Suggestions for a mini?

[Bob Shannon]

Cooper S, Hyper blue, with the sports package.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Jennings" <tomj at wps.com>
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic Posts Only" <cctech at classiccmp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 9:39 PM
Subject: Suggestions for a mini?


> I'd like to solicit suggestions for a mini...
> 
> I have this Nova 4, http://wps.com/NOVA4, but it's taking up too
> much space, physical and psychic. I do want a mini-era machine,
> and after some thought, I worked out what I'd like to get from
> one.
> 
> What I want is a basic stripped machine, with CRT console and
> high-speed paper tape reader, and a low-speed punch (this last is
> variable), and standlone utilities. It must have a front panel.
> 
> I've used such on two platforms (Varian 622/i, Nova 1200) and it's
> precisely the sort of (relatively) low-maintenance, high-geek
> vintage experience I want.
> 
> 
> So I'd like to trade my kilopound of DG gear, documentation,
> tapes, fiche, etc for about 100 lbs of minicomputer.
> 
> I'd prefer a DG Nova, General Automation, Varian, or other non-DEC
> brand. (No offense to DECcies, I have a strong preference for off
> the beaten path.)
> 
> Even or especially one-off oddball or unpopular, or slow, or ugly
> machines. Off models, step-cousin machines etc. Poorly optioned
> (eg. math or fancy interfaces).
> 
> Something like (but of course unlikely to be sucha popular model):
> 
> Nova 1200
> 16 or 32k words
> tty port
> ptp/ptr port
> lpt port or equiv
> 
> I have generic high-speed paper tape readers, serial interface. I
> don't care if peripheral brands match.
> 
> It would be nice to have reel tape support.
> 
> Any suggestions on interesting and obtainable machines?
> 
>