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Date: Sat, 9 Jul 94 17:12:51 +0100 From: " nick.c " <nick@pitt.edu> Subject: DuoFAQ Folks: Included is the latest Duo FAQ. It's a compilation of usefull information for powerbooks users, with a lot of specific info on the powerbook Duo. Please add it to your archive. -- nick _/ _/ _/ _/_/_/ _/ _/ Sea Shells to C shells, Waikiki to _/_/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/_/_/ the Internet, a wave, is a wave... _/ _/_/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/_/_/ _/ _/ CompSrv: 71232,766 I-Net: Nick@pitt.edu Enclosure: DuoFAQ_complete [95,789 bytes] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about Macintosh Duo's - part 0 * Last Revision: 07/09/94 * In October of 1992 Apple released an entirely new kind of computer, the Macintosh Duo. The Duo, being such a strange beast, has left a lot of people in confusion. This file summarizes the Duo information I've collected to date - hopefully it will end some of the confusion. This information is accurate as of today to the best of my knowledge, but I make no warranties. I'd appreciate any corrections or updated information being mailed to me (please be succinct and patient about a response). I post updated versions of this FAQ on comp.sys.mac.portables roughly every two weeks and copies are available via anonymous FTP or AFS at mac.archive.umich.edu and it's mirrors in the archive/mac/util/powerbook directory. Nicholas C. De Mello "nick.c" nick+@pitt.edu Added since last post ===================== o Included Rich Wolfson's explanation of how to totally dis-assemble your duo (and tried it out too!). o Included some new info on the RasterOps mini docks (how to use with multi-sync monitors and warning: *they are not currenty compatible with 280/280c's* o Note: the control stip you're looking for is not on any ftp sites. It is currently only available with new powerbooks o Note: the "Table of Contents" only appears in section 0/3 now (otherwise I'd have to resection the parts again - 1/3 and 3/3 are too long) Next project ============ Trying to make a 'section 4' that will have portable information that's not unique to the Duo. Ie ram and battery info, airlines x-rays, battery friendly word processors. Hopefully, this'll eventually grow into a seperate FAQ. Table of Contents ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 1: The Duo =============== * Introduction: What is a Duo? * The Models: What Duo models are/will be available? Duo 210 : Economy Duo -- Oct, 1992 Duo 230 : Standard Duo Duo 250 : Active Matrix Duo -- Oct, 1993 Duo 270c : Color Duo Duo 280 : 040 Gray Duo -- May, 1994 Duo 280c : 040 Color Duo Duo 2300/60 : 603 Gray Duo -- Jan, 1995 Duo 2300/60c : 603 Color Duo * Dockless Duos: Do I have to buy a Dock? File Transfers Ram Disks Updating Systems Installing Software * Optimizing Duos: How can I squeeze the most out of my Duo? Systems Why don't my title bars have that "3-D" affect? Why doesn't Strech 3.0 work with my Duo? How can I get that "3-D" affect in my title bars? FPU's What is a FPU? Do *I* need/want one? How does a FPU affect battery life? RAM What's ram? How much ram do I need? RAM Disks What is a ram disk? Why/when should I use a ram disk? How do I install a RAM system disk? How do I get rid of a RAM disk (get the ram back)? Batteries What's that switch on the battery for? What do the numbers on my battery mean? What's a "type II/III" battery? Which battery do I have? Can I use the new (type II/III) batteries in older Duos? Do I need to completely discharge (condition) my batteries? What's the *right* way to insert a batter? Battery Power Why should I turn off my modem when I'm not using it? How can I get more life out of my battery? Hard Disks Why should I reformat my drive? Why does my 80 MB drive say it's 75 MB? What's the problem with reformatting 120 MB drives? How do I reformat my drive for maximum capacity? What's the largest internal HD available? (520 MB) Where can I get it? Displays What are those vertical dark lines on my screen? What are those black spots on my monitor? How can I get rid of both? Serial Port How do I connect a printer to a Duo? What's the "internal/external" or "compatible/normal" switch in the Powerbook setup mean? How do I use non-com toolbox programs with an internal modem? Programmers Keys (needed for MacsBug) Where is the interupt/restart key on a Duo? Why don't they work when the Duo is docked? What alternative is available? Part 2: Accessories =================== * Expandability/Docks: What do I need a Dock for? Features: what can a dock do? Micro-Docks: Apple's Floppy Adapter Newer Tech SCSI Microdock Newer Tech Color Microdock Newer Tech Ethernet Microdock Lapis SCSI Dock Asante's Ethernet Microdock Mini-Docks: Apple's Mini Dock E-Machines Powerlink Presenter E-Machines Desknet/Etherdock RasterOps DuoMate 8 RasterOps DuoMate 16sc Full-Docks: Apple's Dock Apple's Second Dock Coming Attractions FAQ's about docks Why can't I close the lid of my Duo while it's docked to a mini dock? How can I have the lid closed while docked to a mini dock? * Recommended Useful programs Battery Optimization Useful accessories AppleTalk Cable SCSI Adapter Ethernet Hand Scanner Useful Sources of Information Magazines News groups FTP sites Part 3: Repairs and Upgrades ============================ * Bugs/Problems: Help! My Duo just... Keyboard: keys unresponsive; rev A,B,C,D keyboards - how to tell which ADB: keyboard/mouse freezes up Enabler: What enabler you should use. Buzz: makes noise while asleep HD gone: duo in dock won't recognize Powerbook HD Missing Battery: duo can't find it's battery Battery Leads: pressing on palmrest crashes Duo * Sources: Where should I buy...? Ram Suppliers HD Suppliers CPU Suppliers Clearing Houses Others * Opening Duo's: How do I install...? Install ram : easy for tech savvy people Install HD/modem : hard - not recommended * Upgrades Apples 2xx -> 250 Apples 2xx -> 270c Apples Duo LC040 Upgrade Apples Color Display Upgrade MacProducts 2xx -> 33 MHz/40 MHz James MacPhails FPU add on Disabling the Hardware Sleep * Modems FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about Macintosh Duo's - part 1 * Last Revision: 07/09/94 * In October of 1992 Apple released an entirely new kind of computer, the Macintosh Duo. The Duo, being such a strange beast, has left a lot of people in confusion. This file summarizes the Duo information I've collected to date - hopefully it will end some of the confusion. This information is accurate as of today to the best of my knowledge, but I make no warranties. I'd appreciate any corrections or updated information being mailed to me (please be succinct and patient about a response). I post updated versions of this FAQ on comp.sys.mac.portables roughly every two weeks and copies are available via anonymous FTP or AFS at mac.archive.umich.edu and it's mirrors in the archive/mac/util/powerbook directory. Nicholas C. De Mello "nick.c" nick+@pitt.edu -------------------------- Introduction: What is a Duo? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What is a Duo? A Duo is Apple's smallest lightest notebook computer. Unlike other notebooks it has no floppy drive, no SCSI, and no direct way of attaching an external HD or floppy drive. What it does have is a serial port, phone jack (with internal modem), and a 152-pin 32-bit PDS (processor direct slot) in the back (called a PowerLatch connection), that accesses every signal line on the cpu. This is true for all models as of today. So what's that PDS (processor direct slot) for in the back of the Duo? It's what makes the Duo unique - the PDS is a wild card. It allows adapters (called Docks) to connect directly and intimately with the Duo's motherboard. These adapters let you add features to the Duo at the most fundamental level - something you can't do with any other powerbook. You can add ethernet, new video capabilities, SCSI-2, accelerators, and other options that haven't even been invented yet. This expandability lets you tailor the same computer to entirely different environments: at home, coupled with a floppy adapter and external drive it's a stand alone home computer; on the train it's the smallest, most portable powerbook; in the office, with a full Duo dock, it's a business machine with 1 gig drive, ethernet, and 17" monitor - or whatever *you* choose to add. What is a Duo? It's whatever you want it to be. -------------------------- The Models: What Duo's are/will be available? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Duo 210 and 230 were released in October of 1992. The powerbook Duo 210 has a 25 MHz 68030 CPU with no FPU. It weighs 4.2 pounds (with battery) and measures 1.4 inches thick. It has an internal microphone, speaker, standard size keyboard, and a recessed internal 11 mm diameter trackball (smaller than the powerbook standard of 19 mm diameter). The 210 can accept a maximum of 24 MB of ram. The internal monitor is a 9" 4-bit gray scale (16 grays) supertwist (passive matrix) with a resolution of 640x400. There are four ports on the back: power in (*not* compatible with other powerbook AC adapters), serial din-8 (for appletalk, printers, external modems, etc.), RJ-11 modem (only if internal modem is installed), and the powerlatch PDS slot on the back. There is no internal floppy drive. The 210 was discontinued in October of 1993. The Duo 230 is identical to the 210, except it has a 33 MHz clockspeed. The Duo 250 and 270c were released in October of 1993. Apple is offering upgrades of previous Duo's to the 250 or 270c (current cost has been quoted as $2000 for the 2xx to 270c upgrade). The Duo 250 is identical to the 230, except it offers a 4 bit gray scale (16 grays) *active* matrix monitor (sharper images) and uses type II Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery. The processor is the same as that of the 230. According to Apple the type II batteries should run the 250 for 2.5 to 6 hours per charge. IMO the improvements of the 250 are not worth the $1000 price difference from the 230. The Duo 270c offers three major improvements over the 250: color, a maximum of 32 MB of ram, and a FPU. The 8.4" active matrix color display is slightly smaller than all previous duo displays, and offers two choices of resolutions: 16 bit (thousands of colors) color at 640x400 (duo standard) or 8 bit (256 colors) color at 640x480 (standard for all other Macs).The improved display makes the 270c 1/10 inch thicker than the 230, thus necessitating a different "hood" on the duo docks (see docks below). The type II NiMH battery is supposed to power the Duo for 2 to 4 hours. Note: since the 280 and 280c are expected to use a LC040 CPU, the 270c is the only Duo ever proposed that has an FPU. Oh and there's this little green light on the Duo 270c's cover. It's to let you know if the Duo is asleep when it's closed. Light off - Duo shut down; light blinking - Duo asleep. The Duo 280 will offer a 33 MHz LC040 CPU. The LC040 is a fourth generation Macintosh CPU without the integrated FPU (as in the Centris 610 and Quadra 605). Apple intends to use the Duo's unique magnesium frame as a super heat sink for the processor. In addition to a tremendous increase in performance the 280 will accept up to 40 MB of ram, and is expected to last from 2-4 hours per charge of its NiMH type III batteries. The 280 will have a 9 inch 4-bit gray scale display. The 280c is expected to be identical to the 280 but offer a 16-bit color 8.4" active matrix display, as in the 270c. Apple claims battery lives of 2-4 hours. (yea, right...) The 2300 and 2300c: Apple says they'll ship in January of next year. We'll see. The 2300 and 2300c will be identical to the 280 and 280c with a 603 risc chip. The 603 will be attached directly to the motherboard, so the Duo's will be faster than they're Blackbird breathren, however upgrades to the 2300 motherboard for older Duo's are expected to be more expensive ($500 for Blackbirds, expected $1000 for Duos). All this info is rough, take it with a grain of salt. -------------------------- Dockless Duo's: Do I have to buy a Dock? