FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR A NEW NOTEBOOK COMPUTER Want to use this new computer just like I use my Radio Shack model 100 An upgrade of the mature technology represented by the Tandy model 200 There is NO need for a DOS Battery backed CMOS static RAM allows indefinite term on-line storage of many programs or files, minimizing the dependance on disk storage There should be NO OBVIOUS OPERATING SYSTEM at all To get in the way of getting some productive work done System and major programs should reside in ROM for instant access BASIC programs should run in place with variables in free RAM Text files should be created and edited in place Filenames should be at least twelve characters plus two for file type Size and weight should be similar to a model 200 system MUST be useable on a B-727/737, MD-80 or DC-9 seat table MUST weigh less than 7 lb including disk drive and AC power adapter Base configuration RAM and ROM Minimum of 64K CMOS STATIC RAM (per bank if banks are needed) Sockets for 256K, or more, of standard 8K x 8 chips Minimum of four 32K option ROM/EPROM sockets Develop software upward from the excellent model 100/102 ROM programs Add an always available CALCULATOR With functions: + - * / 1/X +/- square squareroot % and Y^X A few constant storage registers, a four function memory and a special paste buffer to return results to the application Want to use CALCULATOR, ADDRESS and SCHEDULE utilities from within other programs, returning results, addresses, etc. in a paste buffer ADDRESS and SCHEDULE should allow editing, adding and deleting entries without entering TEXT TEXT should have rudimentary print formatting capability Margin control, indent, outdent, centering and lines/page Embeded control characters should be passed to the printer unmodified and without entering the character count CR and LF should terminate the line TELCOM needs an X-modem file transfer capability, access to filenames in RAM and free RAM capacity Improve model 200 BASIC somewhat Retain 14 digit accuracy of arithmetic and functions Allow longer variable names Add multiline IF statements, WHILE, CIRCLE, TIMER, RANDOMIZE, DELETE and RENUMBER Add trig functions for angles in degrees and base 10 log functions Augment file handling commands for random and sequential files in RAM or on disk Speedup string garbage collection and POKE/PEEK Retain model 200 multiline program editing with TEXT Continue wide use of system "hook tables" Forget MULTIPLAN Don't use Microsoft for the system software - review the Tandy model 600 debacle Interfacing RS-232C like the model 200 but use DB-9 connector to save space Keep serial port independant of internal modem Centronics parallel printer port Needs improved connector over the model 200 - something with handle DIN plug for telephone connection to internal modem Which should be 300/1200 bps - those chip sets are cheap now! Complete system interface buss An internal 720K 3.5" floppy disk drive Primarily for off-line archival storage of files and non-ROM programs With ON/OFF switch to preserve battery Since the system is NOT disk based it isn't needed most of the time Use ROM based TS-DOS menu system as an example of how to work this into the model 200 system menu Implement a sub-directory or file folder system Battery life must be substantially longer than the model 200 Four alkaline C or D cells would be preferable to rechargables If marketing considerations require rechargeable batteries use 5 D size NiCads that could be replaced with alkaline cells in a pinch MUST be able to get replacements anywhere, anytime, even in a strange city Should be faster than the model 200 by a factor of 3 or 4 Demands a more capable processor and faster clock Much can be said for Hitachi HD64180 super chip Runs augmented Z-80 instruction set Which includes all the 8085 instructions from the notebooks Adds sleep, multiply, block I/O and port, register and data logic operations Directly addresses 512K with internal MMU Integrates most system functions on the chip Supports clock speeds to 9.2 MHz Many other chips could be used 80C186/188 like the Tandy 2000 and many industrial controllers Perhaps something could be done with an advanced CMOS Motorola 6809 Not much notebook experience with these chips though Chips like the 8085 or 6502 just won't cut it in serious work anymore Display Plastic super-twist LCD to reduce weight and cost Important to keep character size close to the model 200's Computer used in bad light situations much of the time There are many older users with not-so-good vision and bifocals Minimum of 40 char by 16 lines as in model 200 Mod 200 display is 7.56" by 4.0", 0.031" sq pixels Characters are 6 by 8 pixels (.19"x.25") Very easy to read (neglecting the reflections!) Ideal would be 64 char by 32 lines 9.6" by 6.5" or larger display Pixels 0.025" wide by 0.020" high Characters of 6 by 10 pixels (.15"x.2") for better vertical spacing and underline Underline and several brightness levels useful Reduced surface reflection is very important Provide considerable angular adjustment to accomodate varied lighting Better no display backlighting than a battery life less than four times that of the model 200 Keyboard Reduce key clack Redesign top of keyboard Add "hot keys" for CALCULATOR, ADDRESS and SCHEDULE and special paste key to the four command keys and move them to a new top row Add four function keys in the vacant space for 12 total Remainder of keyboard as in the model 200 VERY STANDARD KEY PLACEMENT AND KEYBOARD SIZE Including the ability to generate all 256 ASCII codes Retaining the cursor cluster and the numerical keypad feature One possible user interface to system Show screen of RAM files and free RAM in bank Cursor keys select file for action and display file size Function keys: Kill, Rename, Copy, Save to disk, Mark for multiple file action, Switch RAM bank, Show ROMs, Show disk files Enter opens file in appropriate software environment Show screen of ROM files Built-in programs: BASIC, TEXT, TELCOM, ADDRESS, SCHEDULE and CALCULATOR and user's option ROM programs Function keys: Show RAM files, Show disk files Cursor keys selects for action Enter starts the software Show screen of disk files and free space on disk Cursor keys select file for action and show file size Function keys: Kill, Rename, Load to RAM, Mark for multiple file action, Show remaining disk files, Show RAM files, Show ROM files, Format disk, Log-in new disk, Copy file, Back-up disk Documentation should build from that of the model 100 A simple beginning guide written with no jargon and great clarity A complete user's manual building on the simple guide including reference sections for each of the software, interfacing to common devices and, in a general way, a hardware overview A small but complete quick reference manual with tough covers A very detailed hardware/software technical reference manual is needed by those who program and interface Use the model 100 Technical Reference Manual as a beginning model It should include complete ROM documentation though The ROM entries and content will become public knowledge anyway why not profit from it? Pricing These suggestions represent an upgrade of existing equipment not a startling new concept There are obvious advantages over the model 102 and MS-DOS laptops Selling price should be in the $700 neighborhood including AC adapter, printer cable and telephone cable Obvious accessories would include a well thought-out brief case/carrying case, a BASIC compiler and a clone of PCSG's SuperROM (one more time - NOT MS WORKS!)