Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Brian White]

Yeah I found 3 off the shelf cables so far that do everything in one
pre-made part with no adapters needed. Unless you count the usb adapter.

-- 
bkw

On Nov 8, 2017 9:25 PM, "Kurt McCullum"  wrote:

> Jeff,
>
>
>
> Sorry I’m late on this email. mComm for Android requires the following.
>
> OTG cable to go from the phone to your USB to 9 pin adapter.
>
> FTDI (or other) USB to Serial adapter.
>
> DP9 to DB25 adapter with full handshaking.
>
>
>
> The manual I put up for the Windows version has a diagram of the cable but
> I think Brian did a bunch of testing on some off the shelf cables. I use
> two thin adapters. The first is a db9 to db9 null modem adapter and the
> second is a db9 to db25 adapter. It’s nice and small, though I do wish I
> could find one thin adapter with the exact pinout but I gave up looking
> after a year. I mount the db9 to db25 on all of my machines with screws.
> Then I just press the db9 cable on when I need it.
>
>
>
> Kurt
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* M100 [mailto:m100-boun...@lists.bitchin100.com] *On Behalf Of *Jeff
> Gonzales
> *Sent:* Tuesday, November 07, 2017 10:09 AM
> *To:* m...@bitchin100.com
> *Subject:* Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>
>
>
> What hardware is necessary to use mComm with an Android phone?
>
>
>
> On Tue, Nov 7, 2017 at 1:00 PM, Frederick Whitaker 
> wrote:
>
> I often use my Model 100 for journaling.
>
> I have also used it for writing articles for my blog, and I used it for my
> first published book.
>
> I ran into an interesting problem with my journaling, it was concerned
> with file names. With the Model 100 the file name is limited to six
> characters, and the first character must be a letter - it cannot be a
> number. Since I created a new file every day on my Model 100, for my
> journal entry, I wanted to have file names that were unique and
> descriptive. I chose to use two characters from the month, two numbers from
> the day, and two numbers from the year. A journal entry for today would be
> OC1127, October 11, 2017. I was criticized for using characters, when I
> shared this on the list, since everyone who commented thought I was stupid
> not to use all letters. Apparently they had never tried to create a file
> name on the Model 100 using all letters.
>
> The value of using the model 100 for journaling is to be able to transfer
> copies to your main computer, and to some form of backup. I use a NADSBOX,
> which I was fortunate enough to be able to get when they were being
> produced. I hope that there will be more of them available in the future,
> but I know that producing them at a cheap price is not possible. I salute
> all them men who have contributed things like this to the group. New ideas
> seem to be flowering every day.
>
> Fred Whitaker
>
> On 11/4/2017 10:11 PM, Daryn Hanright wrote:
>
> I love using on my 102 for updating my Daily Journal. Am actually
> currently sitting on my porch under our sun shade. It's a great device for
> doing that stuff. It's super light, does what it does. The keyboard is the
> best I have ever used, and I can see the screen easily.
>
>
>
> And it's pretty painless transferring the Doc to either my Android phone
> (mComm) or Ubuntu laptop (dlplus).
>
>
>
> I'd be gutted if I suddenly couldn't use it. It's the most practical bit
> of tech I have ever owned.
>
>
>
> Daryn
>
>
>
> On Nov 5, 2017 12:00 PM, "Mike Stein"  wrote:
>
> - Original Message -
> From: Mitch Parker
> To: m...@bitchin100.com
> Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 8:52 PM
> Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>
> > Hello,
>
> > I do know Evan.  I've met him several times and can tell you several
> things:
>
> > 1.  He is a journalist.  He does a lot of writing for TechRepublic these
> days and has written for several other sites and magazines in the past.
>
> --
>
> He is and does; he's also a co-founder and director of the Vintage
> Computer Federation, an umbrella group for the Vintage Computer Forum and
> the VCF conferences, both valuable resources for the vintage computer
> community.
>
>
>
> But as we see more and more these days, journalists can not always be
> relied upon to present unbiased or even necessarily accurate information...
>
>
>
> He's also opinionated to the point of being rude and insulting. According
> to him, folks like Fred are "a bunch of old cranks, one or two of which
> call themselves writers and still use a Model 100"
>
> --
>
>
>
> > 2.  If there is anyone that can credibly make that 

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Kurt McCullum]

Jeff,

 

Sorry I’m late on this email. mComm for Android requires the following.

OTG cable to go from the phone to your USB to 9 pin adapter.

FTDI (or other) USB to Serial adapter.

DP9 to DB25 adapter with full handshaking.

 

The manual I put up for the Windows version has a diagram of the cable but I 
think Brian did a bunch of testing on some off the shelf cables. I use two thin 
adapters. The first is a db9 to db9 null modem adapter and the second is a db9 
to db25 adapter. It’s nice and small, though I do wish I could find one thin 
adapter with the exact pinout but I gave up looking after a year. I mount the 
db9 to db25 on all of my machines with screws. Then I just press the db9 cable 
on when I need it.

 

Kurt

 

 

 

From: M100 [mailto:m100-boun...@lists.bitchin100.com] On Behalf Of Jeff Gonzales
Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2017 10:09 AM
To: m...@bitchin100.com
Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

 

What hardware is necessary to use mComm with an Android phone?

 

On Tue, Nov 7, 2017 at 1:00 PM, Frederick Whitaker mailto:rrtfw6...@charter.net> > wrote:

I often use my Model 100 for journaling. 

I have also used it for writing articles for my blog, and I used it for my 
first published book. 

I ran into an interesting problem with my journaling, it was concerned with 
file names. With the Model 100 the file name is limited to six characters, and 
the first character must be a letter - it cannot be a number. Since I created a 
new file every day on my Model 100, for my journal entry, I wanted to have file 
names that were unique and descriptive. I chose to use two characters from the 
month, two numbers from the day, and two numbers from the year. A journal entry 
for today would be OC1127, October 11, 2017. I was criticized for using 
characters, when I shared this on the list, since everyone who commented 
thought I was stupid not to use all letters. Apparently they had never tried to 
create a file name on the Model 100 using all letters.

The value of using the model 100 for journaling is to be able to transfer 
copies to your main computer, and to some form of backup. I use a NADSBOX, 
which I was fortunate enough to be able to get when they were being produced. I 
hope that there will be more of them available in the future, but I know that 
producing them at a cheap price is not possible. I salute all them men who have 
contributed things like this to the group. New ideas seem to be flowering every 
day.

Fred Whitaker

On 11/4/2017 10:11 PM, Daryn Hanright wrote:

I love using on my 102 for updating my Daily Journal. Am actually currently 
sitting on my porch under our sun shade. It's a great device for doing that 
stuff. It's super light, does what it does. The keyboard is the best I have 
ever used, and I can see the screen easily. 

 

And it's pretty painless transferring the Doc to either my Android phone 
(mComm) or Ubuntu laptop (dlplus). 

 

I'd be gutted if I suddenly couldn't use it. It's the most practical bit of 
tech I have ever owned.

 

Daryn

 

On Nov 5, 2017 12:00 PM, "Mike Stein" mailto:mhs.st...@gmail.com> > wrote:

- Original Message - 
From: Mitch Parker 
To: m...@bitchin100.com <mailto:m...@bitchin100.com>  
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 8:52 PM
Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

> Hello,

> I do know Evan.  I've met him several times and can tell you several things:

> 1.  He is a journalist.  He does a lot of writing for TechRepublic these days 
> and has written for several other sites and magazines in the past.

--

He is and does; he's also a co-founder and director of the Vintage Computer 
Federation, an umbrella group for the Vintage Computer Forum and the VCF 
conferences, both valuable resources for the vintage computer community.

 

But as we see more and more these days, journalists can not always be relied 
upon to present unbiased or even necessarily accurate information...

 

He's also opinionated to the point of being rude and insulting. According to 
him, folks like Fred are "a bunch of old cranks, one or two of which call 
themselves writers and still use a Model 100"

--

 

> 2.  If there is anyone that can credibly make that statement, it would be 
> him.  

--

I think the people on this list who actually own and use one of the M100 class  
of computers are much better qualified to comment.

--

Doesn't change that the m100 does a lot and there may be a few people still 
using theirs.
--

"may be"?!? If you follow this list at all then you'd know that there are 
indeed quite a few people using theirs and prepared to invest time and/or money 
to make them even more useful while retaining the features that make them 
unique.

 

>From my reply to Evan: 

"How many modern computers have a full size regular keyboard in a tablet format 
with a display that&#x

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Brian White]

Ideal usb adapters and serial cables for Model-T's:

http://tandy.wiki/Model_100_102_200_600_Serial_Cable

I have actually purchased and ohmmed-out (mapped the connections with a
meter) and tested everything on that page.

All 3 of the "ideal" ones are equally ideal. I note the small differences
just for completeness. The first 2 cables provide a fake carrier detect
signal from dsr/dtr, the startech does not connect carrier detect. It's
entirely subjective and arguable which is "better" or more technically
correct, because some comm software might work slightly nicer (provide a
little "on-line" indicator) with the fake dcd, on the other hand, there is
in fact no "carrier" involved in the connection, because it's not a modem,
so not connecting dcd is more technically correct.