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ No. I got one of the first Duo 230's off the line, and went six months without so much as a floppy adapter. I saw the Duo first and foremost as the smallest, lightest, powerbook available (and besides, I couldn't get a dock/adapter for love or money - they just didn't exist). However, there are some things to keep in mind. You have no floppy drive, no SCSI connection, and no way to replace corrupt system files - you're gambling. If you're new to the Mac, or if the Duo is your only Mac, I'd suggest you buy at least the floppy adapter and external drive. If you have access to a second Mac, the SCSI adapters (Lapis or Newer Tech - see dock section) are the cheapest option for installing a new system (via SCSI-HD mode), and (IMHO) a wiser investment than the floppy adapter/external drive. If you do go without a net (and even if you don't) here are a few tricks that come in handy. First, buy an Apple image writer cable (a cable with a DIN-8 connection on both ends). If you plug, one end into the Duo's serial port and the other into a second Mac you have an appletalk equivalent of a null-modem. By turning on appletalk on both machines (via the chooser) you can transfer files in and out of your Duo. This is slower than SCSI transfers, but the only way you'll be able to install new software. If your system is shot though - you can't use appletalk. A ram disk is great. In addition to increasing your battery life, running a system on a ram disk lets you have a redundant system on your hard disk. If the first gets corrupt you have the second as backup. If you do lose your system (I lost mine twice), start calling stores in your area. Most will let you plug your Duo into their showroom Dock long enough to install a new system. If they don't, remember to forget them when you need to buy new peripherals. -------------------------- Optimizing Duos: How can I squeeze the most out of my Duo? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ System: ======= Have you noticed that the title bars on your document windows are the old black and white, 2-D type (as opposed to that neat 3-D effect in system 7). The reason for this, is the system 4-bit gray scale Duo monitors do a strange thing with those 3-D bars. They make them look like a current of liquid is running under them - constantly in motion. It's a neat effect but Apple thought it would be distracting. So the system enabler for your Duo replaces the standard WDEFs (window definition procedures) resource with the old black and white versions. If you want to get the 3-D effect you need to remove this "patch." To do this make a copy of your system enabler, and open it with res-edit (if you don't know what res-edit is, you probably don't want to be doing this) and remove the WDEF resource. Move your active system enabler out of the system folder (save it - you might want to use it again) and put your "edited" version in it's place. Then restart the computer. I've never heard of any conflicts resulting from this hack - but I doubt it's Apple approved. You've been warned. Also, a very usefull shareware program Strech 3.0, works by overriding the systemd WDEF resource. Since the enabler is holding the last word for this resource, it overrides Strechs overriding of the systems resource. If you remove the WDEF resource in the enabler (above) Stech works fine. FPU's ===== FPU stands for floating point unit. It's a co-processor (assitant brain) available in some computers dedicated to math tasks that require decimal point calculations. The 68030 macintoshes use a seperate chip, a 68882. One of the advantages of the 68040 chips though was to build this unit right into the CPU. The 68LC040 chips are cheaper, more battery friendly 68040 that have the FPU lobotimized off the chip. Most of what we do on a macintosh doesn't require (or is even accelerated) by a FPU. If you're just using Microsoft Word to write a paper, or a telecom package to contact CompuServe or the net, or playing your favorite game - it won't make a lick of difference. Some users though run MathCad, or Mathematica, or give Excel a real workout. These programs benefit tremendously from the use of a FPU (my SE/30 for example has half the clock speed of my Duo 230 and runs some of my calculations 10 times faster). High level graphics programs, like RayDream Designer also benefit from a FPU. So why don't all Mac's have a FPU? It uses battery energy (about 10% more). As a result Apple chose not to put FPU's in the 210, 230, 250, and are using LC040 (FPU less 040's) in the 280 and 280c. Currently the only Duo with a FPU is the discontinued 270c. Keep in mind though - the FPU only accelerates the float calcs in your program - and even float intensive programs have a lot more int calcs going on than floats. As a result you're likely to get more of an overall performance boost for your program by upping the cpu speed or using a LC040 cpu than adding a FPU. Apple's full Duo dock I has a socket for a FPU, so you can add one, and use the FPU with a 210, 230, 250, or 270c (the 270c is smart enough to turn off it's own if a FPU exists in the Dock). Their full Due dock II has the fpu standard (you don't need to add one). Note the 280 and 280c will use LC040 CPU's, which can not use an external 68882 FPU - they'll just ignore the FPU if present in any dock. One last option exists. A fellow named James MacPhail in Canada has figured out how to wire a FPU into a Duo 210, 230, or 250 or mini and micro docks. See the "Upgrades" section for details. Note: even if you wire an FPU into a dock - it won't do anything for a 280/280c - the LC040's just aren't compatible. RAM === What's ram, how's it different from a hard disk? There are two kinds of memory in your computer. Your hard disk is like a filing cabinet, it takes effort to find what's in there and you don't actually do any work there, but you can store a lot of stuff. Your ram is like the top of your desk. You have much less space, but it's easy to find stuff there (hopefully) so you only keep the things you're working on right there. If you want to actually work on a file, say a text document, you first get it from your hard disk (your filing cabinet) then transfer it to ram (your desk) and then start working on it. When you're done with the document, you save it back to the hard disk - just like you put away your report in the file cabinet, to free up desk space (ram). One place this analogy breaks down though, if at anytime your computer looses power (crashes or shuts down) everything in ram (on your desk) disappears. A significant incentive to save things to your filing cabinet often. Duo's come with 4 MB of ram soldered onto the mother board. You can then add one chip of any size (up to the machines max - see the description of models for max ram) into the single ram socket. Note, if you are resonably comfortable around hardware the ram installation is trivial and if you do it you *will not* void your warranty (see upgrades, installing ram in section 3). Most people add a 4 MB or 8 MB simm, this (along with the 4 MB soldered) gives you a resonable about of ram: 8 or 12 MB. The standard 4 MB will not be enough for most users, 24 MB is nice (*real* nice) but often not worth the expense (a 20 MB chip costs upward of $2000 last time I looked). A 8 MB chip costs (roughly and subject to daily fluctuations) $300 (it's what I got when I first bought my Duo - now I'll eyeballing larger chips though). Ram Disks ========= What's a ram disk? Using the same analogy we used talking about ram, a ram disk is like setting aside part of your desk as storage space. Say when you're working on a special project and you know you'll need these ten files a lot. You allocate part of your desk space as a temporary storage space, and set the files there. The advantage is that you have quick, easy access to those files. The disadvantage is that you have less space on your desk to actually do the work. Why would I use a ram disk? In the computer, the ram disk will appear just like a second hard disk on your Mac's desktop giving you extra space to store documents and programs. Your computer will be able to find these files much faster (so programs that are located there or who use files stored there will run faster) and easier (your computer will use less power for the same tasks). The disadvantage will be that you'll have less ram to allocate to programs - you might not be able to run the same number of programs at the same time, and if you loose power you ***loose every thing stored in the ram disk***! What's special about ram disks for a Duo? You can use a ram disk on any computer, and have all of the above advantages. However, they're especially useful on Powerbooks and Duos. Since you have a battery (as opposed to being dependent on a wall outlet) power failures (a popped circuit breaker, or Joe down the hall tripping over your power cord) won't cut off power to your CPU - that means RAM disks are less likely to evaporate on a Duo. Since a ram disk takes up less power than a hard disk, your battery will last longer. Here's the real beauty though. By having a ram disk with a copy of your system folder on it, you have a backup - in case anything goes wrong with your system. You can also use this trick to reformat your HD, or install a new system - even without a dock. Caution, a ram disk should be thought of as a backup, or temporary HD - you should keep a second system on your HD in case anything happens to the ram disk. How do I create a ram disk? There are a lot of programs for creating ram disks. The easiest is the memory control panel in your system. Just open it, turn on the ram disk, and allocate as much ram as you want to it (you should keep at least 4 MB for running the computer though). Then restart. The RAM disk icon will appear on your desktop, and you can just drag a copy of your system or program onto it as if it were a second HD or floppy. To make the RAM disk your system disk, you need to open the startup device control panel, click on the ram disk, and restart. There's also a useful program called AppDisk, that will be talked about in the recommended software section. How do I get rid of a RAM disk? Just drag it into the trash. Depending on how you made the disk you might need to delete it's contents first, and might need to restart the computer to get the ram that you allocated for it back. Batteries: ========== When Apple introduced the Duo, they included a new kind of battery. The Duo uses a Nickel Metal Hydride battery (NiMH) that has a longer life than the Nickel Cadmium batteries (NiCAD) of the earlier power books. With the release of the Duo 250 and 270c, Apple is including a second kind of Nickel Metal Hydride battery, called "type II" (NiMH II). With the release of the 280 and 280c Apple released a third battery ( type III NiMH ). The only difference between the various "type's" is the capacity (and some minor cosmetic