Re: Can a GS with dead slots run a Zip or TWGS?

[spec@vax2.concordia.ca (Mitchell Spector)]

In article supertimer@aol.com (Supertimer) writes...

>spec@vax2.concordia.ca (Mitchell Spector) wrote:
> 
>>    I can't imagine an Apple IIgs without _any_ functional slots
>>being very useful. This would mean having no hardrive, and as I
>>have said many times in the past, a GS without a hardrive is 
>>basically a glorified Apple IIe compatible.
> 
>If I can get hold of an Apple IIc CT-20, CT-40, or CT-100 floppy
>port hard drive, this GS might be useful.  A Zip or TWGS and
>a sound card in the dead slots would round it off.

    That is assuming the IIgs can even communicate with Smartport
devices designed primarily for the Apple IIc (it compatible with
the UniDisk 3.5, though I've not heard of anyone connecting up a
Smartport hardrive to a GS before). Even if it is possible, you
should be concerned about how utterely _slow_ the hardrive will
operate--which is not much faster than a 3.5 floppy drive.

    Sequential Systems sells (or used to) the CT-xx hardrive for
the Apple IIc, but they are fairly expensive. Even if you seeked
one out used, they are rare items that generally sell for a high
cost (much like the IIc LCD screen or battery pack). If had one,
I'd certainly not put it to waste on my Apple IIgs. Considering
the cost, performance and rarity, I think it is a bad idea. You
might as well replace the GS motherboard, it's easy to swap a
new one in and from reports, used ones cost as low as US$10.

Mitchell Spector
spec@vax2.concordia.ca