If you want to have more generic parts that are useful for other stuff
besides m100, then get a regular modem cable and a 9pin male-female mini
null modem adapter. That will be full handshake too, and only *slightly*
more parts/bulk/connections than the ideal cable. But the modem cable will
be useful with a modem or other devices besides the m100. Example links for
that there too. You can search those brand and part numbers on ebay too
instead of those reference purchase links.


On Tue, Nov 7, 2017 at 1:40 PM, Josh Malone  wrote:

> On Tue, Nov 7, 2017 at 1:09 PM, Jeff Gonzales 
> wrote:
> > What hardware is necessary to use mComm with an Android phone?
>
> * Android phone that supports USB on-the-got
> * USB on-the-go host cable
> * USB RS232 serial adapter that supports flow-control lines (FTDI seem
> to work well)
> * Serial null-modem cable that also flips the flow control lines
>
> (Unless I'm wrong about the flow-control line part)
>
> -Josh
>

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Josh Malone]

On Tue, Nov 7, 2017 at 1:09 PM, Jeff Gonzales  wrote:
> What hardware is necessary to use mComm with an Android phone?

* Android phone that supports USB on-the-got
* USB on-the-go host cable
* USB RS232 serial adapter that supports flow-control lines (FTDI seem
to work well)
* Serial null-modem cable that also flips the flow control lines

(Unless I'm wrong about the flow-control line part)

-Josh

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Jeff Gonzales]

What hardware is necessary to use mComm with an Android phone?

On Tue, Nov 7, 2017 at 1:00 PM, Frederick Whitaker 
wrote:

> I often use my Model 100 for journaling.
>
> I have also used it for writing articles for my blog, and I used it for my
> first published book.
>
> I ran into an interesting problem with my journaling, it was concerned
> with file names. With the Model 100 the file name is limited to six
> characters, and the first character must be a letter - it cannot be a
> number. Since I created a new file every day on my Model 100, for my
> journal entry, I wanted to have file names that were unique and
> descriptive. I chose to use two characters from the month, two numbers from
> the day, and two numbers from the year. A journal entry for today would be
> OC1127, October 11, 2017. I was criticized for using characters, when I
> shared this on the list, since everyone who commented thought I was stupid
> not to use all letters. Apparently they had never tried to create a file
> name on the Model 100 using all letters.
>
> The value of using the model 100 for journaling is to be able to transfer
> copies to your main computer, and to some form of backup. I use a NADSBOX,
> which I was fortunate enough to be able to get when they were being
> produced. I hope that there will be more of them available in the future,
> but I know that producing them at a cheap price is not possible. I salute
> all them men who have contributed things like this to the group. New ideas
> seem to be flowering every day.
>
> Fred Whitaker
>
> On 11/4/2017 10:11 PM, Daryn Hanright wrote:
>
> I love using on my 102 for updating my Daily Journal. Am actually
> currently sitting on my porch under our sun shade. It's a great device for
> doing that stuff. It's super light, does what it does. The keyboard is the
> best I have ever used, and I can see the screen easily.
>
> And it's pretty painless transferring the Doc to either my Android phone
> (mComm) or Ubuntu laptop (dlplus).
>
> I'd be gutted if I suddenly couldn't use it. It's the most practical bit
> of tech I have ever owned.
>
> Daryn
>
> On Nov 5, 2017 12:00 PM, "Mike Stein"  wrote:
>
>> - Original Message -
>> From: Mitch Parker
>> To: m...@bitchin100.com
>> Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 8:52 PM
>> Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>>
>> > Hello,
>>
>> > I do know Evan.  I've met him several times and can tell you several
>> things:
>>
>> > 1.  He is a journalist.  He does a lot of writing for TechRepublic
>> these days and has written for several other sites and magazines in the
>> past.
>> --
>> He is and does; he's also a co-founder and director of the Vintage
>> Computer Federation, an umbrella group for the Vintage Computer Forum and
>> the VCF conferences, both valuable resources for the vintage computer
>> community.
>>
>> But as we see more and more these days, journalists can not always be
>> relied upon to present unbiased or even necessarily accurate information...
>>
>> He's also opinionated to the point of being rude and insulting. According
>> to him, folks like Fred are "a bunch of old cranks, one or two of which
>> call themselves writers and still use a Model 100"
>> --
>>
>> > 2.  If there is anyone that can credibly make that statement, it would
>> be him.
>> --
>> I think the people on this list who actually own and use one of the M100
>> class  of computers are much better qualified to comment.
>> --
>>
>> Doesn't change that the m100 does a lot and there may be a few people
>> still using theirs.
>> --
>> "may be"?!? If you follow this list at all then you'd know that there *are
>> *indeed quite a few people using theirs and prepared to invest time
>> and/or money to make them even more useful while retaining the features
>> that make them unique.
>>
>> From my reply to Evan:
>> "How many modern computers have a full size regular keyboard in a tablet
>> format with a display that's clearly legible in bright sunlight, instant
>> on, cheap batteries that last for days and can be replaced in seconds, etc.
>> ?"
>>
>> m
>>
>> >Mitch
>>
>> ---
>> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 6:58 PM Fred Whitaker < 
>> rr...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> The Model 100 keyboard is the quality that has kept me using mine. I do
>> have other devices but I prefer it for my writing. It is still as usable as
>> it always ha

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Frederick Whitaker]

I often use my Model 100 for journaling.

I have also used it for writing articles for my blog, and I used it for 
my first published book.


I ran into an interesting problem with my journaling, it was concerned 
with file names. With the Model 100 the file name is limited to six 
characters, and the first character must be a letter - it cannot be a 
number. Since I created a new file every day on my Model 100, for my 
journal entry, I wanted to have file names that were unique and 
descriptive. I chose to use two characters from the month, two numbers 
from the day, and two numbers from the year. A journal entry for today 
would be OC1127, October 11, 2017. I was criticized for using 
characters, when I shared this on the list, since everyone who commented 
thought I was stupid not to use all letters. Apparently they had never 
tried to create a file name on the Model 100 using all letters.


The value of using the model 100 for journaling is to be able to 
transfer copies to your main computer, and to some form of backup. I use 
a NADSBOX, which I was fortunate enough to be able to get when they were 
being produced. I hope that there will be more of them available in the 
future, but I know that producing them at a cheap price is not possible. 
I salute all them men who have contributed things like this to the 
group. New ideas seem to be flowering every day.


Fred Whitaker

On 11/4/2017 10:11 PM, Daryn Hanright wrote:
I love using on my 102 for updating my Daily Journal. Am actually 
currently sitting on my porch under our sun shade. It's a great device 
for doing that stuff. It's super light, does what it does. The 
keyboard is the best I have ever used, and I can see the screen easily.


And it's pretty painless transferring the Doc to either my Android 
phone (mComm) or Ubuntu laptop (dlplus).


I'd be gutted if I suddenly couldn't use it. It's the most practical 
bit of tech I have ever owned.


Daryn

On Nov 5, 2017 12:00 PM, "Mike Stein" <mailto:mhs.st...@gmail.com>> wrote:


- Original Message -
From: Mitch Parker
To: m...@bitchin100.com <mailto:m...@bitchin100.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 8:52 PM
Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

> Hello,

> I do know Evan.  I've met him several times and can tell you
several things:

> 1.  He is a journalist.  He does a lot of writing for
TechRepublic these days and has written for several other sites
and magazines in the past.
--
He is and does; he's also a co-founder and director of the Vintage
Computer Federation, an umbrella group for the Vintage Computer
Forum and the VCF conferences, both valuable resources for the
vintage computer community.
But as we see more and more these days, journalists can not always
be relied upon to present unbiased or even necessarily accurate
information...
He's also opinionated to the point of being rude and insulting.
According to him, folks like Fred are "a bunch of old cranks, one
or two of which call themselves writers and still use a Model 100"
--
> 2.  If there is anyone that can credibly make that statement, it
would be him.
--
I think the people on this list who actually own and use one of
the M100 class  of computers are much better qualified to comment.
--

Doesn't change that the m100 does a lot and there may be a few
people still using theirs.
--
"may be"?!? If you follow this list at all then you'd know that
there /_are _/indeed quite a few people using theirs and prepared
to invest time and/or money to make them even more useful while
retaining the features that make them unique.
From my reply to Evan:
"How many modern computers have a full size regular keyboard in a
tablet format with a display that's clearly legible in bright
sunlight, instant on, cheap batteries that last for days and can
be replaced in seconds, etc. ?"
m

>Mitch

---
On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 6:58 PM Fred Whitaker mailto:rr...@hotmail.com>> wrote:

The Model 100 keyboard is the quality that has kept me using mine.
I do have other devices but I prefer it for my writing. It is
still as usable as it always has been. With the addition of REX
and Quattro it is even more usable that it was.

Fred Whitaker

From: Bill Loguidice
    Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 6:36 PM
To: m...@bitchin100.com <mailto:m...@bitchin100.com>
Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

I would imagine few use it for serious writing anymore. Modern
laptops have pretty good battery life (10 hours+) and are pretty
portable, as well as have all the modern conveniences and
connectivity that you generally need these days. There are also
  

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[James Zeun]

Thanks for that, some how it had passed me by. I've been using the old
fashion way of serial ASCII transfer.