differences). A type I battery can power a Duo 230, with no battery conservation for about 1.5 - 2.0 hrs. A type II is about 50% better (ie 150% type I or close to 3.0 hrs for a Duo 230). Type III's are about 15% better that a type II (ie 170% of a type I, or a little over 3.0 hrs with a Duo 230 - not using any battery conservation techniques). Understand that battery life is a function of what you're doing (using the hard disk a lot, using a modem at all, having appletalk turned on etc will all decrease battery life) and what your particular configuration is (a modem, active matrix display, fpu, 040 logic, more RAM will all reduce battery life). The above numbers are crude, your mileage will vary. All Duo batteries can be used in all Duo's. However you must have the new powermanager that came out with the 250's to use type II and type III batteries. On the side of the type I battery is a 2-position switch. It doesn't do anything. It's just an easy way to mark your battery as "full" or "empty" - so you can store a couple of 'em in the same bag and easily find a full one when you need it. The number on the side is a serial number - it's unique to your battery. The Type II battery can be identified by two methods. The Type II battery release button is smaller than the original Type I. Also the Type II battery label is marked with Type II logo and has product marketing number M1499. Don't know how to spot a type III yet. The high capacity Type II/III NiMH battery will work with all Powerbook Duo computers. However, the system software has to be updated to use this new battery in older Powerbook Duos. If a Type II battery is placed into an older Powerbook Duo 210/230 without the software upgrade, the system will not run from the battery (even if fully charged). The system will work from an AC power source; however, the battery will not be charged. Some of the battery rechargers (that clip to the side of the AC adapters) shipped prior to July 1993 will not be able to download new code required to charge the new Type II battery. Although these systems will work fine with existing Type I batteries, if a Type II battery is placed in a slot, the LED will glow red (indicating the battery is not recognized). In this case, the battery will not be charged. The battery serial number you see with DuoMon or similar software is also unique to your battery. The first four digits though tell you if it's a type I or type II Nickel Metal Hydride battery. The prefix "0010" is for type I batteries, the prefix for type II batteries is unknown. NiCAD batteries have a problem. If you don't discharge them completely they start remembering when you regularly plug in the charger, and start quitting at that point. To prevent this you need to regularly completely discharge them (often called "conditioning" the battery). The Duo's use only NiMH batteries, which don't have this problem, so you never need to condition (completely discharge) a Duo battery. Note: Apple is including "conditioning" software with the type II/III batteries. Apple has said it "can't hurt", but the prevailing sentiment is that it's a placebo. To insert a battery, Apple recommends you first slide the latch open until it "click's" and becomes rigid (note: it is possible to slide the latch too far. If you do so just slide it back). Then, holding your Duo vertically insert the battery all but 1 cm into the slot, and let it drop the remaining 1 cm into the opening. Make sure that the grooves on either side of battery compartment are aligned with the groves on the latch, then slide the latch closed while holding down the button. Then release the button. If you don't slide the latch all the way open before inserting it in the Duo your battery might not make proper contact with the battery leads, and cause problems. The usual symptom is an inability to charge your battery. Battery Power: ============== The Duo is a Portable computer - you can use it in planes, trains, and automobiles - so long as your battery holds out. Then you have a $2000 paperweight. The basics of increasing your battery life boil down to: * Turn off your telecommunications programs when not in use. This is a big one. * Turn off or turn down your backlighting. I doubled my battery life with this one alone. * Turn off your modem when you don't need it. This is not the same as quitting telecom programs. You computer keeps the modem on constantly so you can receive faxes automatically, but this can be a drain on your battery. You can turn it off with the "express modem" control panel, or you can install the shareware fkey "kill'em" if you're familiar with using resedit to install fkeys. * Use a ram disk for your system and applications. In addition to saving battery life, you'll also appreciate an increase in speed. * Spin down your hard disk as much as possible. You can do this with either CPU, NEP or any other power management utility packages. * Turn off appletalk when not in use. * Set your processor to 16 MHz * Allow processor cycling There are a lot of utilities out there that will let you monitor battery life, modem status, appletalk status, cpu speed, etc. The best I've seen is a freeware program called PowerStrip. Check out the recommended software section for details. (this section under construction, details will be included in later versions of the FAQ) Hard Disks: =========== Have you looked at your 80 MB drive recently? Odds are it's formatted to about 75 MB. Stranger still, if you look at it with a hard disk utility (APS Powertools for example) you'll notice that there is still unformatted space on it. Apple buys drives from many different sources, and they come in all types - and sizes. To standardize them Apple formats all it's drives to the smallest maximum size of the various disks. That means your 80 MB drive could be a 75 MB drive - or larger. This is true for all drives - not just the 80 MB ones. So it's possible - even likely - you can get an extra couple of MBs out of your drive. To do this you have to reformat your drive - totally erase and rebuild it. Only you can decide if the process of *backing up* the entire contents of your drive, reformatting the drive, and then returning all the data to the drive - is worth 3 extra MB of disk space (that's what I got out of my first 80 MB drive). Depending on the size of your drive and how you're backing up this process could take minutes or hours. IMPORTANT: reformatting the drives to certain disk capacities can can cause the computer to not recognize the drive. These capacities are supposed to be multiples of 128. So if you format a disk to 128, 256, etc. it will not be recognized by the mac. You can get around this by formatting the drive to 127 or 129 MB with no problem. Apples HD set up tool 7.2 has an undocumented patch for this bug, and the ROM of newer machines (only 660av and 840av so far - assume its in the 250 and 270c) also corrects this problem. The largest internal hard disk for the Macintosh Duo is a Toshiba 520 MB drive. The Toshiba drives are *not* compatible with the mounting brackets in the Duo's (which tend to use quantum GO drives), however APS is now including replacement brackets with their drives. Just tell them you want to install it in a Duo, they didn't charge me anything for the brackets. Tech installation recommended. I installed my own, but I don't recommend this to others unless they're *very* comformtable with hardware. Quantum announced it will be shipping a 340 and 500 MB drive soon currently the largest they sell is a 250 MB and LaCie seems to have the best price on it. Don't have anymore details. [APS Technologies, 800-354-1213, FAX 816-483-3077, Intn'l 816-483-6100, 6131 Deramus, PO Box 4987, Kansas City, MO, 64120-0087] Displays: ========= Have you noticed dark vertical lines on your display? They're a result of the passive matrix display on the 210 and 230, and extend from vertical lines from your windows or desktop pattern. Your display is very sensitive to ambient light. You can get rid of these lines but adjusting the contrast on your display, but if you move to another location - with different light - they'll be back. If the lines bother you, make a habit of adjusting the contrast whenever you set up your Duo. You might also want to consider the newer Duos, whose active matrix displays don't have this problem. Do you have black spots on your monitor? They are not dead pixels - this phenomena doesn't exist in passive matrix displays (as in the 210 and 230) although it might creep up in the new (250 and 270c) monitors. If you have dark spots on your passive matrix monitor it might be dirt trapped under the display. Best way to get rid of it (and it doesn't always work) is to set the monitor in the vertical position, and gently tap it near the dark spots with a coin. Be *very* careful not to crack or scrape the monitor. This can cause the dirt to shake loose and fall to the bottom of the display (out of site) and removing the dark spots. I have not tried this - proceed with caution. Serial Port =========== The undocked Duo has a single serial port, which is implemented in the so-called "combo" SCSI/SCC chip. When the Duo is docked to a device with its own SCSI or serial ports, then the internal combo chip is disabled, and superceded by hardware in the dock itself. The low-level device drivers hide this from you, so a program which opens a serial port doesn't need to know any specifics about the particular hardware. The single serial port corresponds to port A, or the "modem" port as it would be called on the more standard two-port Macintosh. Don't confuse this with the internal modem, which is completely separate. Thus, if you attach a serial printer to the serial port, you need to tell the printer driver to use the modem port, and not the printer port (since there isn't one). If you have Appletalk turned on (in the Chooser), then it grabs the port for its own use. To use a serial printer, Appletalk must be turned off (Appletalk printers, of course, need Appletalk to be turned on). An internal modem installed in a Duo interfaces directly to the microprocessor bus, and does not use a serial port. The PowerBook control panel will have a Modem entry, allowing you to select either "compatible mode" or "normal mode" (in older versions of the system software, these modes are called "internal modem" and "external modem," respectively). Confusingly enough, you almost never want to select "compatible" (or "internal modem"). What this does is replace the low-level serial port A device driver software with one that talks to the modem instead of the serial port itself. In this case, a printer driver, for example, would find itself sending characters to the modem instead of spitting them out the serial port, and you won't be able to print. The only time you want to use this option is if you are using an old telecommunications program which does not know how to talk to the internal modem directly via the Communications Toolbox. By selecting "compatible" mode, the program can open the "modem" serial port and it will actually wind up talking to the internal modem. Programmers Keys ================ You ever notice those two keys that appear on all macs? Usually on the side or the back? One of those keys is the "interupt" and the other is the "restart". If your mac freezes *don't* just turn it off. This lets the head on your hard drive just drop on the media. Nine times out of ten, this won't do any damage - but the potential exists for some real damage. The restart key though does not cause this problem. On a Duo you send a restart signal by holding the control, command, and hit the power key (that triangle key right under the display). The interupt key is a way of stepping out of the mac OS shell into a command line interface. Most of us will never use this, but programmers use this key to access a low level debugger called macsbug. The key combination to send this signal on a Duo is hold the control key and hit the power key. Neither of these key combinations work while the Duo is docked in a full dock. A software init called programmer's key 1.4.2 will let you use the command and "`" key to drop into the line interface. -------------------------- (con't in Part 2) FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about Macintosh Duo's - part 2 * Last Revision: 07/09/94 * In October of 1992 Apple released an entirely new kind of computer, the Macintosh Duo. The Duo, being such a strange beast, has left a lot of people in confusion. This file summarizes the Duo information I've collected to date - hopefully it will end some of the confusion. This information is accurate as of today to the best of my knowledge, but I make no warranties. I'd appreciate any corrections or updated information being mailed to me (please be succinct and patient about a response). I post updated versions of this FAQ on comp.sys.mac.portables roughly every two weeks and copies are available via anonymous FTP or AFS at mac.archive.umich.edu and it's mirrors in the archive/mac/util/powerbook directory. Nicholas C. De Mello "nick.c" nick+@pitt.edu -------------------------- Expandability/Docks: What do I need a Dock for? