Tiger Learning Computer

[Shawn Beattie <shawn@beattie.net>]

I had a chance to use a Tiger Learning Computer for a couple hours. 
Here are some remarks:

* The colors are crisp - no noticable fringing.  The startup screen and
  desktop seem to use double high-res.  80 column was pretty readable.

* The battery-backed RAM cart is a nice option.  From the Desktop, I was
  able to format, copy ProDOS and BASIC.SYSTEM, and boot using the
  rudimentary interface for copying and booting.

* The two cartridge slots appear as S6,D1 and S6,D2.  When there are no
  carts, the ROMdisk is S6,D1.

* Basic is not crippled in any way...call -151 works.  A PR#3 locked
up   the computer once (but worked others) and PR#1/PR#2 just returned
to
  the ] prompt.

* The Printer option on the desktop menu allows printing of TXT or
BAS    files to the parallel port.

* Appleworks 4.3 is pretty unusable because of the poor keyboard, 19K
  desktop, inability to run UltraMacros (not enough memory), lack of a 
  clock, and inability to save settings (because of ROMdisk).  The
  TimeOut Paint program doesn't seem to recognize the mouse, or it just
  locks up.  Choosing other Timeout menu items just returns a    
"UltraMacros must be enabled" message.

* It seems to allow swapping cartridges while the computer is on.

* The Printer option on the desktop menu allows printing of TXT or BAS  
files to a parallel printer.

* Manuals were pretty sparse.  The manual for the computer itself gave
  brief instructions for getting started and that's about it.  Manuals  
for the included software were photocopied single sheets, one page per
  program (including Appleworks 4.3)  Those who are spoiled on Apple's
  spiral bound color manuals will be disappointed.  And no stickers
  either.

* It would be nice if it came with a simple transfer utility of some  
kind to allow transferring disks to the RAM cart.  One could enter a   
program by hand (?) to read the serial port.

I tried to open the computer by removing the screws from the bottom, but 
it was sealed tight (or I didn't see a screw or two, and I looked under
the rubber feet :)

Overall, unless there is some feature about the TLC that really
impresses you - its light weight, crisp graphics, or suite of K-6
educational games, you would be better off getting a second hand //c. 
The keyboard is plain miserable, but for the occasional arrow and space
bar required by the educational games it is adequate, except for the
Typing skills program.

If you want a lightweight word processor/communications device, the
keyboard (once again) is a major barrier. Another is a lack of included
communications software.  Take a look at the Laser PC5 instead (visit
perfectsolutions.com)

As nice as it is to see "Apple IIe Technology" written boldly on the
box, and AppleWorks 4.3 on a cartridge, I have to give it a rating of
C+. (no relation to the //c+).