James


On 5 Nov 2017 1:12 p.m., "Kevin Becker"  wrote:

> DLPlus is an emulator for the Tandy Portable Disk Drive that lets you
> load/save files to/from a folder on a Mac or Linux machine.
>
> http://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=DLPlus
>
>
> - Kevin
>
>
> On Nov 5, 2017, at 7:36 AM, James Zeun  wrote:
>
> Dlplus? What is that?
>
> On 5 Nov 2017 2:11 a.m., "Daryn Hanright"  wrote:
>
>> I love using on my 102 for updating my Daily Journal. Am actually
>> currently sitting on my porch under our sun shade. It's a great device for
>> doing that stuff. It's super light, does what it does. The keyboard is the
>> best I have ever used, and I can see the screen easily.
>>
>> And it's pretty painless transferring the Doc to either my Android phone
>> (mComm) or Ubuntu laptop (dlplus).
>>
>> I'd be gutted if I suddenly couldn't use it. It's the most practical bit
>> of tech I have ever owned.
>>
>> Daryn
>>
>> On Nov 5, 2017 12:00 PM, "Mike Stein"  wrote:
>>
>>> - Original Message -
>>> From: Mitch Parker
>>> To: m...@bitchin100.com
>>> Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 8:52 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>>>
>>> > Hello,
>>>
>>> > I do know Evan.  I've met him several times and can tell you several
>>> things:
>>>
>>> > 1.  He is a journalist.  He does a lot of writing for TechRepublic
>>> these days and has written for several other sites and magazines in the
>>> past.
>>> --
>>> He is and does; he's also a co-founder and director of the Vintage
>>> Computer Federation, an umbrella group for the Vintage Computer Forum and
>>> the VCF conferences, both valuable resources for the vintage computer
>>> community.
>>>
>>> But as we see more and more these days, journalists can not always be
>>> relied upon to present unbiased or even necessarily accurate information...
>>>
>>> He's also opinionated to the point of being rude and insulting.
>>> According to him, folks like Fred are "a bunch of old cranks, one or
>>> two of which call themselves writers and still use a Model 100"
>>> --
>>>
>>> > 2.  If there is anyone that can credibly make that statement, it would
>>> be him.
>>> --
>>> I think the people on this list who actually own and use one of the M100
>>> class  of computers are much better qualified to comment.
>>> --
>>>
>>> Doesn't change that the m100 does a lot and there may be a few people
>>> still using theirs.
>>> --
>>> "may be"?!? If you follow this list at all then you'd know that there *are
>>> *indeed quite a few people using theirs and prepared to invest time
>>> and/or money to make them even more useful while retaining the features
>>> that make them unique.
>>>
>>> From my reply to Evan:
>>> "How many modern computers have a full size regular keyboard in a tablet
>>> format with a display that's clearly legible in bright sunlight, instant
>>> on, cheap batteries that last for days and can be replaced in seconds, etc.
>>> ?"
>>>
>>> m
>>>
>>> >Mitch
>>>
>>> ---
>>> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 6:58 PM Fred Whitaker  wrote:
>>>
>>> The Model 100 keyboard is the quality that has kept me using mine. I do
>>> have other devices but I prefer it for my writing. It is still as usable as
>>> it always has been. With the addition of REX and Quattro it is even more
>>> usable that it was.
>>>
>>> Fred Whitaker
>>>
>>> From: Bill Loguidice
>>> Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 6:36 PM
>>> To: m...@bitchin100.com
>>> Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>>>
>>> I would imagine few use it for serious writing anymore. Modern laptops
>>> have pretty good battery life (10 hours+) and are pretty portable, as well
>>> as have all the modern conveniences and connectivity that you generally
>>> need these days. There are also plenty of distraction-free and purpose
>>> built apps/software, obviously.
>>>
>>> I reviewed one of the modern options, the Freewrite, earlier this year:
>>> http:

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Brian Brindle]

I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Martin last November. I showed him
my M100 setup. He was not impressed.

On Nov 5, 2017 8:43 AM, "Bill Loguidice"  wrote:

> I don't think anyone could or would dispute that people still use their
> M100 series systems, or ANY vintage computer or game system for that
> matter. Everything has its fans. I think the core question is if any
> professional writers use it as part of their workflow. I know I would never
> trust vintage tech when writing all the things that I write. I'm too
> spoiled by the automatic redundancy/safety and features made possible with
> modern machines. At the same time, I'd be OK with using it for casual
> writing, the type that something like the Freewrite is used for today,
> i.e., the type where you just write and then worry about doing edits on
> something else (fiction, really). With that kind of writing, losing your
> work would not be quite as devastating and the special form factor might
> also help minimize distractions/help you get into a specific mindset.
>
> Of course, even though I would never use vintage tech like the M100 series
> in my professional writing for a variety of reasons, it doesn't mean
> someone doesn't. Certainly there are famous examples of writers like George
> R.R. Martin who uses WordStar 4.0 on a DOS era setup. So the question then
> becomes, can we point to any examples of someone using an M100 series
> computer today in a genuinely professional capacity? If so, I would suspect
> it would be mostly of the Freewrite variety, where it's used in the
> preparation of fiction, rather than non-fiction material.
>
> -Bill
>
> 
> Bill Loguidice | About me and other ways to get in touch
> <http://about.me/billloguidice>
> 
>
> On Sat, Nov 4, 2017 at 7:01 PM, Mike Stein  wrote:
>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Mitch Parker
>> To: m...@bitchin100.com
>> Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 8:52 PM
>> Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>>
>>
>> > 2.  If there is anyone that can credibly make that statement, it would
>> be him.
>> --
>> I think the people on this list who actually own and use one of the M100
>> class  of computers are much better qualified to comment.
>> --
>>
>> Doesn't change that the m100 does a lot and there may be a few people
>> still using theirs.
>> --
>> "may be"?!? If you follow this list at all then you'd know that there *are
>> *indeed quite a few people using theirs and prepared to invest time
>> and/or money to make them even more useful while retaining the features
>> that make them unique.
>>
>> From my reply to Evan:
>> "How many modern computers have a full size regular keyboard in a tablet
>> format with a display that's clearly legible in bright sunlight, instant
>> on, cheap batteries that last for days and can be replaced in seconds, etc.
>> ?"
>>
>> m
>>
>> >Mitch
>>
>

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Mike Stein]

Thanks, Brian; interesting to have it confirmed that they were indeed still in 
use in the 90's.

No, I didn't quote the entire exchange with Evan; regarding the "urban legend" 
I wasn't as closely involved as you, but I did say 

"Perhaps not many in the 90s but they were certainly popular with journalists 
in the 80s; a few years ago I chatted for a while with a British professional 
full-time motorsport journalist who did indeed use an M100 for composing and 
uploading, as did quite a few of his fellow journalists at the time."

And quoted Wikipedia:

"Tandy stated that the Model 100's sales "have only been moderate", and an 
InfoWorld columnist later claimed that "it was only journalists" who had been 
buying it. The system's popularity with journalists, however, probably helped 
Radio Shack improve the company's poor reputation with the press and in the 
industry."

Not much point in trying to convince Evan though... ;-)

As I said, I think the folks on this list are better qualified in this regard 
than he is.

m
  - Original Message - 
  From: Brian Brindle 
  To: m...@bitchin100.com 
  Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2017 11:20 AM
  Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?


  Mike, 


  Maybe it's my e-mail client but I didn't see your response to what Evan said. 



  I worked for Radio Shack in the 90s and I can say positively that reporters 
using the M100 was not an urban legend. I supported dozens for many years and 
was often offered more than retail for the equipment I had after Radio Shack 
discontinued selling it. The reporters I supported were more frustrated with 
the decline in phone booths than they were the aging or capabilities of their 
equipment. I never did run into any sports reporters though so maybe that's the 
urban legend. 


  I still use my M100 regularly today. I often get asked why I use such an 
ancient device and usually the person who asks me is still using pen and paper 
to take notes in a meeting so I just point out they like that ancient 
technology for taking notes - I can type like a maniac so this works for me. 
(And is technically newer.) I recently brought my TRS80 to one of our 
"diversity" meetings at work. Just so happens this one was titled "Who Moved My 
Cheese" and was all about dealing with change. I thought it was quite 
appropriate I brought my 30 year old computer to that to take notes. While I 
was in there a former reporter from the Roanoke TImes and World News, who is 
now our Development Director, took one look at it and started to tell us 
stories of him using a M100 to cover a news story in Washington DC late 90's 
early 2000s. He mentioned how easy it was to type and submit the articles for 
the copy editors. He was quite impressed with my REX capabilities and tiny 
storage options available today indicating if he were a reporter and had stuff 
like that he might consider still using it. 


  Granted, those usage stories are still over 17 years ago but I still use my 
M100s as often as possible and it's mostly for writing. Computers have, in my 
opinion, only gotten to the same level of convenience as the M100 in the last 
few years. I do love my surface, it is instant on, has a decent keyboard, 
decent battery life and actually makes my M100 feel bulky. But still it's 
expensive and over complicated for most things. Still sometimes sits with a 
software update screen when I power it on. So just like 90% of the folks will 
grab a pen and paper instead of firing up their laptop to their favorite 
text/note program when inspiration strikes I prefer to grab my M100 as that 
tool. 


  Brian







  On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 5:53 PM, Mike Stein  wrote:

I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in a 
CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted writing 
with a good keyboard, display and battery life:

FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.

m

- Original Message -
From: "Evan Koblentz via cctalk" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 

Sent: Monday, October 30, 2017 3:47 PM
Subject: Re: looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA


>> Radio Shack M100 ... still used by some writers for the very reason you 
mention.
>
> That is not true.
>
> It was an urban legend in the 1990s that a handful of old farts in the
> entirely sportswriting industry (thousands of writers overall) may
> "still" be using their Model 100s. I'm sure if you looked hard enough
> some of them still used typewriters too.
>
> In 2017? It's ridiculous to even speculate.

