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Rainbow EchoMail Digest                     Dec  2, 1989

In this issue:



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Date:     12-01-89 (21:09)
To:       RODGER LEA
Subject:
From:     GEORGE THEALL

>- I've got a 100b with memory upgrade (and that's about all
>  I know !) - no hard disk. If I was interested in putting
>  a hard disk in it - what are my options ?
>
>(please note that I'm based in France, so names of good
>disk suppliers on the west coast etc, won't work :-)

   *If* you can get a hard disk controller for your machine, Rodger, you
can install in your system almost any hard disk that uses MFM or RLL
encoding. The Seagate ST225 20MB drive, for example, that's sold for PC
compatible systems will work fine. So too will the ST241 38MB drive. The
June 1988 issue of _Rainbow News_ had an excellent article about this.
I would highly recommend you read it if you're thinking of "doing it
yourself".

   For the controller, you might give Eustace Enterprises a call
(1-407-433-0846 in the U.S.). As of September '89 they advertised a 20MB
hard disk and controller card for $395. Suitable Solutions
(1-408-727-9090 voice, 1-408-727-0823 FAX) are advertising a dual
winchester controller card for $365, a 20MB disk + controller for $699,
and a 40MB disk with controller for $899. I have no idea how Eustace
Enterprises handles foreign orders; Suitable Solutions requires they be
prepaid with a check in US $.

   Another possibility is to buy a used hard-disk equipped Rainbow.
Prices here in the US are around $400+ for a 100B with  hard disk. You'd
not only get the controller card but also have spare parts around in
case something in your current machine fails.

   Contacts across the puddle are difficult to come by. It might be
worthwhile, though, for you to get in touch with Brian Pegg (26, avenue
de la Resolution, Cite Marine de Port La Galere, 06590 Theoule-sur-Mer,
FRANCE), Frans van der Voorde (VDVOORDE@HROEUR51 on BITNET; he's in
Holland), or Dave Reid (628 82 30 18 at home in England). Perhaps one of
them could point you to a supplier in Europe. Oh, about a year ago there
appeared a list of Rainbow-oriented bbs's. There were two in Europe you
might call - Mitternachs Rainbow in Munich (89 123 34 45) in the
evenings (presumable, MZT) and Day Rainbow in Karlstad Sweden (46 54
266988) at 300 baud, CCITT.

>Lastly, as a fairly long shot, anybody out there using SmallTalk (PC
>versions)
...
>Actor (under Windows) is also of interest.

   The June 1988 issue of _Rainbow News_ also contained a comprehensive
list of programs known to run on Rainbows but not advertised as such. I
didn't see anything about SmallTalk mentioned. I imagine Actor would run
under Windows, but it might require the 286-board from Suitable Solutions.

>Also I've heard vague rumours about object oriented extensions to
>Pascal in the latest Turbo relase (v5.5?). Anybody got any experience
>and care to comment on how 'object oriented' they are.

  Contact Jim O'Brien (OBRIEN@VENUS.YCC.YALE.EDU) as I know he's using
TURBO Pascal v5.5 on his Rainbow. Also, the September '89 issue of
_Computer Language_ reviewed the object-oriented extensions to both
TURBO Pascal and Microsoft Quick Pascal - you might get yourself a copy
of the article.


George
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 ~ EZ 1.23b4 #263 ~ TXIRRINGAK? Bai, eskerrik asko!

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