or
are the technical aspects a roadblock (heat, power consumption...)?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Sure. In time, like everything else. Color will be
first.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Looks good, eh?

<[Erik] MACSPECT> Funny, for what I gathered their won't be a 040 PB,
but a RISC Color PB.

<[jop] J.O.P.> One thing that has me puzzled is the price structure of
the PB's/duos...seems to be too close a range.  What do you think?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> We all have to wait and see. I think we'll see 030
color first. But then again, who am I to say?

<MARK.HIATT> Along with that, do you think we'll ever see a "Performa"
range of PowerBooks?

<[jop] J.O.P.> There ya go Erik!

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> My hope is that SONY gets to repackage and sell the
100. It may happen.

<MARK.HIATT> I'd LOVE to see that!

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> That would be a hot item.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Yeah. My first Macintosh.

<[jop] J.O.P.> Is it true Sony is still manufacturing the 100 on demand?

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Only for outside the US market.

<[jop] J.O.P.> Ahhh...

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> How about we begin to wind it up.

<[jop] J.O.P.> Rich, what did you use before the PB 100?

<MARK.HIATT> I'm going to have to leave, now.  Thanks, Rich, for
spending some time with us, and giving us the MacScoop on the PowerBooks.  Drop by on Tuesday nights, huh?  We're always here.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> A RS model 100 for on the road.  And various Macs at
home and in the office.

<[jop] J.O.P.> Rich, it was _great_ having you here!  Please do stop by
and visit :)

** <MARK.HIATT> has left.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Thanks for being our guest tonight, Rich.  And by
the way, I really liked your book.

<[Erik] MACSPECT> Well, I gotta go too, Talk to you all later - Thanks
Rick, good going Doc :)

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> My pleasure.

** <[Erik] MACSPECT> has left.

** <[Dave] ZTERM> has left.

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> We'll call these proceedings closed now.

<[jop] J.O.P.> <-looking forward to more of Rich's works!

<[jop] J.O.P.> Okay...great job Doc!!!!

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Thanks Jeff.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Take care. Good night and thanks again for the
opportunity to talk with you.

<[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> Bye

<[jop] J.O.P.> catch ya all later  :-)

<[Doc] D.E.JOHNSTON> Thank YOU.

** <[Rich] MAC.GUEST1> has left.

<[Jim, GL-Mac] JFLANAGAN> The file Syncing

<[Jim, GL-Mac] JFLANAGAN> Relive this RTC in the pages of the January
1993 GEnieLamp Mac! :)

END OF TRANSCRIPT