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Mike Stein]

FWIW, I don't believe either that any professional journalist is still using an 
M100; the core question in the discussion with Evan was really whether anyone 
not a full-time professional journalist could be called a "writer".

It started with someone on the CClist looking for a device to write down ideas 
& notes when away from his computer, something that "has anti-procrastinate 
features (no internet, no videos, no mp3s, etc, long battery life (40+ hours), 
easy replaceable batteries)..."

I suggested:
"> Radio Shack M100 ... still used by some writers for the very reason you 
mention."

To which Evan replied > "That is not true."

 
I partially agreed:
Well, if you're defining 'writer' as "a professional full-time journalist" 
whose main concerns are deadlines, word counts, editors' demands etc. and who 
has to be connected to the Internet every second then you're probably correct 
when it comes to usage today, although I wouldn't be surprised if some do use 
an obsolete device for jotting down ideas and notes as the OP wants to do.

But I didn't say *professional* writers still use M100s. I said "some writers", 
and I think the folks who self-publish stories on the Internet, enter writing 
contests, contribute to the various on-line magazines etc. or just write for 
pleasure and entertainment of friends and family are every bit as much 
'writers' as your elite group of 'real writers', and some of them do indeed 
prefer the M100 and its cousins to their modern laptops and desktops for its 
unique features."

But as I quoted earlier, as far as he's concerned folks using their M100 to 
write are "old cranks, one or two of which call themselves writers," which I 
found somewhat offensive, even with a smiley on the end, and it became a pretty 
pointless discussion; I ended it with 

"The bottom line is that members of both groups use what they believe is most 
effective for whatever they're doing and, whether you believe it or not, not 
all writers then and now need or want the latest technology; I find your 
suggestion that anyone who uses old technology like the M100 can not call 
themselves a 'real writer' like you somewhat insulting and elitist."

But perhaps the discussion did serve to give some folks outside our community a 
little insight about the uniqueness of M100 type computers and also their 
modern capabilities with the various hard- and software additions and 
expansions developed in recent years, many by folks on this very list.

m


- Original Message - 
  From: Bill Loguidice 
  To: m...@bitchin100.com 
  Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2017 8:43 AM
  Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?


  I don't think anyone could or would dispute that people still use their M100 
series systems, or ANY vintage computer or game system for that matter. 
Everything has its fans. I think the core question is if any professional 
writers use it as part of their workflow. I know I would never trust vintage 
tech when writing all the things that I write. I'm too spoiled by the automatic 
redundancy/safety and features made possible with modern machines. At the same 
time, I'd be OK with using it for casual writing, the type that something like 
the Freewrite is used for today, i.e., the type where you just write and then 
worry about doing edits on something else (fiction, really). With that kind of 
writing, losing your work would not be quite as devastating and the special 
form factor might also help minimize distractions/help you get into a specific 
mindset. 


  Of course, even though I would never use vintage tech like the M100 series in 
my professional writing for a variety of reasons, it doesn't mean someone 
doesn't. Certainly there are famous examples of writers like George R.R. Martin 
who uses WordStar 4.0 on a DOS era setup. So the question then becomes, can we 
point to any examples of someone using an M100 series computer today in a 
genuinely professional capacity? If so, I would suspect it would be mostly of 
the Freewrite variety, where it's used in the preparation of fiction, rather 
than non-fiction material. 


  -Bill



  
  Bill Loguidice | About me and other ways to get in touch
  


  On Sat, Nov 4, 2017 at 7:01 PM, Mike Stein  wrote:

- Original Message - 
From: Mitch Parker 
To: m...@bitchin100.com 
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 8:52 PM
Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?



> 2.  If there is anyone that can credibly make that statement, it would be 
him.  
--
I think the people on this list who actually own and use one of the M100 
class  of computers are much better qualified to comment.
--

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Brian Brindle]

Mike,

Maybe it's my e-mail client but I didn't see your response to what Evan
said.

I worked for Radio Shack in the 90s and I can say positively that reporters
using the M100 was not an urban legend. I supported dozens for many years
and was often offered more than retail for the equipment I had after Radio
Shack discontinued selling it. The reporters I supported were more
frustrated with the decline in phone booths than they were the aging or
capabilities of their equipment. I never did run into any sports reporters
though so maybe that's the urban legend.

I still use my M100 regularly today. I often get asked why I use such an
ancient device and usually the person who asks me is still using pen and
paper to take notes in a meeting so I just point out they like that ancient
technology for taking notes - I can type like a maniac so this works for
me. (And is technically newer.) I recently brought my TRS80 to one of our
"diversity" meetings at work. Just so happens this one was titled "Who
Moved My Cheese" and was all about dealing with change. I thought it was
quite appropriate I brought my 30 year old computer to that to take notes.
While I was in there a former reporter from the Roanoke TImes and World
News, who is now our Development Director, took one look at it and started
to tell us stories of him using a M100 to cover a news story in Washington
DC late 90's early 2000s. He mentioned how easy it was to type and submit
the articles for the copy editors. He was quite impressed with my REX
capabilities and tiny storage options available today indicating if he were
a reporter and had stuff like that he might consider still using it.

Granted, those usage stories are still over 17 years ago but I still use my
M100s as often as possible and it's mostly for writing. Computers have, in
my opinion, only gotten to the same level of convenience as the M100 in the
last few years. I do love my surface, it is instant on, has a decent
keyboard, decent battery life and actually makes my M100 feel bulky. But
still it's expensive and over complicated for most things. Still sometimes
sits with a software update screen when I power it on. So just like 90% of
the folks will grab a pen and paper instead of firing up their laptop to
their favorite text/note program when inspiration strikes I prefer to grab
my M100 as that tool.

Brian




On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 5:53 PM, Mike Stein  wrote:

> I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in a
> CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted
> writing with a good keyboard, display and battery life:
>
> FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.
>
> m
>
> - Original Message -
> From: "Evan Koblentz via cctalk" 
> To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <
> cct...@classiccmp.org>
> Sent: Monday, October 30, 2017 3:47 PM
> Subject: Re: looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA
>
>
> >> Radio Shack M100 ... still used by some writers for the very reason you
> mention.
> >
> > That is not true.
> >
> > It was an urban legend in the 1990s that a handful of old farts in the
> > entirely sportswriting industry (thousands of writers overall) may
> > "still" be using their Model 100s. I'm sure if you looked hard enough
> > some of them still used typewriters too.
> >
> > In 2017? It's ridiculous to even speculate.
>

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Bill Loguidice]

I don't think anyone could or would dispute that people still use their
M100 series systems, or ANY vintage computer or game system for that
matter. Everything has its fans. I think the core question is if any
professional writers use it as part of their workflow. I know I would never
trust vintage tech when writing all the things that I write. I'm too
spoiled by the automatic redundancy/safety and features made possible with
modern machines. At the same time, I'd be OK with using it for casual
writing, the type that something like the Freewrite is used for today,
i.e., the type where you just write and then worry about doing edits on
something else (fiction, really). With that kind of writing, losing your
work would not be quite as devastating and the special form factor might
also help minimize distractions/help you get into a specific mindset.

Of course, even though I would never use vintage tech like the M100 series
in my professional writing for a variety of reasons, it doesn't mean
someone doesn't. Certainly there are famous examples of writers like George
R.R. Martin who uses WordStar 4.0 on a DOS era setup. So the question then
becomes, can we point to any examples of someone using an M100 series
computer today in a genuinely professional capacity? If so, I would suspect
it would be mostly of the Freewrite variety, where it's used in the
preparation of fiction, rather than non-fiction material.

-Bill


Bill Loguidice | About me and other ways to get in touch
<http://about.me/billloguidice>


On Sat, Nov 4, 2017 at 7:01 PM, Mike Stein  wrote:

> - Original Message -
> From: Mitch Parker
> To: m...@bitchin100.com
> Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 8:52 PM
> Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>
>
> > 2.  If there is anyone that can credibly make that statement, it would
> be him.
> --
> I think the people on this list who actually own and use one of the M100
> class  of computers are much better qualified to comment.
> --
>
> Doesn't change that the m100 does a lot and there may be a few people
> still using theirs.
> --
> "may be"?!? If you follow this list at all then you'd know that there *are
> *indeed quite a few people using theirs and prepared to invest time
> and/or money to make them even more useful while retaining the features
> that make them unique.
>
> From my reply to Evan:
> "How many modern computers have a full size regular keyboard in a tablet
> format with a display that's clearly legible in bright sunlight, instant
> on, cheap batteries that last for days and can be replaced in seconds, etc.
> ?"
>
> m
>
> >Mitch
>

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Kevin Becker]

DLPlus is an emulator for the Tandy Portable Disk Drive that lets you
load/save files to/from a folder on a Mac or Linux machine.

http://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=DLPlus


- Kevin


On Nov 5, 2017, at 7:36 AM, James Zeun  wrote:

Dlplus? What is that?

