Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.91.960104104102.24374D-100000@fox.ksu.ksu.edu> Date: Thu, 4 Jan 1996 10:54:40 -0600 From: kerry miller <mailto:astingsh@KSU.KSU.EDU> Subject: Re: Computers for Africa To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
> This is not such a bad idea. I still use a TRS80. It is A4 sized (handy for
> a briefcase) and runs for 20 hours on a set of 4 AA batteries (much better
> than a modern laptop) or a 5 volt adaptor. The neat thing is that it has a
> very simple built in transfer package which squirts ASCII out of a serial
> port, so it is really easy to link it to a MAC or PC to transfer the text.
I'm pleased that someone, at least, recognizes that "outdated" and "trash" are *prejudices* that can be transcended. I too have a rare Z-80 machine (Toshiba 100) which isn't perhaps the workhorse that David Walker's machine is, but it has been handy enough.
someone else wrote, > I would prefer not to patronize African countries and journalists
> by sending them things that even they know are outdated and useless.
Is it any less patronizing to refuse to make *working* equipment available to anyone because *our* sense of elegance is offended? What dedication to the idea of reuse! What determination to make "IBM-compatible" PC!
kerry miller ==> mailto:astingsh@ksuvm.ksu.edu