MattCarp
Experienced Member
I'm looking at the machines on my shelf and have two Z-80 based machines - the Kaypro II and the TRS-80 Model 4. I'm thinking about setting one of the machines free, and want to get some opinions from the field.
My model 4 is a 26-1069A, gate array model, which is the later version, and differs from the 4D because it doesn't have double-sided drives and has 64K, but I upgraded it to 128K, which is possible on this model.
My Kaypro is a IIx, which is a later model unit with a 4MHz CPU.
Here's my current thinking:
I think both machines are equivalent in value, $50-150, and both machines don't have huge appreciation potential.
The Model 4 has better ergonomics (it is a desktop, after all), but all of the operating systems are "unique".
Both systems have a good complement of documentation and software (word processor, spreadsheet, communications software).
I think the Kaypro bothers me more - the case feels like a thin and hollow aluminum shell, and I'm not sure there's as much software out there. Then again, I'm not looking for a bunch of programs and won't do much either anyway.
The TRS-80 can run CP/M, so I could run most CP/M programs on it, right?
What do you guys think about these machines?
My model 4 is a 26-1069A, gate array model, which is the later version, and differs from the 4D because it doesn't have double-sided drives and has 64K, but I upgraded it to 128K, which is possible on this model.
My Kaypro is a IIx, which is a later model unit with a 4MHz CPU.
Here's my current thinking:
I think both machines are equivalent in value, $50-150, and both machines don't have huge appreciation potential.
The Model 4 has better ergonomics (it is a desktop, after all), but all of the operating systems are "unique".
Both systems have a good complement of documentation and software (word processor, spreadsheet, communications software).
I think the Kaypro bothers me more - the case feels like a thin and hollow aluminum shell, and I'm not sure there's as much software out there. Then again, I'm not looking for a bunch of programs and won't do much either anyway.
The TRS-80 can run CP/M, so I could run most CP/M programs on it, right?
What do you guys think about these machines?