On 5 Nov 2017 2:11 a.m., "Daryn Hanright"  wrote:

> I love using on my 102 for updating my Daily Journal. Am actually
> currently sitting on my porch under our sun shade. It's a great device for
> doing that stuff. It's super light, does what it does. The keyboard is the
> best I have ever used, and I can see the screen easily.
>
> And it's pretty painless transferring the Doc to either my Android phone
> (mComm) or Ubuntu laptop (dlplus).
>
> I'd be gutted if I suddenly couldn't use it. It's the most practical bit
> of tech I have ever owned.
>
> Daryn
>
> On Nov 5, 2017 12:00 PM, "Mike Stein"  wrote:
>
>> - Original Message -
>> From: Mitch Parker
>> To: m...@bitchin100.com
>> Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 8:52 PM
>> Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>>
>> > Hello,
>>
>> > I do know Evan.  I've met him several times and can tell you several
>> things:
>>
>> > 1.  He is a journalist.  He does a lot of writing for TechRepublic
>> these days and has written for several other sites and magazines in the
>> past.
>> --
>> He is and does; he's also a co-founder and director of the Vintage
>> Computer Federation, an umbrella group for the Vintage Computer Forum and
>> the VCF conferences, both valuable resources for the vintage computer
>> community.
>>
>> But as we see more and more these days, journalists can not always be
>> relied upon to present unbiased or even necessarily accurate information...
>>
>> He's also opinionated to the point of being rude and insulting. According
>> to him, folks like Fred are "a bunch of old cranks, one or two of which
>> call themselves writers and still use a Model 100"
>> --
>>
>> > 2.  If there is anyone that can credibly make that statement, it would
>> be him.
>> --
>> I think the people on this list who actually own and use one of the M100
>> class  of computers are much better qualified to comment.
>> --
>>
>> Doesn't change that the m100 does a lot and there may be a few people
>> still using theirs.
>> --
>> "may be"?!? If you follow this list at all then you'd know that there *are
>> *indeed quite a few people using theirs and prepared to invest time
>> and/or money to make them even more useful while retaining the features
>> that make them unique.
>>
>> From my reply to Evan:
>> "How many modern computers have a full size regular keyboard in a tablet
>> format with a display that's clearly legible in bright sunlight, instant
>> on, cheap batteries that last for days and can be replaced in seconds, etc.
>> ?"
>>
>> m
>>
>> >Mitch
>>
>> -------
>> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 6:58 PM Fred Whitaker  wrote:
>>
>> The Model 100 keyboard is the quality that has kept me using mine. I do
>> have other devices but I prefer it for my writing. It is still as usable as
>> it always has been. With the addition of REX and Quattro it is even more
>> usable that it was.
>>
>> Fred Whitaker
>>
>> From: Bill Loguidice
>> Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 6:36 PM
>> To: m...@bitchin100.com
>> Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>>
>> I would imagine few use it for serious writing anymore. Modern laptops
>> have pretty good battery life (10 hours+) and are pretty portable, as well
>> as have all the modern conveniences and connectivity that you generally
>> need these days. There are also plenty of distraction-free and purpose
>> built apps/software, obviously.
>>
>> I reviewed one of the modern options, the Freewrite, earlier this year:
>> http://armchairarcade.com/perspectives/2017/02/27/review-
>> astrohaus-freewrite-smart-typewriter-distraction-free-writing-device/
>>
>> It's effective, but pricey. The main advantage that it has over the M100
>> series is that you don't have to do anything special to make it work within
>> modern workflows. In many ways, it's actually more limited than the M100
>> series, though, and is really just a smart typewriter (and that's all it
>> really claims to be).
>>
>> I've certainly entertained the idea of using one of my M100 seri

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[James Zeun]

Dlplus? What is that?

On 5 Nov 2017 2:11 a.m., "Daryn Hanright"  wrote:

> I love using on my 102 for updating my Daily Journal. Am actually
> currently sitting on my porch under our sun shade. It's a great device for
> doing that stuff. It's super light, does what it does. The keyboard is the
> best I have ever used, and I can see the screen easily.
>
> And it's pretty painless transferring the Doc to either my Android phone
> (mComm) or Ubuntu laptop (dlplus).
>
> I'd be gutted if I suddenly couldn't use it. It's the most practical bit
> of tech I have ever owned.
>
> Daryn
>
> On Nov 5, 2017 12:00 PM, "Mike Stein"  wrote:
>
>> - Original Message -
>> From: Mitch Parker
>> To: m...@bitchin100.com
>> Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 8:52 PM
>> Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>>
>> > Hello,
>>
>> > I do know Evan.  I've met him several times and can tell you several
>> things:
>>
>> > 1.  He is a journalist.  He does a lot of writing for TechRepublic
>> these days and has written for several other sites and magazines in the
>> past.
>> --
>> He is and does; he's also a co-founder and director of the Vintage
>> Computer Federation, an umbrella group for the Vintage Computer Forum and
>> the VCF conferences, both valuable resources for the vintage computer
>> community.
>>
>> But as we see more and more these days, journalists can not always be
>> relied upon to present unbiased or even necessarily accurate information...
>>
>> He's also opinionated to the point of being rude and insulting. According
>> to him, folks like Fred are "a bunch of old cranks, one or two of which
>> call themselves writers and still use a Model 100"
>> --
>>
>> > 2.  If there is anyone that can credibly make that statement, it would
>> be him.
>> --
>> I think the people on this list who actually own and use one of the M100
>> class  of computers are much better qualified to comment.
>> --
>>
>> Doesn't change that the m100 does a lot and there may be a few people
>> still using theirs.
>> --
>> "may be"?!? If you follow this list at all then you'd know that there *are
>> *indeed quite a few people using theirs and prepared to invest time
>> and/or money to make them even more useful while retaining the features
>> that make them unique.
>>
>> From my reply to Evan:
>> "How many modern computers have a full size regular keyboard in a tablet
>> format with a display that's clearly legible in bright sunlight, instant
>> on, cheap batteries that last for days and can be replaced in seconds, etc.
>> ?"
>>
>> m
>>
>> >Mitch
>>
>> -------
>> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 6:58 PM Fred Whitaker  wrote:
>>
>> The Model 100 keyboard is the quality that has kept me using mine. I do
>> have other devices but I prefer it for my writing. It is still as usable as
>> it always has been. With the addition of REX and Quattro it is even more
>> usable that it was.
>>
>> Fred Whitaker
>>
>> From: Bill Loguidice
>> Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 6:36 PM
>> To: m...@bitchin100.com
>> Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>>
>> I would imagine few use it for serious writing anymore. Modern laptops
>> have pretty good battery life (10 hours+) and are pretty portable, as well
>> as have all the modern conveniences and connectivity that you generally
>> need these days. There are also plenty of distraction-free and purpose
>> built apps/software, obviously.
>>
>> I reviewed one of the modern options, the Freewrite, earlier this year:
>> http://armchairarcade.com/perspectives/2017/02/27/review-
>> astrohaus-freewrite-smart-typewriter-distraction-free-writing-device/
>>
>> It's effective, but pricey. The main advantage that it has over the M100
>> series is that you don't have to do anything special to make it work within
>> modern workflows. In many ways, it's actually more limited than the M100
>> series, though, and is really just a smart typewriter (and that's all it
>> really claims to be).
>>
>> I've certainly entertained the idea of using one of my M100 series
>> systems for my professional writing activities - or even some leisure stuff
>> - but it would be more as a novelty these days than something that I feel
>> would enhance my productivity (and maybe even the opposite). With tha

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Daryn Hanright]

I love using on my 102 for updating my Daily Journal. Am actually currently
sitting on my porch under our sun shade. It's a great device for doing that
stuff. It's super light, does what it does. The keyboard is the best I have
ever used, and I can see the screen easily.

And it's pretty painless transferring the Doc to either my Android phone
(mComm) or Ubuntu laptop (dlplus).

I'd be gutted if I suddenly couldn't use it. It's the most practical bit of
tech I have ever owned.

Daryn

On Nov 5, 2017 12:00 PM, "Mike Stein"  wrote:

