Re: Those Apple ][ clones...

[Roger Johnstone <rojaws@es.co.nz>]

In <3E6A7DAA.D99AD9F4@usa.net> Jeff Thomas  wrote:
> During the late 1970s and early 1980s, there were about a dozen Apple ][
> clones from Asia and elsewhere destined for American and European
> markets.
> 
> I'm seeking more information about them, for a course assignment.
> 
> If you owned one of these computers, I have the following questions:

Make: Dick Smith Electronics
Model: The Cat (a rebadged Laser 3000)
Name of Manufacturer: Video Technology Limited
Year of Manufacture: 1984
Place of Manufacture: Hong Kong
Supplied/Supported Operating Systems: DOS 3.3
Software/Hardware Compatibly: good 48KB Apple II+ software compatibility. 
No Apple II slots. No low resolution graphics. Had double resolution 
graphics and 80-column text instead, but these were not compatible with 
the Apple IIe. Top 16KB was not language card compatible, so looked like 
a 48KB Apple II+ to most software.
Purchased configuration: bought used in 1986. Original packaging was the 
computer with a demonstration tape (which I didn't get).
Features: 64KB RAM, 32KB ROM, 2MHz processor, parallel printer interface, 
RGB video output, 80-column text, double resolution graphics mode (
560x192, 6 colours), bit image graphics mode (280x192, 8 colours, no 
colour limitations), 8 function keys, numeric keypad, sound chip.
Available peripherals: RF modulator, disk drive controller cartridge, 
disk drive (Apple compatible), serial adaptor, Z80 catridge (CP/M), 
Emulator cartridge (16KB language card).
Vapourware? (listed in technical reference manual): 128KB RAM card, 
Super System Expander (box to take Apple II cards?)

It used an AppleSoft-compatible Microsoft BASIC with added commands for 
the sound chip and the extra graphics modes. The CPU ran at 1MHz 
normally and 2MHz when in double resolution or 80-column mode.

-- 
Roger Johnstone, Invercargill, New Zealand

Apple II - FutureCop:LAPD - iMac Game Wizard
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~rojaws/
________________________________________________________________________

"It would appear that we have reached the limits of what it is possible
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