Re: Laser 128 - questions...

["M. Pender" <mpender@hotmail.com>]

On 3/8/04 5:12 PM, in article 404CE1A5.FF21C53E@usa.net, "Jeff Thomas"
<a2forever@usa.net> wrote:

> I recently got in my possession an 'Laser 128 personal computer', but is
> missing a power supply and matching cable. Underneath it says, 'Laser
> Color computer', made in Hong Kong and from 1985.
> 
> The power connector requires DC15V and is a round 7 pin din plug. Could
> I use a standard Apple IIc power supply (model no. A2M4016) with it? If
> not, what would work e.g. modified PC, Commodore 64 or Amiga
> computer/disk drive power supplies, etc?

IIRC it requires 12V @2A or so.  The IIc power supply should work.  Wiring
diagrams for the Laser are in a book called the Laser Technical Reference
Manual.  I still see them around sometimes.
 
> Also, anyone know where I can find some documentation and software like
> Laser DOS and Basic, etc?

The Laser uses Apple DOS, ProDos, etc.  Basic is built into the ROM.
 
> What's the compatibly like with a real Apple II eg. 80%? I remember,
> some clones were real shocking!

There are a couple of features that the newer Lasers have that an Apple IIc
lacks, such as a Universal Disk Controller, Quad Hi-Res graphics and a
switchable parallel/serial card.  I'm not sure I'd call it a lack of
compatiblity though.
 
> Just a curiosity is the Laser 128, better than the genuine Apple IIc?

The answer to that question is highly subjective.

- Mike