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Duo is a great powerbook - light, fast, small, and powerful. Additionally it is the only expandable powerbook. With the right peripheral you can add external monitors, floppy drives, SCSI-2, accelerators, ethernet, or features that haven't even been thought of yet. Below is a list of the Docks currently available, and the features they offer. MacWorld recently published a table of these docks and their features (page 34 of MacWorld, Oct. 1993). If you haven't read it, don't look it up. If you have - be warned there are numerous mistakes. Features: ========= - Floppy: a port for connecting an external floppy drive. - SCSI(): a port for connecting SCSI devices (HD's, CD drives, etc.). In parenthesis I've indicated whether the SCSI is Apple's new 30-pin powerbook SCSI (30) or the standard DB-25 SCSI connector (25). - SCSI-HD: lets you use your SCSI port (above) to connect your Duo to another Mac as if it were a hard disk on that computer. Very useful for fast file transfers and installing new operating systems or other software. - Serial: a port for connecting external modems, printers, or using an appletalk connection to other Macs (works only if your operating system is running) - ADB: apple desktop bus for connecting external keyboards, mice, 10 key pads, and other input devices. - RJ-11: a phone jack for the (optional) Duo internal modem. - Video(): a DB-15 port for connecting external monitors, some devices offer greater numbers of colors, or access to larger monitors. The number in parenthesis is the depth of the video in bits. 1-bit is 2 colors, 2-bit is 4 colors, 4-bit is 16 colors, 8-bit is 256 colors, 16-bit is thousands of colors, 24-bit is millions of colors. - PAL: composite video out, lets you connect a European TV as an external monitor. - NTSC: composite video out, lets you connect an American TV as an external monitor. - Sound: a sound out connector, lets you add external speakers. - Ethernet: an ethernet card, allowing you to connect at very fast transfer rates on ethernet networks. - nu-bus: a nu-bus socket for adding cards for SCSI-2 connections, second external monitor, faster video, multimedia, etc. - Open(): my own notation. This means the device does not cover the Duo's internal ports (in parenthesis), allowing you to use these as well as whatever the dock offers. The following is a description of those peripherals I'm aware of (10 as of today). Following each is a quick summary of the features offered. Micro-Docks =========== 1) Apple's Floppy Adapter: For about three months after the release of the Duo's this was the only dock. It leaves the modem and serial ports of the duo uncovered, and has a floppy and ADB port. Manufactured by E-machines, sold by Apple computers, expect about $80. ={Floppy, ADB, Open(Serial, RJ-11)} 2) Newer Technologies SCSI Microdock: A great idea. Same form factor as the Floppy adapter, thus leaving serial and modem ports open. It has a SCSI and ADB port - only. Supports SCSI slaving of the Duo to a second Mac for data transfer with the same cable you use to hook up an external SCSI device. Vice a versa, you can use the SCSI slave cable to hook up external devices also (the one difference between it and the Lapis version). This device was developed by Computer Care and is licensed exclusively to Newer Tech. Runs about $135 at Mac's Place - they seem to have the best price on it. ={SCSI(30), SCSI-HD, ADB, Open(Serial, RJ-11)} [Mac's Place 1-800-814-0009 FAX 1-800-881-3090 8461 154th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052-9917] [Newer Technologies, 1-800-678-3726; 316-685-4904; FAX 316-685-9368 7803 E. Osie, Suite 105, Wichita Kansas 67207] [Computer Care, 612-371-0061, FAX 612-371-9342] 3) Newer Technologies Color Microdock: Same form factor as the Apple floppy adapter it's under 8 ounces and offers 8-bit color on monitors under 16" in size (4-bit color above that). In addition to the monitor port, the color microdock adds a sound out and ADB port. Note this might be the same product "BookView Duo" from Computer Care, but I have not been able to confirm this. Retails at $345. ={Video(8-bit), ADB, Open(Serial, RJ-11)} [Newer Technologies, 1-800-678-3726; 316-685-4904; FAX 316-685-9368 7803 E. Osie, Suite 105, Wichita Kansas 67207] 4) Newer Technologies Ethernet Microdock: I see a pattern here. Newer tech has packaged ethernet into the microdock formfactor. It's a handy idea for system admins on the run, and runs about $200. I *believe* it's 10-base-T only. I've heard of a few other ethernet microdocks in the works. ={Ethernet, ADB, Open(Serial, RJ-11)} 5) Lapis SCSI Dock: Same idea as the Newer tech SCSI microdock, and it beat 'em to market. Form factor identical to the Apple floppy adapter. You can use SCSI disk mode with a standard 30x25 or 30x50 cable by holding the control key on startup, rather than using the hard to come by SCSI HD mode 29x50 or 29x25 cables. However you can't use the 29x50 cable to use and external SCSI device - like you can with the Newer tech version (the only difference I've heard between the two). Everyone who's talked to me about it is in love with it. Expect about $160, available at Mac's Place. ={SCSI(30), SCSI-HD, ADB, Open(Serial, RJ-11)} Mini-Docks ========== 6) Apple's Mini Dock: The standard by which all others are judged. It connects to the back of the duo, and most closely resembles a three hole punch. Covering the Duo's internal modem and serial ports, if offers two serial ports, a RJ-11 port, an ADB port, floppy port, sound in and out (not stereo), and video out (8-bit up to 16" monitors). This device is manufactured for Apple by E-Machines. Note: when you lock one of Kensington's microsavers to the minidock you can still remove the Duo! That means a thief will have to be satisfied with your dou, but the dock is safe. No idea if they're going to fix this bug. ={Floppy, Video(8-bit), SCSI(30), SCSI-HD, RJ-11, Serial, ADB, Sound} 7) E-Machine's Powerlink Presenter: One of the first duo docks, the Presenter is designed for (surprise!) presentations. It does not cover the duo's phone jack or serial port, and offers a floppy port, ADB port, sound out, video out (8-bit up to 16" monitors), and PAL and NTSC video out. NOTE: The Presenter is substantially larger than the microdocks but has no support. It hangs on the Powerlatch. Some people have reported periodic system freezes, and suggest this is due to the strain on the connection. This is speculation. ={Floppy, Video(8-bit), PAL, NTSC, ADB, Sound, Open(Serial, RJ-11)} [E-machines, 503-646-6699, FAX 503-641-0946, FaxBack 800-541-4787 9305 SW Gemini Dr., OR 97005, USA] 8) E-Machine's Desknet AKA Etherdock: Same form factor as the Apple's mini dock, the Etherdock (also billed as Desknet) has the same connections - almost. According to E-Machines specs you loose the RJ-11 pass through for the internal modem, and gain ethernet. This means you have to disconnect your Duo to use the internal modem (you can use an external modem, via the serial port though). It comes with a 10BaseT ethernet connection, and support 8-bit video on screens up to 17". ={Floppy, Video(8-bit), SCSI(30), SCSI-HD, Ethernet, 2 Serial, ADB, Sound} [E-machines, 503-646-6699, FAX 503-641-0946, FaxBack 800-541-4787 9305 SW Gemini Dr., OR 97005, USA] 9) RasterOps DuoMate 8: It does not cover the Duo's internal serial and RJ-11 ports, and adds 8-bit video, NTSC, PAL, ADB, Floppy and sound out ports. It's shaped a lot like the E-Machines presenter, but a "foot" has been added to support the dock. This foot makes the dock a little safer for your connection, but also makes it the thickest Mini Dock. It has a 32 bit video data path that is supposed to result in faster screen refreshes than any other dock (I haven't tested this claim yet). ={Floppy, Video(8-bit), PAL, NTSC, ADB, Sound, Open(Serial, RJ-11)} [RasterOps, 408-562-4200, FAX 408-562-4065, FaxBack 800-SAY-COLOR 2500 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA] Note: If you hav a multi-sync monitor you want to get a hardware sensor device that fits betweent the dock and monitor. It's part number 2855 from RasterOps direct (408-986-1362) and cost's $29.95 plus $5 s/h. It has toggles so you can set the the sensor output of the monitor to whatever resolution you prefer. When you start up the dock with "detect monitor type" on - it'll automatically shift to that mode. Note: The RasterOps 8 and 16sc are *not* currently compatible with the Duo 280 and 280c! RasterOps is promising a free hardware upgrade so that the docks will be compatible - expected in August. 