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: It wouldn't even be very hard to make it. You just need to send HTTP requests fast. There's off-the-shelf stuff to do that and anyone with knowledge can do that in probably 10 lines of code.
gollark: What do I have to do with this?
gollark: Yes, viewbombers have good AR systems.
gollark: I try to avoid that, and as someone without anything *massively* valuable I remain mostly unaffected.
gollark: Look, we have several hundred people, don't be surprised.

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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