Re: IIGS Laptop

[Mitchell Spector <mitch2gs@hotmail.com>]

On Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:34:32 -0700 (PDT), heuser.marcus@freenet.de wrote:

>On Apr 16, 12:30 am, heuser.mar...@freenet.de wrote:
>> On Apr 15, 8:47 pm, "Michael J. Mahon" <mjma...@aol.com> wrote:
>> >
>> > I expect if you saw the display in person you'd find lots not
>> > to like.
>> >
>> > And the fact that it's a laptop *form factor* (though large and heavy)
>> > doesn't mean that it inludes a battery.  ;-)

    It's all relative. I've always thought my Apple IIc Plus with C-Vue LCD
was the coolest Apple II set up. All it needs is a standard AC cord for
power and viola, a complete and ready to use Apple II that is luggable!
(and dead silent, no fan or 15 kHz squeal from a CRT).

    This takes that concept leaps and bounds further! You've got a full
sized *color* screen built-in that folds down, and not only will it run all
the same software as my IIc Plus, but Apple IIGS software as well!
And the Compact Flash card stores a lot more than the 800K floppy
in my IIc Plus. You have to put your mindset back about 15-20 years 
to appreciate it I suppose.

>> I suspect he uses RGB and as he has experience with several
>> displays he probably did choose the best.
>
>OTOH, if he uses composite - and the screen on some photos
>looks like composite "quality" then this wouldn't necessarily be
>my dream machine.

    It definitely *is* using composite. Have a look at this close up:
http://benheck.com/Games/Apple/IIgs/IIgs_hero_large.jpg

    That is perfectly fine for running 8-bit Apple II games (keeping 
in mind 80 columns text might look a little fuzzy even on the LCD, 
and of course you won't get colored text--only shades of 
monochrome). 

    On the other hand, IIgs-specific Super-Hi-Res graphics will look 
fairly awful....some games may be passable, others would just
look like a mess. Only option is to squeeze a Video Overlay Card 
in there (good luck!) or wire up the LCD to use RGB at NTSC 
frequency.

    Give it RGB and trackball (or pad) and it's perfect! For an 
added challenge, squeeze in a battery and floppy drive. :)

Mitchell Spector