10) RasterOps DuoMate 16sc: This is the one I bought. It adds 16-bit video on monitors under 16" (8-bit after that) and a standard DB-25 SCSI connection to the DuoMate 8. Short of the full dock, this is the only dock to offer better than 8-bit video, and across the board it's the only one that has a normal SCSI connector (which means you don't have to buy a whole new set of cables for your powerbook alone). It supports SCSI-HD mode with a standard 25x25 or 25x50 cable. Note: PAL and NTSC require a special (not included) adapter. This adapter costs big money (I think in the $200-300 range). Expect about $500. If you're using it with a multi-sync monitor, you want to get a hardware component that fits between the monitor and the ={Floppy, Video(16-bit), PAL, NTSC, SCSI(25), SCSI-HD, ADB, Sound, Open(Serial, RJ-11)} [RasterOps, 408-562-4200, FAX 408-562-4065, FaxBack 800-SAY-COLOR 2500 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA] Full-Docks ========== 11) Apple's Full Dock: The works. Simply put, if you want everything (except dock portability), you want the full Dock. It offers all the above connections, plus a bay for a hard disk, and slots for two full nu-bus cards. The video ram is expandable up to 1 MB (16 bit on 16" monitors) and you can add a FPU to the dock. This is the only way to add a FPU to non-270c Duo's, and you only have use of it while the Duo is docked. The full dock is about the size of a IIci, and you insert the duo into a bay in the dock, totally enclosing the Duo (unlike the mini docks) so you cannot use the Duo's internal display and keyboard with this dock. There is a floppy drive built into the dock (different from a port for an external floppy drive). With the thicker 270c, Apple has started selling the full Dock with a larger hood. You can add this hood to existing docks for about $70. The new hood has a dust cover over the powerbook slot so it's easy to spot which docks can use the 270c. The full dock is sold in two configurations: one stripped, and one with a 230 MB HD, 1 MB VRAM (instead of the standard 512K), and FPU. All of these features can be added if you buy the stripped configuration. Apple price is about $500. ={Floppy *Drive*, Video(expandable), SCSI(30), ADB, Sound, nu-bus, Serial, RJ-11} 12) Apple's Full Dock II: (released May 16, 1994) Apples second generation dock has built in ethernet, fpu, 1 MB of video ram standard, and a 32 Kbyte cache. The cache and fpu will only acclerate 030 duos that are docked - 040 and 603 Duo's will just ignore them. Other than that it has the same form factor and features of the Full Dock I. A hood upgrade will not be necessary to insert color Duo's. ={Floppy *Drive*, Video(16-bit), SCSI(30), ADB, Sound, nu-bus, Serial, RJ-11, ethernet} Coming attractions: =================== RasterOps is working on a third mini dock. All they'll say is it will have "enhanced video capabilities" - my guess is 24 bit video. DuoMate 24sc? FAQ about Docks: ================ Why can't I close the lid of my Duo while it's docked to a mini dock? When you close the Duo's lid, it sends a signal to the Duo telling it to go to sleep. Mini docks with external monitors don't support sleep while docked. As long as the lid is down, it'll keep sending these signals and you'll keep getting error messages. How can I have the lid closed while docked to a mini dock? A neat feature that seems to be added with Duo enabler 1.0. If you shut down your duo, then dock it, then powerup from an external keyboard *with the lid closed* you won't get those error messages. This works with the Apple mini dock and with my RasterOps 16sc. A simpler solution is to disable the hardware switch that sends the sleep signal (see hacks section). -------------------------- Recommended Software: ===================== * CPU: Connectix PowerBook Utilities. The first commercially available utilities for the powerbook (and Duo) offer file synchronization, battery management, and other useful utilities. Note: the security utility modifies your system *without* letting you know. If you have a customized system, caution is advised. The de-installer deletes the added code to your system file. This bug/feature alone has turned me off on CPU, your mileage may vary. * NEP: Norton Essentials for the PowerBook. Similar to CPU, and what I use. The difference between CPU and NEP is very slight, and it's just a preference call as to which implementation is better suited to your tastes. However you do want one or the other. *Note: Symantec has just announced that they will discontinue NEP. I'm not throughing mine out, but if you're going to buy one, I'd pass on it. * DuoMon: A great freeware application by Mike Blackwell (mkb@cs.cmu.edu) available by ftp at sumex-aim.stanford.edu and other sources. This utility tells you everything you wanted to know about your Duo's battery and settings. Indicators show brightness and contrast settings of the display, clockspeed, battery id #, battery temperature, current battery usage (useful for answering question like "How much am I saving by spinning down my HD, or by using BBedit instead of MS Word?"). You can even start a graph of power usage that will plot how the battery usage goes up and down over time. Also, a smaller window can be left on that shows you current battery level in watts and volts, so you have an idea how much power is left in your current battery. *PowerStrip: Is your appletalk turned on? How 'bout your modem? How much battery juice is left? Or hard disk space, or ram for that matter? If you can't tell just by looking at your desktop you'll find PowerStrip by Michael Caputo to be very usefull. It set's up an tiny strip ('bout 7 pixels high) that runs across your screen (either at the top or bottom) and has all this usefull info in it. Much less cluttered than trying to shove all that info into your menu bar, and - since it's an application - you can quit it any time you don't need it - without restarting. PowerStrip is postcard ware, Mike can be reached at 70233,3523 on compuserve, and the program is at archive/mac/util/powerbook on mac.archive.umich.edu (anonymous ftp or AFS). * PowerClick: A neat shareware extension by Daniel Segel (daniels@netcom.com) available by ftp at sumex-aim.stanford.edu as /info-mac/gui/power-click-101.hqx on mac.archive.umich.edu as /mac/system.extensions/cdev/powerclick1.0.1.cpt.hqx. Did you know that the mouse buttons on your Duo are wired separately? Not true for other powerbooks, this feature offers the potential of having the two buttons do different functions. Daniel's code lets you set either button to do a single click, click lock, double click, or nothing. Setting the bottom button to nothing is a very useful option for those of us who use our Duo's in our lap, say lying back in the sofa. I don't know how many times the weight of my Duo has accidentally clicked the lower button. (Note: not to be confused with "Powerclicks 2.0" - with an "s" - which is an entirely different program) * Disinfectant: the internets answer to the latest virus. Duo users tend to rely on telecom and slaving other CPU's floppies, so they're more likely to get a virus than the average user. Also, those without docks can be crippled by a bug chewing on their system - so they're more vulnerable as well. That said, you should have Disinfectant on all you machines. John Norstrad keeps the latest release (available via ftp) at ftp.acns.nwu.edu in /pub/disinfectant. Disinfectant is freeware. *** latest release is Disinfectant 3.5 *** *Dockernaut: If you dock, this is a must have. It's a init and cdev combo program that loads different preferences files depending on how/if you duo is docked. You can have different settings for desktop icon placement, different defaults for communications programs, different sets of extensions can be loaded (when teamed with an extension picker like "Duo extension picker" or "NOW utilites startup manager). The program can even reset your monitor depth depending on which monitor you're hooked to (even with the same dock). Steve Martin at martin@metronet.com put it together, it's shareware and available at mac.archive.umich.edu in the /afs/umich.edu/group/itd/archive/mac/util/powerbook directory. *Duo Extension Picker: I haven't tried this one myself, but have gotten a lot of mail asking about it. It's a two part program (extension and control panel) written by Alan Steremberg (alans@engin.umich.edu) that detects whether or not (and to what) your Duo is docked at startup. Then loads a set of extensions you choose. This way you can have your Duo load the CD init and MacTCP when you're docked to the full dock, but not load 'em when you're using your mini dock, or going dock-less. Kool idea, and available at sumex-aim.stanford.edu. (this part still under construction, please send any recommendations you think would be valuable) Recommended Hardware: ===================== * APS SCSI Boy: If you have a Dock (Micro, Mini, or Full) that uses an Apple HDI-30 pin SCSI port - you want this. It's a small metal adapter that inserts into your HDI-30 SCSI port and converts it to a standard DB-25 SCSI port. That means for $29, you can use all your existing cables on your powerbook. It's also a lifesaver if you're on site, forgot a powerbook specific cable, and need to scrounge. [APS Technologies, 800-354-1213, FAX 816-483-3077, Intn'l 816-483-6100, 6131 Deramus, PO Box 4987, Kansas City, MO, 64120-0087] * Targus PowerPac: padded Duo case. It's hard to find a case you like, even worse if you own the Duo. This is the one I settled on. It measures 14" x 11" x 2.5" with an outer pocket that measures 13" x 9" x 2". The Duo fit's in the main compartment *sideways* - an included divider leaves exactly enough room for a floppy adapter and floppy drive (although I usually use the space for the power adapter and a paperback novel). The nylon case comes in five colors (blue, teal, gray, purple, and black), and there is a leather version too. It runs $39 at MacWarehouse, $99 if you're into leather. [MacWarehouse, 800-255-6227, FAX 908-905-9279 1720 Oak St., PO Box 3013, Lakewood NJ, 08701-9917] * MagentaCase/MagentaCase Lite for the Duo: case *designed* for the Duo. Magenta systems make a nice powerbook case, better still they just released a version designed specifically for the Duo. The cases are described as MagentaCase *for the Duo* - not to be confused with there MagentaCase. The case (black) has a central pocket, document, and accessory pocket. The lite version (black or burgundy) has only one pocket. They run $55 and $22, direct. Disclaimer - I've never seen/used one. [Magenta Seven, Inc. 800-284-3957, CompuServe 75160,3030 5109 Holly Ridge Drive, Suite 209, Raleigh NC, 27612-3146] * Imagewriter (Appletalk) Cable: An essential. This $11 cable is available at any computer supply store or mail order house. It has a DIN-8 connection on both sides. Plugging one end into your Duo's serial port and another into the serial (printer or modem) port of another Mac lets you Appletalk between them -to transfer files or use the other computers floppy drive. If you have a "Dockless" Duo you can't survive without it. * Kensington Microsaver security cable: Useful. This cable attaches to all Duo docks (including the micro docks). By locking the cable to the "security slot" in the dock and to a table leg you can discourage your Duo from walking off (most docks will not let you remove the Duo when the cable is attached). Will not prevent a dedicated thief (nothing will) but will discourage crimes of opportunity. Sold by MacConnection (among others) for about $40. [MacConnection 800-800-2222 FAX 1-603-446-7791 14 Mill Street, Marlow, NH 03456] [Kensington 415-572-2700] * Replacement trackballs: OK, this ones a luxury. But if you want to add a little personality to your Duo, you can replace the Apple trackball with a couple options. The first is a 11 mm marble, they're kind of hard to find but people have reported they work great. The second option is a day glow ball made just for the Duo's. They're available in four colors (the green, yellow, orange, and violet of the apple logo) for $10 ea. or $20 for all four from APS tech. They're cute, I haven't tried 'em yet. [APS Technologies, 800-354-1213, FAX 816-483-3077, Intn'l 816-483-6100, 6131 Deramus, PO Box 4987, Kansas City, MO, 64120-0087] * LightningScan Portable: portable hand scanner. This hand scanner is battery operated, 400 dpi, 8-bit gray scale, and has OCR. The device connect via a serial port, where as most connect via SCSI. That means this is one of the few scanners you can use with a Duo without a Dock. You get 30 minutes of scanning per charge, but realize that that's 30 minutes of actual scanning. You don't use juice while the device is just turned on. I've got a lot of e-mail raving about this, and am thinking about