Suggestions for a mini?

[Tom Jennings]

On Wed, 14 Sep 2005, Bob Shannon wrote:

> Cooper S, Hyper blue, with the sports package.


Umm... OK... yeah... I'll trade my Nova for your Mini. If it's not
a bother.... I'll even pick it up...


>
> ----- 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?
>> 
>> 
>