> - Original Message -
> From: Mitch Parker
> To: m...@bitchin100.com
> Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 8:52 PM
> Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>
> > Hello,
>
> > I do know Evan.  I've met him several times and can tell you several
> things:
>
> > 1.  He is a journalist.  He does a lot of writing for TechRepublic these
> days and has written for several other sites and magazines in the past.
> --
> He is and does; he's also a co-founder and director of the Vintage
> Computer Federation, an umbrella group for the Vintage Computer Forum and
> the VCF conferences, both valuable resources for the vintage computer
> community.
>
> But as we see more and more these days, journalists can not always be
> relied upon to present unbiased or even necessarily accurate information...
>
> He's also opinionated to the point of being rude and insulting. According
> to him, folks like Fred are "a bunch of old cranks, one or two of which
> call themselves writers and still use a Model 100"
> --
>
> > 2.  If there is anyone that can credibly make that statement, it would
> be him.
> --
> I think the people on this list who actually own and use one of the M100
> class  of computers are much better qualified to comment.
> --
>
> Doesn't change that the m100 does a lot and there may be a few people
> still using theirs.
> --
> "may be"?!? If you follow this list at all then you'd know that there *are
> *indeed quite a few people using theirs and prepared to invest time
> and/or money to make them even more useful while retaining the features
> that make them unique.
>
> From my reply to Evan:
> "How many modern computers have a full size regular keyboard in a tablet
> format with a display that's clearly legible in bright sunlight, instant
> on, cheap batteries that last for days and can be replaced in seconds, etc.
> ?"
>
> m
>
> >Mitch
>
> ---
> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 6:58 PM Fred Whitaker  wrote:
>
> The Model 100 keyboard is the quality that has kept me using mine. I do
> have other devices but I prefer it for my writing. It is still as usable as
> it always has been. With the addition of REX and Quattro it is even more
> usable that it was.
>
> Fred Whitaker
>
> From: Bill Loguidice
> Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 6:36 PM
> To: m...@bitchin100.com
> Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>
> I would imagine few use it for serious writing anymore. Modern laptops
> have pretty good battery life (10 hours+) and are pretty portable, as well
> as have all the modern conveniences and connectivity that you generally
> need these days. There are also plenty of distraction-free and purpose
> built apps/software, obviously.
>
> I reviewed one of the modern options, the Freewrite, earlier this year:
> http://armchairarcade.com/perspectives/2017/02/27/
> review-astrohaus-freewrite-smart-typewriter-distraction-
> free-writing-device/
>
> It's effective, but pricey. The main advantage that it has over the M100
> series is that you don't have to do anything special to make it work within
> modern workflows. In many ways, it's actually more limited than the M100
> series, though, and is really just a smart typewriter (and that's all it
> really claims to be).
>
> I've certainly entertained the idea of using one of my M100 series systems
> for my professional writing activities - or even some leisure stuff - but
> it would be more as a novelty these days than something that I feel would
> enhance my productivity (and maybe even the opposite). With that said, in
> many ways, there really is no true modern equivalent to what the M100
> series can do. Considering all the ways we can work now, something like
> that is probably not needed, but it's still interesting to note.
>
> -Bill
>
>
> 
> Bill Loguidice | About me and other ways to get in touch
> 
>
> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 6:10 PM, John R. Hogerhuis 
> wr

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Mike Stein]

- Original Message - 
From: Mitch Parker 
To: m...@bitchin100.com 
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 8:52 PM
Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

> Hello,

> I do know Evan.  I've met him several times and can tell you several things:

> 1.  He is a journalist.  He does a lot of writing for TechRepublic these days 
> and has written for several other sites and magazines in the past.
--
He is and does; he's also a co-founder and director of the Vintage Computer 
Federation, an umbrella group for the Vintage Computer Forum and the VCF 
conferences, both valuable resources for the vintage computer community.

But as we see more and more these days, journalists can not always be relied 
upon to present unbiased or even necessarily accurate information...

He's also opinionated to the point of being rude and insulting. According to 
him, folks like Fred are "a bunch of old cranks, one or two of which call 
themselves writers and still use a Model 100"
--

> 2.  If there is anyone that can credibly make that statement, it would be 
> him.  
--
I think the people on this list who actually own and use one of the M100 class  
of computers are much better qualified to comment.
--

Doesn't change that the m100 does a lot and there may be a few people still 
using theirs.
--
"may be"?!? If you follow this list at all then you'd know that there are 
indeed quite a few people using theirs and prepared to invest time and/or money 
to make them even more useful while retaining the features that make them 
unique.

>From my reply to Evan: 
"How many modern computers have a full size regular keyboard in a tablet format 
with a display that's clearly legible in bright sunlight, instant on, cheap 
batteries that last for days and can be replaced in seconds, etc. ?"

m

>Mitch

---
On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 6:58 PM Fred Whitaker  wrote:

The Model 100 keyboard is the quality that has kept me using mine. I do have 
other devices but I prefer it for my writing. It is still as usable as it 
always has been. With the addition of REX and Quattro it is even more usable 
that it was.

Fred Whitaker

From: Bill Loguidice
Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 6:36 PM
To: m...@bitchin100.com
Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

I would imagine few use it for serious writing anymore. Modern laptops have 
pretty good battery life (10 hours+) and are pretty portable, as well as have 
all the modern conveniences and connectivity that you generally need these 
days. There are also plenty of distraction-free and purpose built 
apps/software, obviously. 

I reviewed one of the modern options, the Freewrite, earlier this year: 
http://armchairarcade.com/perspectives/2017/02/27/review-astrohaus-freewrite-smart-typewriter-distraction-free-writing-device/

It's effective, but pricey. The main advantage that it has over the M100 series 
is that you don't have to do anything special to make it work within modern 
workflows. In many ways, it's actually more limited than the M100 series, 
though, and is really just a smart typewriter (and that's all it really claims 
to be).

I've certainly entertained the idea of using one of my M100 series systems for 
my professional writing activities - or even some leisure stuff - but it would 
be more as a novelty these days than something that I feel would enhance my 
productivity (and maybe even the opposite). With that said, in many ways, there 
really is no true modern equivalent to what the M100 series can do. Considering 
all the ways we can work now, something like that is probably not needed, but 
it's still interesting to note.

-Bill



Bill Loguidice | About me and other ways to get in touch


On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 6:10 PM, John R. Hogerhuis  wrote:

On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 2:51 PM Mike Stein  wrote:
I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in a 
CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted writing 
with a good keyboard, display and battery life:

FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.

m

Well sounded like he was debunking a specific bit of old wrong news. 

Reality is people do write with it. Not sure in what numbers. Sports writer 
story... never heard of it. 

— John. 

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[James Zeun]

I was pretty much the same, I do go back and spell check. Simply because I
find not having auto correct forces me to be more diligent in my grammar
ect.

On 3 Nov 2017 3:12 p.m., "Kevin Becker"  wrote:

> I'm a relatively new member to the mailing list.  I've been lurking for a
> week or two now.  I also just recently dusted my Model 102 off to do some
> writing with it.  I entered into the NaNoWriMo contest for the first time
> this year and was planning to use the 102 a little bit just for the novelty
> factor, but I have to say I kinda like it.  When writing on my laptop or
> even my iPad I find myself responding to notifications and looking at other
> information.  I also tend to worry more about typos, grammar, etc.  On the
> Model 102 I barely pay attention to the actual words on the screen.  And
> because going back to fix a typo is a bit of a hassle with the cursor keys,
> instead I just focus on plowing forward and can leave the edits for another
> time.  I use the basic/assembly wc.ba app from club100 to track my word
> counts and then it's only a small hassle to plug in a cable at the end of a
> writing session and save the text to my MacBook.
>
> On Fri, Nov 3, 2017 at 10:40 AM, Mike Stein  wrote:
>
>> Just curious, John: how many members does this mailing list have these
>> days?
>>
>> m
>>
>> - Original Message -
>> *From:* John R. Hogerhuis
>> *To:* m...@bitchin100.com
>> *Sent:* Thursday, November 02, 2017 6:10 PM
>> *Subject:* Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 2:51 PM Mike Stein  wrote:
>>
>>> I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in
>>> a CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted
>>> writing with a good keyboard, display and battery life:
>>>
>>> FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.
>>>
>>> m
>>
>>
>> Well sounded like he was debunking a specific bit of old wrong news.
>>
>> Reality is people do write with it. Not sure in what numbers. Sports
>> writer story... never heard of it.
>>
>> — John.
>>
>>
>

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Kevin Becker]

I'm a relatively new member to the mailing list.  I've been lurking for a
week or two now.  I also just recently dusted my Model 102 off to do some
writing with it.  I entered into the NaNoWriMo contest for the first time
this year and was planning to use the 102 a little bit just for the novelty
factor, but I have to say I kinda like it.  When writing on my laptop or
even my iPad I find myself responding to notifications and looking at other
information.  I also tend to worry more about typos, grammar, etc.  On the
Model 102 I barely pay attention to the actual words on the screen.  And
because going back to fix a typo is a bit of a hassle with the cursor keys,
instead I just focus on plowing forward and can leave the edits for another
time.  I use the basic/assembly wc.ba app from club100 to track my word
counts and then it's only a small hassle to plug in a cable at the end of a
writing session and save the text to my MacBook.

On Fri, Nov 3, 2017 at 10:40 AM, Mike Stein  wrote:

> Just curious, John: how many members does this mailing list have these
> days?
>
> m
>
> - Original Message -
> *From:* John R. Hogerhuis
> *To:* m...@bitchin100.com
> *Sent:* Thursday, November 02, 2017 6:10 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>
>
> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 2:51 PM Mike Stein  wrote:
>
>> I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in a
>> CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted
>> writing with a good keyboard, display and battery life:
>>
>> FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.
>>
>> m
>
>
> Well sounded like he was debunking a specific bit of old wrong news.
>
> Reality is people do write with it. Not sure in what numbers. Sports
> writer story... never heard of it.
>
> — John.
>
>

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Mike Stein]

Just curious, John: how many members does this mailing list have these days?

m
  - Original Message - 
  From: John R. Hogerhuis 
  To: m...@bitchin100.com 
  Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 6:10 PM
  Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?




  On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 2:51 PM Mike Stein  wrote:

I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in a 
CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted writing 
with a good keyboard, display and battery life:

FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.

m


  Well sounded like he was debunking a specific bit of old wrong news. 


  Reality is people do write with it. Not sure in what numbers. Sports writer 
story... never heard of it. 


  — John. 

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[James Zeun]

True if I need to look up details, it has to be done using my phone. No
hardships there as I use my phone for browsing anyway. Formatting is done
prior to the article being published, this includes inserting any
hyperlinks or images in to the document. All of which can be achieved using
the WordPress app.