getting one myself - but I have no first hand knowledge of it. With all the necessary software for scanning and OCR, it runs $399 through MacWarehouse. [MacWarehouse, 800-255-6227, FAX 908-905-9279 1720 Oak St., PO Box 3013, Lakewood NJ, 08701-9917] * Powerbook Floptical. Iomega is releasing a $399 battery operated 21 MB floptical drive. It's going to be sold exclusively through the Apple catalog. It's a SCSI device and also reads floppy disks. Teamed with a Duo SCSI adapter it makes a killer option for Duo users (PB 100 users should also take note). * Duo Battery Charger. Excerpt from add, (I have no personal experience): "Lind Electronic Design is now shipping the SuperCharger II for the PowerBook Duo NiMH batteries. The SuperCharger II is specifically designed to charge the Duo batteries as quickly as possible with no time consuming trickle required. This unit will also condition the battery to prevent and correct the loss of capacity due to 'memory effect'. Lind model SBC-2 available now for $149.95 (visa m/c accepted)" - note NiMH batteries are not supposed to have any "memory effect", I have no idea why they are selling a conditioner feature. [Lind Electronic Design, Inc. 612-927-6303 FAX 612-927-7740 6414 Cambridge St., Minneapolis, MN 55426] * PowerPlate 4x: Duo Battery Plate (4x the power of type I NiMH): Technoggin announced a 3.6 lb lead acid battery that fits under the bottom of the Duo and has a life time of 4x NiMH I or 3x NiMH II Duo batteries. It's supposed to cost $299.95 and will begin shipping this quarter. Note: VST also expects to ship a version of this battery called the ThinkPak Duo - no details. [Technoggin Inc 513-321-1777 or 800-305-7936 FAX 513-321-2348 1018 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208] [VST Power Systems Inc. 508-287-4600 FAX 508-287-4068 1620 Sudbury Road, Suite 3, Concord, Mass. 01742 (this part still under construction, please send any recommendations you think would be valuable) Recommended Sources of Information: =================================== * MacUser: one of the staples. A monthly publication that reviews hardware and software for the mac. A must read. Expect to find detailed reviews and comparisons of existing hardware and software. [MacUser Subscriptions, US $27/year, Non-US $43/year, MacUser, PO Box 52461, Boulder, CO 80321-2461] * MacWorld: the other staple. Information is a little more current, a little more prone to make errors but essentially MacWorld and MacUser are vol. I and II of a months required reading. A must read. [MacWorld Subscriptions, US $30/year, Canada/Mexico $48/year, Other countries $99/year, 800-234-1038, 800-288-6848, 415-267-1743 Subscriber Services, PO Box 54529, Boulder CO, 80322-4529] * MacWEEK: the most current source of information about the Mac. While MacWorld and MacUser have detailed information about what's been released, MacWEEK talks about what's going to be released. Since information is so fresh, it's more likely to be inaccurate, but you'll read about it in MacWEEK before anyone else hears about it. You'll also pay more for it, annual subscription is $99. [MacWEEK Subscriptions, US $99/year, International $200/year (609)786-8230 Customer Service Dept., MacWEEK, c/o JCI, PO Box 1766, Riverton NJ 08077] * News groups. Well, if you're reading this odds are you know about them. Recommended are: comp.sys.mac.portables - the home of the powerbook and mobile computing. comp.sys.mac.hardware - if you have questions about new hardware or non-portable CPU's this is where to go. Dale Adams - Apples 040 pro - visits often. comp.dcom.com.modems - if you have a question about your modem or telecom in general, this is where the gurus and phone phreaks live. comp.sys.mac.announce - the really important stuff - the latest virus, major software upgrades, Apple press releases - come here. Not a lot of traffic, but pay attention to what does showup. * FTP sites. mac.archive.umich.edu - /mac/util/powerbooks The latest Duo FAQ, as well as other useful info and programs. Note, if you're on AFS you can cd here - no waiting in the FTP queue like at sumex! sumex-aim.stanford.edu - The internets mac clearing house. If it's remotely useful or informative - it's here. ftp.acns.nwu.edu - /pub/disinfectant If anything, powerbook users are more vulnerable to viruses. This is the home of Disinfectant - the standard internet answer to known viruses. Make sure you have the latest copy. -------------------------- (con't in part 3) FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about Macintosh Duo's - part 3 * Last Revision: 07/09/94 * In October of 1992 Apple released an entirely new kind of computer, the Macintosh Duo. The Duo, being such a strange beast, has left a lot of people in confusion. This file summarizes the Duo information I've collected to date - hopefully it will end some of the confusion. This information is accurate as of today to the best of my knowledge, but I make no warranties. I'd appreciate any corrections or updated information being mailed to me (please be succinct and patient about a response). I post updated versions of this FAQ on comp.sys.mac.portables roughly every two weeks and copies are available via anonymous FTP or AFS at mac.archive.umich.edu and it's mirrors in the archive/mac/util/powerbook directory. Nicholas C. De Mello "nick.c" nick+@pitt.edu -------------------------- Bugs/Problems: Help! My Duo just... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The following are known bugs with the Apple Duo's and some easy solutions. Standard disclaimer: if you're not hardware savvy, have a tech do all the hardware work - a $2,000 computer is generally worth a $30 repair by a pro. If you find bugs not described here, or these solutions don't help, call Apples support line (800-SOS-APPL). Keyboard: ========= Problem: Your space bar or return key or delete key are unresponsive (you have to hit 'em two or three times to work, or they don't work at all). Solution: There's more than one. You could have the old rev A keyboard. It could also be due to the 3 screws under the keyboard being too tight, or just dirty contacts. You can remove the keyboard (see "opening the duo: ram") and look at the serial number on the bottom. If it ends in "a" you have the bad keyboard - get it replaced while your warranty still exists - no charge. If it ends in "b" you have a rev B keyboard. Most people had no problems with the rev "b" - but some did. The latest keyboard (officically released for the 250/270c only) is the rev "c" - serial number ends in a c. Apple is now using only the rev c for a replacement part - but they won't take out a rev b under warranty unless you're having problems with it. I haven't heard any complaints about the rev "c". If you still have problems loosen the three screws under the keyboard. If you still have problems have a tech clean the connections. Evidently Apple has released a rev D now, I don't know why but it seems to be the latest. The keyboard part number is: 6611652; it is listed on page 7.1.78 in the Apple Service Price Pages Book, dated January, 1994. Note: all apple keyboards have the same part number so if you ask for a "rev D" the techie might not know what you want. The serial number ends in a D for the rev D. ADB Port: ========= Problem: While using an ADB device with a docked Duo the screen freezes up. The mouse and keyboard are unresponsive but, background processes continue unabated (file transfers, calculations, screen refreshes, modem downloads/uploads, etc.). Solution: Apple has incorporated the fix into a new system enabler - "Duo System Enabler" v1.0. The new enabler replaces the "System Enabler 201" that shipped with older Duo's. Just get a copy of the new enabler and toss it into your system folder (removing the old one to prevent confusion). The new enabler became available on AppleLink 10/27/93. Ftp info in the "enabler" section below. * comment: some people have reported conflicts with the enabler and the modem software 1.1.2. See the "Enabler" section below Enabler: ======== Problem: You don't know which version of the enabler you should. (There seems to be a problem involving the enabler 1.0, modem software 1.1.2 and the 210/230/250's that prevents your battery from charging - even apple doesn't seem to be 100% sure what's going on here). Solution: The word from Apple is this: Everyone should use version 1.0 of the Duo enabler, not 201 or 201 v2. Additionally, if you have a 210, 230 or 250 you need a patch called duo battery patch. If you have a 270c you don't need the patch. Future versions of the Duo enabler will incorporate the patch, so we won't need it then. Many thanks to JC and Russ Emmons for the patch. You can get the latest enabler and patch at ftp.apple.com. Locations: /dts/mac/sys.soft/7.1.system.enablers/powerbook-duo-enabler.hqx /dts/mac/sys.soft/7.1.system.enablers/duo-battery-patch.hqx Buzz: ===== Problem: After you put your Duo to sleep, you hear a buzzing coming from the back of the duo. Solution: You don't have a problem. This is normal for the Duo, it's just the power manager recharging your battery. The sound has also been described as a "hum". HD gone: ======== Problem: Your Duo is fine by itself, but when you insert it into a Dock with a hard disk, your powerbook Hard disk doesn't appear. Tools like SCSI probe find the Duo drive and can mount it - it just won't appear on it's own. Solution: The problem is with some drivers. Apple suggests reformatting the drive with version 7.2.2 of the SC HD Setup program, or a third party program (like APS Powertools). A patch solution is to hold down the command key on startup (this forces the computer to bypass the drive designated as the startup disk and startup off the other available drive). Missing Battery: ================ Problem: Your Duo won't recognize the battery as being in - even though you know it is. Solution: First, make sure you've installed the battery correctly (see above section on batteries) - your battery might not be making contact with the battery leads. If you know you've installed it correctly, another possibility is that the power manager needs to be reset. To do this, shutdown your duo and remove both the battery and AC adapter. Then hold down the hardware reset button (on the back of the Duo - there's only one button so it's hard to miss) for about 5-10 seconds. Insert the battery (make sure you do so correctly) and restart the computer. Battery Leads: ============== Problem: When you press on the left palm rest your Duo crashes (acts like battery was disconnected). Solution: The problem seems to be the battery leads are bending away from the battery. When you press on the left palm rest this warps the case around the battery just enough to break the connection, and your portable suddenly doesn't have a battery anymore. Some people have reported success by using needle nosed plyers to bend the battery leads "just a little" to make the connection to the battery a little firmer. CAUTION! These battery leads are just copper, if you twist them too much you could break them - be *carefull*. Stylewriter II ============== Problem: you have a stylewriter II and a duo with dock, but the docked duo can't see/won't print to the stylewriter. Solution: this is a hardware bug. Bring your Dock into a techie, tell him the problem, and let him know that your Dock needs to have part #661-1657 (the docks logic board) replaced. If you're out of warranty, or just want to print now, one hack is to turn off the printer, remove the duo, pull the printer cable out of the dock, dock the duo, put the cable back in, and restart. (this section under construction, information appreciated) -------------------------- Sources: Where should I buy...? