Newsgroups: comp.sys.handhelds
Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!think.com!laird
From: laird@think.com (Laird Popkin)
Subject: Re: Portfolio vs Wizard OZ-8000
Message-ID: <1991Apr2.174452.1695@Think.COM>
Sender: news@Think.COM
Organization: Thinking Machines Corporation, Cambridge MA, USA
References: <1991Apr2.034036.11439@NCoast.ORG>
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 91 17:44:52 GMT

In article <1991Apr2.034036.11439@NCoast.ORG> brian@NCoast.ORG (Brian Keith Gaiser) writes:
>
> 
>       Hello , I am new to this news group so forgive me if this has been hashed       over already  :).....   
>
I will put Portfolio comments in-line with your description of the Wizard

>       I have a Sharp Wizard OZ-7000. (In fact I am an authorized Sharp Dealer).      
>       Sharp has recently released their new OZ-8000 Wizard.  
>      
>       It has these features: 
> 
>       Up to 128K, QWERTY Keyboard, Built-in Scheduler, Calendar, Memo, World          time zones, Outline maker, TERMINAL program, unit to unit xfer, PC xfer
>       and many option cards.  The cards include: Spreadsheets, Speller/Thes.,
>       City guides, Time/expense managers, language translators, games, BASIC
>       and other RAM packs.                                                       
The Portfolio comes with 128K RAM, expandable to 640K of system memory
(with a third party add-on) a 20 Mb hard drive.  RAM cards (which are
storage, not system RAM) are 32K, 64K, or 128K SRAM cards.  It comes with
an appointment book, address book, simple word processor, and Lotus 123
compatible spreadsheet.  There are a half dozen or so ROM cards out for the
PF, including a tutorial (bundled), DOS utilities, checkbook balancer,
scientific calculator, etc.  Aside from that, you can run DOS programs on
the PF (if they are small) so you can run things like Turbo Pascal (1.0), a
tiny BASIC interpreter (so you can write your own programs) and so on.

>
>       Very soon to come, they have the Holy Bible and more games as well as 
>       other programming languages.
>
>  
>       What I would like to know is how does this product stack up against 
>       the ATARI Portfolio ?   What RAM option cards does the Portfolio have?
>       How good is it as a terminal ?  Does it have good general organizer 
>       features ?   How is it's calendar and spread sheet ?  Is there good 
>       stocks of info cards available such as CITY GUIDES and the BIBLE or 
>       other reference material ?   Is it easy to use ?  Does it fit in one's
>       inner suit coat pocket ?   How long do the batteries last?   What 
>       kind of PC upload/download capabilities does it have, what file formats
>       will it support ?   Is there good OEM commitment to put popular 
>       software and games on it ?   What peripherals can you get and at what 
>       retail cost ?  How easy is the word processor, and can it be used with
>       Word Perfect or Professional Write on a PC host ? 

It's a bit smaller than the largest Wizard I have seen, but not
significantly so.  The batteries last for months.  Since it's DOS
compatible it's trivial to "port" games and so on to it (i.e. copy them
from your PC to a RAM card, stick the RAM card into the PF, run it).

In terms of communication with PC's there are three ways to go.  You can
get a serial port.  You can get a parallel port (which can transfer files
with PC's).  Or you can get a RAM card drive for you PC (I think it's about
$100) so you can stick RAM cards into your PC as well as your PF, which
makes transferring information trivial.

The PF's main advantage is also it's main disadvantage.  It's a tiny
DOS-compatible PC, which gives you immense flexibility and expandability.
But it also means that you could end up learning DOS.  Of course, there's a
friendly front end so you need never _see_ the C: prompt, but if you use
the PF much you're likely to end up using DOS in addition to the built in
applications.

>
>       Lastly I would like some ATARI phone numbers to get info on this unit, 
>       and perhaps get the ability to distribute it.

Atari has an 800 number that they list in all their PF ads.  I am sure that
they'd be delighted in have you carry the PF.

>
>       My company caters to small business clients and many of the CEOs and 
>       board members look to me for this kind of product.  
>
>
>       Just FYI     : Wizard OZ-7000     Retail=$299,  My Price to you=$220
>                      Wizard OZ-8000     Retail=$399,  My Price to you=$318
> 
>                       Most option cards Retail $120-$200  Mine $98-$180

The Portfolio retails for $299 for the PF and the tutorial card, or $499
for the PF, a 32K RAM card, and the PC card drive.

>
>      Any info will be much appreciated. 
>
>   
>-- 
> ---------  THE GIZZ  ----------
>|                               |
>| Brian Gaiser   216/292-0400   |
>|                   x3471       |

I don't work for Atari.  I don't own a PF, actually -- I have just been
researching them with an eye towards buying one.

- Laird (internet: laird@think.com)
