If you are going to the Vintage Computer Festival East in Wall, NJ, you can check out a pre-release version: please see the table of Michael Weitman (his will be the table crammed with interesting old computers). If that doesn't narrow it down, look for a Foenix Retro Systems sign.
I am planning to be at VCF Midwest in September, and will have a few copies available. I will be setting up a web site for ordering soon, and expect to be able to offer the following options:
- C128 PRG style plastic comb binding (heavy front and back covers, 20lb paper in between)
- Same as above, but disc bound instead of plastic comb. Maybe good if you have a disc bound punch, and want to be able to swap pages around. Another advantage is that you can open it 360 degrees. Disadvantage: not as robust. Same cost as plastic comb.
- Print it yourself. Cheapest option by far, but only until you start printing. Assembly involves printing on US legal, cutting in half, then whatever binding you want. The covers are a separate file (I print them at OfficeMax to get the shiny, thick covers)
- PDF: Good for searching, etc.
I could also explore Amazon eBooks if anyone is interested. Looks pretty straightforward.
If anyone knows of a source of US Legal sized paper lighter than 20lb, please let me know. Just on the odd chance that no publisher wants to publish a book about an unpopular 40-year-old computer, I will be hand assembling these, and the 20lb paper feels a bit stiff to me.
And finally, if you are a B128/CBM II owner, I think you'll want a copy: my primary goal was to have a solid reference book for my own use with the machine. I have tried to synthesize many sources, including the Protecto PRG, the user manuals, CBUG posts, Transactor articles, and anything else I could find. The BASIC tutorial is probably not super interesting to an existing B machine owner, unless you somehow never learned BASIC, in which case you should check it out. The ML tutorials are not to teach ML (just get Butterfield), but cover the tools available on the B machines. I am waiting to write/finish the chapters on graphics, sound, and serial comms until I get my 710 working and can test on real hardware. I don't trust VICE for finicky things.
Attached: rather bad photo of the book (disc bound version), showing the covers. I may reshoot the machine to have a more similar angle to C128 PRG photo. Also the first section, showing TOC and the intro chapters.