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This section is a compiled list of a lot of phone numbers and addresses that people ask for. I've made some recommendations and comments, please realize that these are subjective. I'm recommending people who've done good by *me*, and who *IMHO* are the best sources. I suggest you use this list as a jumping off point, but always keep an open mind. In the end, the best guide you can follow is your own experience with each company. Recommended for RAM: ==================== RAM prices change day to day - like commodities. These are the folks I like to call when I'm buying RAM - I always call at *least* three places before buying - you can often shave $50-100 off the cost this way. Just cause one of 'em has the best price today, is no guarantee he'll have the best price tomorrow. [King Memory, 1-800-255-4200, 714-380-9876 FAX 714-380-0995 20 Fairbanks, Suite 171, Irvive CA, 92718] [The Chip Merchant, 1-800-426-6375 (orders) 619-268-4774 (info) 4870 Viewridge Ave, San Diego CA, 92123] [The LLB Company Inc, 1-800-848-8967, 206-454-7258, FAX 206-454-7302 300 120th Ave. NE, Bldg 1 Suite 120, Bellevue, WA 98005] --- Recommnended for HD's: ====================== APS usually has competitive or the best prices on HD's and have the best tech support in the business (although MacWorld just gave 'em a "poor" rating on tech support - anyone know why?). Anyway, for HD's they are my favorite - your mileage may vary. LaCie is also an option, they're a front end for Quantum and have some pretty good bargins, I know nothing about their tech support but they have been around for a long time, and are not likely to run out on you. [APS Technologies, 800-354-1213, FAX 816-483-3077, Intn'l 816-483-6100, 6131 Deramus, PO Box 4987, Kansas City, MO, 64120-0087] [LaCie Limited, 1-800-999-1369, FAX 503-520-9100, Intn'l 503-520-9000] --- Recommended for CPU's: ====================== If you're in school - check for a .edu sales deal, it's usually hard to beat. When I was shopping for my Duo 230, I ended up finding it cheaper and getting it quicker by going to Bottom Line. They sometimes have great prices, sometimes they suck. You should always shop around, but I'd check out bottom line first. [Bottom Line Distribution, 1-512-472-4956, FAX 1-512-476-6399 1219 West 6th Street, Austin, TX 78703] --- Clearing Houses: ================ The following places are "I-want-it-now,-and-I-don't-care-how-much-it- costs" places. They have just about everything, but the prices are *usually* ridiculous. Ie $2.94 per MB HD's and $100 for a single 1 MB simm (these are real prices from their catalogs!). You can often get software and cases and the like for a reasonable price, they're hard to beat for fast delivery, and they'll walk the most computer-phobic through whatever they have to offer. The tech support is aimed for this market. Bottom line: don't dismiss them, but do shop around, and if you can't get it anywhere else... [MacWarehouse, 800-255-6227, FAX 908-905-9279 1720 Oak St., PO Box 3013, Lakewood NJ, 08701-9917] [MacConnection 800-800-2222 FAX 1-603-446-7791 14 Mill Street, Marlow, NH 03456] ["MacZone", 800-248-0800, FAX 1-206-881-3421 Multiple Zones International, 17411 NE Union Hill Road, Redmond, WA 98052-9964] [Mac's Place 1-800-814-0009 FAX 1-800-881-3090 8461 154th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052-9917] --- Others: ======= [Apple Catalogue (warning: highest-prices, if you're in school try to buy from your EDU source first!) 1-800-795-1000] - **** out of business! **** [Focus Enhancements 1-800-538-8865, 617-938-8088, FAX 617-938-7741 800 West Cummings Park, Woburn MA, 01801-9640] [RasterOps, 408-562-4200, FAX 408-562-4065, FaxBack 800-SAY-COLOR 2500 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA] [Daystar Digital, 1-800-532-7858, 404-967-2077, FAX 404-967-3018 5556 Atlanta Highway, Flowery Beach, GA 30542] [E-machines, 503-646-6699, FAX 503-641-0946, FaxBack 800-541-4787 9305 SW Gemini Dr., OR 97005, USA] [Safeware Insurance, 1-800-800-1492, Compuserve GO SAF 2929 N. High St., PO Box 02211, Columbus OH 43202] [Kensington 415-572-2700] [Magenta Seven, Inc. 800-284-3957, CompuServe 75160,3030 5109 Holly Ridge Drive, Suite 209, Raleigh NC, 27612-3146] [Newer Technologies, 1-800-678-3726; 316-685-4904; FAX 316-685-9368 7803 E. Osie, Suite 105, Wichita Kansas 67207] [Computer Care, 612-371-0061, FAX 612-371-9342] -------------------------- Opening Duo's: How do I install...? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hardware upgrades on standard powerbooks are often easier than on desktop models - this isn't true with Duo's. Working on a Duo is a b*tch. Details follow. Ram Installation: ================= The one exception to this is ram upgrades. You can add ram to your duo easily, and without voiding your warranty. Before you do this you'll need two tools: a static ground and a torx-8 screw driver. Don't try this without both. * Shut down the duo and remove the battery. * Ground yourself with your static ground (the bracelet kind is the best). Keep yourself grounded through the whole procedure, while it's unlikely you'll build up a static charge you could get one from the duo's plastic case and ram is *very* susceptible to static discharge. * With the lid closed, turn your duo upside down. * Remove the three torx screws on the bottom of the duo, under the keyboard (note there is no need to remove the fourth one, under the trackball) * Open the Duo slowly (still upside down) - the keyboard will come free but will have a ribbon cable still attaching it to the inside of the duo. * Holding the Keyboard, turn the Duo right side up, and careful set the keyboard aside (no need to disconnect the ribbon cable). * The ram socket is in the lower right hand side of the recess that the keyboard was in. Drop the ram in and slide it across till it snaps in place (this will be obvious - note there's a notch on the ram socket to prevent you from inserting the ram upside down). * Replace the keyboard, close the lid, turn over the duo. * Replace the screws. Note if some of your keys don't respond well afterwards, you may have put the screws in too tight. Just loosen them a little until they're in firm, but don't affect typing. * Replace the battery, power up. Check "about this Macintosh" under the apple menu to make sure the ram is added correctly. * If your total ram is greater than 8 MB - you need to turn on 32 bit addressing in the "memory" control panel and restart before your extra ram will all be available (if you don't the "about this Macintosh" will show your total ram correctly, but it will appear that all ram above 8 MB is being used by your system). HD and Modem Installation: ========================== Things to keep in mind: you will blow your warranty and it's very easy to damage the soft molded plastic parts (Apple considers many of these parts *disposable* in the process of opening the Duo). Also, be paranoid of static - a rug generated spark going through and IC trace is like the American river going through your kitchen faucet: it'll make a mess. You're better off paying a pro $30 bucks to install these unless, you're real comfortable with hardware. The PowerBook Companion (2nd ed) shows the gory details with pictures. Definitely worth the price if you're going to do this more than once. The following explanation was done by Rich Wolfson, and (with his permission) is included verbatim. --------- verbatim mode on The following is a slightly revised procedure for opening up a Duo than the one I uploaded to the nets the week the Duos were introduced. These reflect the official procedures as documented by Apple in the service procedures. If you'd like more detailed instructions with illustrations, you can find them in the PowerBook Companion, 2nd Edition, which also details the procedures for upgrading all the other PowerBooks. It's a good book, if I do say so myself. <g> Oh yeah. All the standard disclaimers apply. Proceed at your own risk and children should never attempt this unless properly supervised. Rich Wolfson Wolfson@Apollo.Montclair.edu CIS 72467,617 AOL WolfsonR ==================== OK. So you want to get inside your Duo to look around. Possibly you want to install more memory, a larger drive or an express modem. Let me issue a few words of caution (I will get to the procedure-don't worry). First. I assume no responsibility for anyone crazy enough to go inside to just to take a look. For the others that use these procedures it should be noted that you too, are on your own. Secondly, although installing a memory module in a Duo is very easy (much easier than its PowerBook cousins) installing a modem or drive is not so easy. You'll need a T8 Torx driver (I know some say a T9 works-But wouldn't you want to get the right tool and a T8 is it) and a small flat bladed jewelers screwdriver to do the job. A static wrist strap, grounding pad and IC extractor (some of the connectors lift straight up) are also *highly* recommended. It should also be noted that some parts are considered by Apple to be disposable, meaning it's so easy to damage them that repair techs are encouraged to have new parts handy *whenever* they open a Duo. Also, these procedures have be tested by lots of folks other than myself but if anything is unclear, please let me know. With that said. Here's the procedure for getting deep inside your Duo 210 or 230. 1. Remove the main battery 2. Latch the cover and remove the four T8 screws from the bottom. Note that the offset one that holds the trackball may be longer (some are, most aren't). When these get replaced it is IMPORTANT not to over tighten them as you can warp the keyboard and restrict key movement. You only need to remove three (not the offset one) to install memory. 3. Turn the Duo over and open the display. Carefully tilt the computer and lift out the keyboard. There are two flat ribbon cables attached to the lower left of the keyboard and they are delicate. Be careful. If you are just installing memory, flip the keyboard over and place it on the palmrest. If you are going for the modem or drive, you'll need to remove both cables. This is done by releasing both sides of the connectors and lifting out the cable. If you've never seen type of connector before, this I suggest you get some help from someone who has. It's the same type of connector as in the other PowerBooks. A picture of how to release the cable is in The PowerBook Companion. Set the keyboard aside. Be careful. 4. Remove the two outside clutch covers (hinge covers) by pushing them with the jewelers screwdriver to the outside. They will slide off. It takes lots of force and although these are easily damaged and considered by Apple to be disposable most times they come off intact. If you break or damage them you will be able to get your Duo back together, but it will look bad and your dealer will know exactly what you've done when you go in to try to get another set. (P/N 076-0063) 5. Official procedure now has you removing the center clutch cover. Many folks find this unnecessary but it is the approved method. Close the Duo and locate the cover directly over the 152 pin connector on the back. There is a ribbon cable under it (on the left side looking at it from the back) so it is important to be extra careful (have I scared you yet?) as you use the screwdriver to pry up the right and left side and then gently pull the cover to the right (as you're looking at the back of the unit) to remove it. You can't pull it straight up as the ribbon cable snakes under the left side. A quicktime movie would be nice here. 6. Fold the display all the way back and get a support ready (1/2 inch book does nicely) to hold the display to prevent stress on the cables when you release it. Remove the two T8 screws (one on each side under the now removed clutch covers) holding the display mounting clips and remove the clips. Carefully lift the display legs out of the holes in the case stiffener and move it slightly back being especially careful to be sure the display is supported. The cable is delicate and difficult to obtain and replace. 