Max-80

The MAX-80 is a personal computer released in 1982 by Lobo Systems (formerly Lobo Drives International). It differed from other TRS-80 compatible computers in that it was not hardware compatible with the TRS-80.[1]

Max-80
TypePersonal computer
Release date1982 (1982)
MediaExternal disk drive
Operating systemLDOS and CP/M
CPUZilog Z80-B @ 5.07MHz
Memory64K, 128K max

Hardware

The MAX-80 featured a Zilog Z80-B CPU which ran at 5.07 MHz, a very fast speed for its time. It came standard with 64k of memory, and was expandable via sockets for a further 64k. The standard configuration originally consisted of a 64k unit (later 128k) and CP/M. The user could buy a complete system, or provide their own monitor and disk drives.[1]

The floppy disk controller could handle 8 inch drives using the standard IBM 3740 format in single-sided or double-sided modes, as well as 5.25 inch floppy drives with up to 80 cylinders. The Max-80 included a hard disk interface and two RS-232 serial ports. The Max-80's character generator was user programmable.

Software

Up to 95% of TRS-80 Model III software would function without modification on the MAX-80. This did not include games. The special version of LDOS used was able to run most Model III programs with a patch disk available for those, such as VisiCalc, which it couldn't. The CP/M operating system was offered as well.[1]

A patched version of the TRS-80 Model 4's LS-DOS 6.x operating system was later made available for the Max-80. This was called MAXDOS.[1]

Community

A users' group called MAXIMUL published a MAX-80 newsletter.[2] MAXIMUL actually outlived Lobo Systems, lasting until 1989.[1]

Reception

Jerry Pournelle wrote in September 1983 that if the Max-80 came with more bundled software "it would be a strong contender for the best deal in microcomputerland. As it is, it's a lot of machine for the money". He recommended that customers join Maximul.[2]

gollark: Syl has been in here for quite some time, ish.
gollark: If you don't mention S[REDACTED], they are unlikely to speak.
gollark: As far as I know the networks mostly just get fed "tokens" and output "tokens".
gollark: I guess so. But this way is easier to get useful results out of without 917249817481724871471094819024 big neural networks and 912748129648912641641246182057180971207401892784901704 training.
gollark: Humans have dedicated language processing brain areas, however.

References
  1. Reed, Matthew. "The Lobo MAX-80". Retrieved 2010-11-24.
  2. Pournelle, Jerry (September 1983). "Eagles, Text Editors, New Compilers, and Much More". BYTE. p. 307. Retrieved 2019-04-07.
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