From: Chad Fogg (cfogg_at_netcom.com)
Date: Sat Dec 18 1993 - 23:51:05 EST
>Hi Chad! Can you tell us more about your machine? What software do you
>run and what OS? I'll assume OS/2 since John told me you work at the
>OS/2 something...
They guy from New Zeland works in OS/2 support. I'm what they call
a "video data compression scientist." It was kind of invigorating to
discover on a recent business trip that the 750 is like a prime status
symbol in our little industrial field. Practically everbody totes
a laptop too.
My configuration is: Monochrome, 4 MB DRAM, 170 MB hard drive,
no PCMCIA periphials yet, no use of external poiting device. For
the operating system, I run Windows 3.1 and MS-DOS 6.2 (badly needed
the compression); for applications, Word for Windows 6.0,
GNU gcc C compiler, Turbo C++ Visual and MS-DOS C++.
I bought my monochrome Thinkpad 750 from a local retailer here in the
Seattle area about 6 weeks ago after having given up on a frustrating
search for the Thinkpad 500. I thought I had cancelled the order
with IBM Direct for the Thinkpad 500 back then ("I got a 750 so I won't be
needing the 500, thank you." "Oh, you'll be very happy with that
model, sir.."), but yesterday I discovered on my front porch a rather
inconspicuous cardboard box with a small "IBM Traingle Park" printed on
the side. I was tempted to make a little swap... but then remembered
how much more expandable the 750 is (with color upgrades in early '94),
more hard drive storage, etc. The weight has been less of an issue as
I had originally thought it would be.
My reason for keeping it in its original configuration:
1. Tarrifs were lifted a few months ago on LCD screens. Hopefully
this will mean a significant price drop for the color upgrade.
2. DRAM prices were very high due to that Summer chemical fire deal.
Hopefully, by waiting a few more months, the cost of the 4,8, or 16
MB DRAM card will come down by half or so.
3. The cost differential between the 170 MB HD and the 340 MB model
was about $400. I figured, what with all these new 500 MB
2.5" IDE hard drives being introduced at Comdex, I should hold out
for a while. I've also heard rumors about 1 GB units.
Anyway, I was a bit dissapointed to discover that the floppy drive
bay will not be able to accomodate the new Philips/IBM
128 MB 3.5" MO disc. The bay measured about 3/4" deep, but the
press reports say the current descktop units are 1" thick. The 750's
removable floppy device is just over 1/2" thick itself.
A great machine.
--CF
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