7. The top case is secured by a snap at the lower left corner of the case (as you would be looking at it in use) and four interlocking tabs along the right bottom palmrest edge. If you don't release the four case tabs, you could break the top case. Raise the bottom left corner of the top case and release the case snap by pressing slightly inward. Slide the top case to you, off the four locking tabs to remove it. If you don't force anything you should have no problem here. 8. Now you can see everything. The drive and trackball are accessible and it's easy to see how they come out. To install the modem you'll have to take the entire machine apart, including the logic board and metal stiffener, to get to the connector in the top right of the case. First choice would be to have an Apple tech do it, if the price is reasonable or you feel the least bit hesitant. But if you're determined to do the job yourself. Read on. 9. Separate the display from the bottom assembly by first disconnecting the cable that connects them. It lifts straight up and I find an IC extractor helpful. Be careful as it still is attached because it runs through a ferrite bead that's on the stiffener case. Pry up the bead (its attached with double sided tape) with a jewelers screwdriver, and slide the display, on its support, out of the way. 10. Take out the hard drive, backup battery, trackball assembly and the microphone. Note the routing of the cables for the display and backup battery so you can correctly replace them later. 11. Remove the two self-threading and one machine screw that secure the case stiffener to the bottom of the case. Note which screws go where. Lift the stiffener straight up to remove it. 12. One screw holds the logic board in place. Remove it, and then raise the front end of the logic board and slide it out of the case. The modem slot is now accessible except it has a board (called the on/off board) plugged into it. Take the board out and place it in a safe place in case you ever want to remove the modem. Connect the modem firmly in its slot. Remove the RJ-11 knockout (save it too) and get ready to reassemble. Close up in the reverse order. A piece of double-sided tape will reattach the ferrite bead if the old one no longer sticks. It's my recommendation that you test everything before you replace the clutch (hinge) covers. Be especially careful with the middle one. It takes lots of pressure to snap it back and the ribbon cable is right there. The lower trackball button will not function until the case is secured, so if you test it before you replace the bottom screws, don't be surprised. Above all, be careful and do not over tighten the bottom screws as I find over-tightened screws are the cause of most Duo keyboard problems. This procedure gets easier the more you do it but it is still not especially friendly. Good luck, it may be that you'll need it. Rich Wolfson --------- verbatim mode off --------------------------------- Upgrades: ~~~~~~~~~ Not happy with your Duo? As amazing a piece of workmanship as the Duo is, some people always want more. Here are the only upgrades I'm aware of. Apples 2xx -> 250 ================= Apple computers will upgrade your 210 or 230 to a 250. What this boils down to is they'll add an active matrix screen. The cost is roughly $1000, (not worth it to me). Call 1-800-SOS-APPL to make arrangements for the upgrade. Apple has recently discontinued the ->270c upgrade I assume this one has also been discontinued. Apples 2xx -> 270c ================== More interesting. For only ~$2000 Apple will turn your 210 or 230 (it's not clear if they'll do this for a 250, but since the 250 and 270c were releasedat the same time...) into a 270c. This boils down to getting an active matrixcolor display (16-bit!), FPU, and (if you had a 210) upping your clock speedto 33 MHz. Tempting, but very expensive. Call 1-800- SOS-APPL to makearrangements. Note: This upgrade was discontinued as of 3/7/94. Apples Duo LC040 Upgrade ======================== Apple is offering an upgrade of your Duo's logic board to the LC040 in the 280 and 280c. They're offering this for all Duo's and it costs $2000. Call 1-800-SOS-APPL to make arrangements for the upgrade. Note: Apple has announced that while this upgrade is currently available for Duo 250 and 270'c, it won't be available for Duo 210 and 230's till January '95. No explanation why. Apples Duo Color Display Upgrade ================================ You can have the same active matrix color display that comes in the 270c and 280c for only $1000. The display can switch between 256 colors at 480x640 resolution or one thousand colors at 400x640 resolution and is offered for all Duos. Note: it's unclear at this time whether older Duo's will also require the logic board upgrade or if the 210/230/250 logic boards will be able to drive this deeper display. Apples 270c and up -> 290c ========================== Rumor has it Apple will be offering PowerPC upgrades for 270c and higher machines. No details, or cost right now, and the guy who told me said: "warn 'em: this is very much subject to change - no promises." MacProducts 2xx -> 33 MHz/40 MHz ================================ MacProducts USA will make your Duo faster. They claim this is a logic board swap - but they're charging $299 and $399 respectively. To be blunt: I don't believe 'em. My guess is they're swapping the clock chip. If you're resonably good with a soldering iron you could probably do this yourself. The condition: the rest of the components on the board have to be able to take the higher level of performance. Upping a 210 to 33 MHz seems reasonable. I don't know about the -> 40 MHz. If you get any info, let me know. [MacProducts USA (800-622-3475)] James MacPhails FPU upgrade =========================== Miss your FPU while on the road? A fellow named James MacPhail in Canada has figured out how to wire a FPU into a Duo 210, 230, or 250.For $295 (less $85 if you supply the correct FPU) he'll install it in your machine. Needless to say (but I will) this will void yourwarranty big time and *might* prevent you from upgrading the Duoto a 040 or PowerPC. As another option, he'll install the FPU in a floppy adaptor ($340 included the floppy adaptor) - or attempt to do so in any mini/micro dock you supply. I don't know James, but at least one person wrote me saying he did an excellant job. As always, use caution when buying anything over the net - but James does sound like he knows what he's doing. I'm tempted. [uo957@freenet.victoria.bc.ca] Disable Hardware Sleep ====================== One of nice features of the Duo's is you can put it to sleep just by closing the lid. However, this feature can also be a pain in the rear. I use a mini dock, and when pushed for desk space like to set a book or papers on my closed Duo. This sends a "sleep" signal to the computer which can't sleep while connected to an external monitor. It doesn't like that. Also, sometimes you want to let the computer work while traveling. Example, I'll start a long project compiling before I leave the lab, and then let in crunch while I'm toting my duo home. The way to do this is to disable the Duo's hardware sleep switch. It's trivial, but if you're not comfortable working on the inside of your Duo - don't! Remove the keyboard (follow instructions above for installing ram), right under the space bar is a jack, where a wire coming from about where your mouse is connects to the logic board. Just unplug it - slowly and carefully of course. Close up the Duo. It won't go to sleep when you close the lid now. I'd install the sleep FKEY software also, so you can put the Duo to sleep with a key stroke, and not have to deal with the "are you sure you want to?" dialog. --------------------------------- Modems: ~~~~~~~ As of today you only have one choice for an internal modem: the Apple Express Modem. (The Duo's serial will let you connect any standard external modem.) Note: make sure you read the part about the serial port in part 1 of the FAQ - it has a lot to do with the modem. In mid-November of 1993 Global Village was expected to release a second Duo modem called the PowerPort Mercury - we're still waiting. They have found a hardware bug resulting in release delays. This device will offer 19.2K (v.32terbo - a pseudo standard) raw data transfer, v.42bis data compression, MNP 2-5 and 9,600 fax send and receive. It will retail for about $400. I've rec'd conflicting information about it using the CPU like the express modem or it being a standard modem - I think the former is true but can't swear either way. In a standard modem, the computer sends signals out to the modem, which converts them to a form that can be transmitted over the phone lines, and then the modem sends them on their way. The process of translating this information occurs on the modems processor - not the computers. The express modem is different. It is an adapter for the computers motherboard, that lets the computer send signals that are phone line compatible, so the process of converting the signals occurs on the computers CPU. The disadvantage of this is: a) it's new technology, so has some bugs; b) since the translation occurs on the motherboard, the modem processes (downloading in the background for example) take up CPU time, slowing the computer while you're trying to do other things at the same time. The advantages are: since the CPU *is* your modem, you have a programmable modem - with future software you can upgrade your transmission protocols (maybe v.fast?) or use your Duo as a telephone, for example. The current version of the express software is v1.5.2 (available via gopher from info.hed.apple.com in the Apple.support.area. This seems to be a stable, for powerbooks, official release (as opposed to the various flavors of 1.5.1 floating around). If you don't trust this version (I'm using it, seems ok) version 1.1.2 is your next choice - avoid version 1.5.1 and 1.0.4 - we've had multiple reports of bad bugs in those. Global Village has released a commercial version of the Duo modem software. The GV version of the software is reported to be much more effective in managing how much CPU time the modem takes up when not being actively used. Your performance will be a maximum if you turn off your modem entirely when not in use. The GV software used to cause your mac to boot slower. However GV has released a patch that corrects this problem, updating the software to version 2.07. The patch is available on AOL or global.vill.com. The patch also lets you do manual dialing. Note: this software is not compatible with 040 Duo's. There is also an unresolved incompatibility with RAM doubler - you can't use both inits on the same machine. (this section under construction, all input appreciated)