Using an old machine like the M100 for writing really comes down to what
you need. For me, it's an uncomplicated, easy to use writing tool, has
fantastic battery life, comfortable keyboard and the screen doesn't give
off any glare, like a modern backlit LCD.

Just my two cents but I think the M100 only really appeals to those of a
certain age, who either remember or used this technology first time around.






On 3 Nov 2017 8:30 a.m., "Mark Wickens"  wrote:

> I think the issue here is down to what kind of writing you do. For Tech
> Blogging it becomes very inconvenient to use an unconnected device as you
> constantly want to be referring to links and media. For creative writing or
> novels it would be a completely different matter.
>
> When I decided to use DEC's VAX/VMS terminal based word processor ALL-IN-1
> (well, technically WPS-PLUS embedded in the office automation suite
> ALL-IN-1) I faced many of the same challenges you would attempting to write
> on a Model 100 - I ended up creating a simple set of conventions that
> allowed me to embed links into my pages that were then post-processed into
> HTML pages. Here is a description of the process: http://www.
> wickensonline.co.uk/retro/documentation.html - in this case I 'rolled my
> own' solution because I wanted to do the processing on VAX/VMS but there
> are however many standards for embedded markup into text files that could
> be put to good use. One of the leading examples would be markdown:
> https://daringfireball.net/projects/markdown/
>
> Any convention employed for text on a M100 family device would need to be
> very straightforward. As much as I love TeX I wouldn't want to be
> attempting it with such limited screen estate!
>
> Kind regards, Mark.
>
> On 3 November 2017 at 08:06, James Zeun  wrote:
>
>> The whole reason I bought an M100 was to replace my Amstrad NC100, which
>> has a terrible display in comparison. I use the M100 for writing articles
>> for my tech blog when I'm out and about. mComm has really made my life a
>> breeze, turning my phone in to a portable mass storage device.
>>
>> James
>>
>>
>> On 3 Nov 2017 5:38 a.m., "Marko Peussa"  wrote:
>>
>>> I’ve used M102 occasionally for conference and meeting memos at work.
>>> The keyboard is good, so I can type without looking at the screen and still
>>> get a readable memo.
>>>
>>> The only extra hassle is transferring the files.
>>>
>>> > Kurt McCullum  kirjoitti 3.11.2017 kello 4.02:
>>> >
>>> > Writing is what prompted me to buy my first 102. Which led to a 200,
>>> 100 and 8201. And of course that also led to mComm, Sardine support and the
>>> SARDOS romguess I need to spend less time developing and more time
>>> writing.
>>> >
>>> > Kurt
>>> >
>>> > -Original Message-
>>> > From: M100 [mailto:m100-boun...@lists.bitchin100.com] On Behalf Of
>>> Mike Stein
>>> > Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 2:53 PM
>>> > To: m...@bitchin100.com
>>> > Subject: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>>> >
>>> > I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made
>>> in a CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted
>>> writing with a good keyboard, display and battery life:
>>> >
>>> > FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.
>>> >
>>> > m
>>> >
>>> > - Original Message -
>>> > From: "Evan Koblentz via cctalk" 
>>> > To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <
>>> cct...@classiccmp.org>
>>> > Sent: Monday, October 30, 2017 3:47 PM
>>> > Subject: Re: looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >>> Radio Shack M100 ... still used by some writers for the very reason
>>> you mention.
>>> >>
>>> >> That is not true.
>>> >>
>>> >> It was an urban legend in the 1990s that a handful of old farts in the
>>> >> entirely sportswriting industry (thousands of writers overall) may
>>> >> "still" be using their Model 100s. I'm sure if you looked hard enough
>>> >> some of them still used typewriters too.
>>> >>
>>> >> In 2017? It's ridiculous to even speculate.
>>> >
>>>
>>>
>

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Mark Wickens]

I think the issue here is down to what kind of writing you do. For Tech
Blogging it becomes very inconvenient to use an unconnected device as you
constantly want to be referring to links and media. For creative writing or
novels it would be a completely different matter.

When I decided to use DEC's VAX/VMS terminal based word processor ALL-IN-1
(well, technically WPS-PLUS embedded in the office automation suite
ALL-IN-1) I faced many of the same challenges you would attempting to write
on a Model 100 - I ended up creating a simple set of conventions that
allowed me to embed links into my pages that were then post-processed into
HTML pages. Here is a description of the process:
http://www.wickensonline.co.uk/retro/documentation.html - in this case I
'rolled my own' solution because I wanted to do the processing on VAX/VMS
but there are however many standards for embedded markup into text files
that could be put to good use. One of the leading examples would be
markdown: https://daringfireball.net/projects/markdown/

Any convention employed for text on a M100 family device would need to be
very straightforward. As much as I love TeX I wouldn't want to be
attempting it with such limited screen estate!

Kind regards, Mark.

On 3 November 2017 at 08:06, James Zeun  wrote:

> The whole reason I bought an M100 was to replace my Amstrad NC100, which
> has a terrible display in comparison. I use the M100 for writing articles
> for my tech blog when I'm out and about. mComm has really made my life a
> breeze, turning my phone in to a portable mass storage device.
>
> James
>
>
> On 3 Nov 2017 5:38 a.m., "Marko Peussa"  wrote:
>
>> I’ve used M102 occasionally for conference and meeting memos at work. The
>> keyboard is good, so I can type without looking at the screen and still get
>> a readable memo.
>>
>> The only extra hassle is transferring the files.
>>
>> > Kurt McCullum  kirjoitti 3.11.2017 kello 4.02:
>> >
>> > Writing is what prompted me to buy my first 102. Which led to a 200,
>> 100 and 8201. And of course that also led to mComm, Sardine support and the
>> SARDOS romguess I need to spend less time developing and more time
>> writing.
>> >
>> > Kurt
>> >
>> > -Original Message-
>> > From: M100 [mailto:m100-boun...@lists.bitchin100.com] On Behalf Of
>> Mike Stein
>> > Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 2:53 PM
>> > To: m...@bitchin100.com
>> > Subject: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>> >
>> > I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in
>> a CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted
>> writing with a good keyboard, display and battery life:
>> >
>> > FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.
>> >
>> > m
>> >
>> > - Original Message -
>> > From: "Evan Koblentz via cctalk" 
>> > To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <
>> cct...@classiccmp.org>
>> > Sent: Monday, October 30, 2017 3:47 PM
>> > Subject: Re: looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA
>> >
>> >
>> >>> Radio Shack M100 ... still used by some writers for the very reason
>> you mention.
>> >>
>> >> That is not true.
>> >>
>> >> It was an urban legend in the 1990s that a handful of old farts in the
>> >> entirely sportswriting industry (thousands of writers overall) may
>> >> "still" be using their Model 100s. I'm sure if you looked hard enough
>> >> some of them still used typewriters too.
>> >>
>> >> In 2017? It's ridiculous to even speculate.
>> >
>>
>>

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[James Zeun]

The whole reason I bought an M100 was to replace my Amstrad NC100, which
has a terrible display in comparison. I use the M100 for writing articles
for my tech blog when I'm out and about. mComm has really made my life a
breeze, turning my phone in to a portable mass storage device.

James


On 3 Nov 2017 5:38 a.m., "Marko Peussa"  wrote:

> I’ve used M102 occasionally for conference and meeting memos at work. The
> keyboard is good, so I can type without looking at the screen and still get
> a readable memo.
>
> The only extra hassle is transferring the files.
>
> > Kurt McCullum  kirjoitti 3.11.2017 kello 4.02:
> >
> > Writing is what prompted me to buy my first 102. Which led to a 200, 100
> and 8201. And of course that also led to mComm, Sardine support and the
> SARDOS romguess I need to spend less time developing and more time
> writing.
> >
> > Kurt
> >
> > -Original Message-
> > From: M100 [mailto:m100-boun...@lists.bitchin100.com] On Behalf Of Mike
> Stein
> > Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 2:53 PM
> > To: m...@bitchin100.com
> > Subject: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
> >
> > I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in
> a CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted
> writing with a good keyboard, display and battery life:
> >
> > FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.
> >
> > m
> >
> > - Original Message -
> > From: "Evan Koblentz via cctalk" 
> > To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <
> cct...@classiccmp.org>
> > Sent: Monday, October 30, 2017 3:47 PM
> > Subject: Re: looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA
> >
> >
> >>> Radio Shack M100 ... still used by some writers for the very reason
> you mention.
> >>
> >> That is not true.
> >>
> >> It was an urban legend in the 1990s that a handful of old farts in the
> >> entirely sportswriting industry (thousands of writers overall) may
> >> "still" be using their Model 100s. I'm sure if you looked hard enough
> >> some of them still used typewriters too.
> >>
> >> In 2017? It's ridiculous to even speculate.
> >
>
>

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Marko Peussa]

I’ve used M102 occasionally for conference and meeting memos at work. The 
keyboard is good, so I can type without looking at the screen and still get a 
readable memo.

The only extra hassle is transferring the files.

