🚀 go-pugleaf

I have a "baby-AT" clone -- 8-MHz 286 CPU, XT (8-bit) bus -- with a
monochrome monitor and a Hercules-clone video card.

I would like to upgrade to some kind of color video system, but simply
do not have the money available at this time to spend on a high-end
multisync monitor and 1024x768 super-VGA card.  Neither am I prepared
right now to upgrade the system as a whole to a "full-AT" clone with a
16-bit bus.

Can anyone offer recommendations for a reasonably priced color monitor
and 8-bit-bus VGA card?  Is there any way I can get away with something
acceptable for a total price (monitor + card) of under $400?  If not,
then how about under $500?

I've been told that EGA cards cost about as much as low-end VGA these
days -- so I assume I shouldn't even bother considering EGA.  But if
this is not true (say, because I could get a much less expensive monitor
for EGA than for even low-end VGA), then please tell me.

I am prepared to accept less than blinding speed (as I said, I accept
the fact that I'm stuck with an 8-bit XT bus).  I'm also prepared to
accept the limitations of a monitor that is not "top of the line".  In
short, I know I can't afford a Rolls-Royce color video system right now
-- or even a BMW or Mercedes-Benz system -- so I'm willing to go with a
VW or Toyota system if I can find one.

-- Rich Wales <wales@CS.UCLA.EDU> // UCLA Computer Science Department
   3531 Boelter Hall // Los Angeles, CA 90024-1596 // +1 (213) 825-5683
   "I never lie when I've got sand in my shoes, Commodore."