> Kurt McCullum  kirjoitti 3.11.2017 kello 4.02:
> 
> Writing is what prompted me to buy my first 102. Which led to a 200, 100 and 
> 8201. And of course that also led to mComm, Sardine support and the SARDOS 
> romguess I need to spend less time developing and more time writing.
> 
> Kurt
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: M100 [mailto:m100-boun...@lists.bitchin100.com] On Behalf Of Mike Stein
> Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 2:53 PM
> To: m...@bitchin100.com
> Subject: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
> 
> I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in a 
> CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted 
> writing with a good keyboard, display and battery life:
> 
> FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.
> 
> m
> 
> - Original Message - 
> From: "Evan Koblentz via cctalk" 
> To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
> Sent: Monday, October 30, 2017 3:47 PM
> Subject: Re: looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA
> 
> 
>>> Radio Shack M100 ... still used by some writers for the very reason you 
>>> mention.
>> 
>> That is not true.
>> 
>> It was an urban legend in the 1990s that a handful of old farts in the 
>> entirely sportswriting industry (thousands of writers overall) may 
>> "still" be using their Model 100s. I'm sure if you looked hard enough 
>> some of them still used typewriters too.
>> 
>> In 2017? It's ridiculous to even speculate.
> 

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Kurt McCullum]

Writing is what prompted me to buy my first 102. Which led to a 200, 100 and 
8201. And of course that also led to mComm, Sardine support and the SARDOS 
romguess I need to spend less time developing and more time writing.

Kurt

-Original Message-
From: M100 [mailto:m100-boun...@lists.bitchin100.com] On Behalf Of Mike Stein
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 2:53 PM
To: m...@bitchin100.com
Subject: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in a 
CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted writing 
with a good keyboard, display and battery life:

FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.

m

- Original Message - 
From: "Evan Koblentz via cctalk" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
Sent: Monday, October 30, 2017 3:47 PM
Subject: Re: looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA


>> Radio Shack M100 ... still used by some writers for the very reason you 
>> mention.
> 
> That is not true.
> 
> It was an urban legend in the 1990s that a handful of old farts in the 
> entirely sportswriting industry (thousands of writers overall) may 
> "still" be using their Model 100s. I'm sure if you looked hard enough 
> some of them still used typewriters too.
> 
> In 2017? It's ridiculous to even speculate.

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Mitch Parker]

Hello,

I do know Evan.  I've met him several times and can tell you several things:

1.  He is a journalist.  He does a lot of writing for TechRepublic these
days and has written for several other sites and magazines in the past.
2.  If there is anyone that can credibly make that statement, it would be
him.

Doesn't change that the m100 does a lot and there may be a few people still
using theirs.

Mitch

On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 6:58 PM Fred Whitaker  wrote:

> The Model 100 keyboard is the quality that has kept me using mine. I do
> have other devices but I prefer it for my writing. It is still as usable as
> it always has been. With the addition of REX and Quattro it is even more
> usable that it was.
>
>
>
> Fred Whitaker
>
>
>
> *From: *Bill Loguidice 
> *Sent: *Thursday, November 2, 2017 6:36 PM
> *To: *m...@bitchin100.com
> *Subject: *Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?
>
>
>
> I would imagine few use it for serious writing anymore. Modern laptops
> have pretty good battery life (10 hours+) and are pretty portable, as well
> as have all the modern conveniences and connectivity that you generally
> need these days. There are also plenty of distraction-free and purpose
> built apps/software, obviously.
>
>
>
> I reviewed one of the modern options, the Freewrite, earlier this year:
> http://armchairarcade.com/perspectives/2017/02/27/review-astrohaus-freewrite-smart-typewriter-distraction-free-writing-device/
>
>
>
> It's effective, but pricey. The main advantage that it has over the M100
> series is that you don't have to do anything special to make it work within
> modern workflows. In many ways, it's actually more limited than the M100
> series, though, and is really just a smart typewriter (and that's all it
> really claims to be).
>
>
>
> I've certainly entertained the idea of using one of my M100 series systems
> for my professional writing activities - or even some leisure stuff - but
> it would be more as a novelty these days than something that I feel would
> enhance my productivity (and maybe even the opposite). With that said, in
> many ways, there really is no true modern equivalent to what the M100
> series can do. Considering all the ways we can work now, something like
> that is probably not needed, but it's still interesting to note.
>
>
>
> -Bill
>
>
> 
> Bill Loguidice | About me and other ways to get in touch
> <http://about.me/billloguidice>
> 
>
>
>
> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 6:10 PM, John R. Hogerhuis 
> wrote:
>
>
>
> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 2:51 PM Mike Stein  wrote:
>
> I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in a
> CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted
> writing with a good keyboard, display and battery life:
>
> FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.
>
> m
>
>
>
> Well sounded like he was debunking a specific bit of old wrong news.
>
>
>
> Reality is people do write with it. Not sure in what numbers. Sports
> writer story... never heard of it.
>
>
>
> — John.
>
>
>
>
>

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Fred Whitaker]

The Model 100 keyboard is the quality that has kept me using mine. I do have 
other devices but I prefer it for my writing. It is still as usable as it 
always has been. With the addition of REX and Quattro it is even more usable 
that it was.

Fred Whitaker

From: Bill Loguidice<mailto:bloguid...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 6:36 PM
To: m...@bitchin100.com<mailto:m...@bitchin100.com>
Subject: Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

I would imagine few use it for serious writing anymore. Modern laptops have 
pretty good battery life (10 hours+) and are pretty portable, as well as have 
all the modern conveniences and connectivity that you generally need these 
days. There are also plenty of distraction-free and purpose built 
apps/software, obviously.

I reviewed one of the modern options, the Freewrite, earlier this year: 
http://armchairarcade.com/perspectives/2017/02/27/review-astrohaus-freewrite-smart-typewriter-distraction-free-writing-device/

It's effective, but pricey. The main advantage that it has over the M100 series 
is that you don't have to do anything special to make it work within modern 
workflows. In many ways, it's actually more limited than the M100 series, 
though, and is really just a smart typewriter (and that's all it really claims 
to be).

I've certainly entertained the idea of using one of my M100 series systems for 
my professional writing activities - or even some leisure stuff - but it would 
be more as a novelty these days than something that I feel would enhance my 
productivity (and maybe even the opposite). With that said, in many ways, there 
really is no true modern equivalent to what the M100 series can do. Considering 
all the ways we can work now, something like that is probably not needed, but 
it's still interesting to note.

-Bill


Bill Loguidice | About me and other ways to get in 
touch<http://about.me/billloguidice>


On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 6:10 PM, John R. Hogerhuis 
mailto:jho...@pobox.com>> wrote:

On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 2:51 PM Mike Stein 
mailto:mhs.st...@gmail.com>> wrote:
I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in a 
CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted writing 
with a good keyboard, display and battery life:

FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.

m

Well sounded like he was debunking a specific bit of old wrong news.

Reality is people do write with it. Not sure in what numbers. Sports writer 
story... never heard of it.

— John.

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Bill Loguidice]

I would imagine few use it for serious writing anymore. Modern laptops have
pretty good battery life (10 hours+) and are pretty portable, as well as
have all the modern conveniences and connectivity that you generally need
these days. There are also plenty of distraction-free and purpose built
apps/software, obviously.

I reviewed one of the modern options, the Freewrite, earlier this year:
http://armchairarcade.com/perspectives/2017/02/27/review-astrohaus-freewrite-smart-typewriter-distraction-free-writing-device/

It's effective, but pricey. The main advantage that it has over the M100
series is that you don't have to do anything special to make it work within
modern workflows. In many ways, it's actually more limited than the M100
series, though, and is really just a smart typewriter (and that's all it
really claims to be).

I've certainly entertained the idea of using one of my M100 series systems
for my professional writing activities - or even some leisure stuff - but
it would be more as a novelty these days than something that I feel would
enhance my productivity (and maybe even the opposite). With that said, in
many ways, there really is no true modern equivalent to what the M100
series can do. Considering all the ways we can work now, something like
that is probably not needed, but it's still interesting to note.

-Bill


Bill Loguidice | About me and other ways to get in touch



On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 6:10 PM, John R. Hogerhuis  wrote:

>
> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 2:51 PM Mike Stein  wrote:
>
>> I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in a
>> CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted
>> writing with a good keyboard, display and battery life:
>>
>> FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.
>>
>> m
>
>
> Well sounded like he was debunking a specific bit of old wrong news.
>
> Reality is people do write with it. Not sure in what numbers. Sports
> writer story... never heard of it.
>
> — John.
>

Re: [M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[John R. Hogerhuis]

On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 2:51 PM Mike Stein  wrote:

> I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in a
> CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted
> writing with a good keyboard, display and battery life:
>
> FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.
>
> m


Well sounded like he was debunking a specific bit of old wrong news.

Reality is people do write with it. Not sure in what numbers. Sports writer
story... never heard of it.

— John.

[M100] Any writers still using an M100?

[Mike Stein]

I thought some of you might be amused by this reply to a post I made in a 
CCtalk mailing list thread discussing the best device for undistracted writing 
with a good keyboard, display and battery life:

FWIW, Evan is a well-known figure in the vintage computer community.

m

- Original Message - 
From: "Evan Koblentz via cctalk" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
Sent: Monday, October 30, 2017 3:47 PM
Subject: Re: looking at buying a pocket PC / PDA


>> Radio Shack M100 ... still used by some writers for the very reason you 
>> mention.
> 
> That is not true.
> 
> It was an urban legend in the 1990s that a handful of old farts in the 
> entirely sportswriting industry (thousands of writers overall) may 
> "still" be using their Model 100s. I'm sure if you looked hard enough 
> some of them still used typewriters too.
> 
> In 2017? It's ridiculous to even speculate.