[Coco] CoCo/PC hybrid....

[Frank Swygert]

Well, you can still get generic PCI sound cards, not sure they would 
work with DOS. Most of the smaller boards computers and ITX boards I've 
seen have sound "cards" built in. 99% are SoundBlaster compatible. I'm 
pretty sure that DOS SoundBlaster drivers would work with them, but that 
might be something to try. I'm thinking something like a small form 
factor Dell GX280 or other workstation would be nice. If it could be run 
under Linux a Sun Blade 100 would be super nice 
(http://www.weirdstuff.com/cgi-bin/item/61010)!! Other likely cheap 
"CoCo4" candidates: http://www.pcliquidations.com/item.asp?id=5611 
http://www.electrocomputerwarehouse.com/shopexd.asp?id=32 
http://www.surpluscomputers.com/systems/c-1068/desktop-pcs.html 
http://www.used-pcs.com/ProductCart/pc/advSearchDesk_L.asp?customfield=0&SearchValues=&exact=&iPageSize=100&keyword=P4&priceFrom=0&priceUntil=999999999&idCategory=5&IdSupplier=10&withStock=-1&IDBrand=0&SKU=&order=4 
Plenty P4 based small desktops for under $100 complete with keyboard, 
mouse, 256-512MB RAM, 20-40GB hard drive. Drop to a P3 or Celeron and 
you could go under $100, but is it worth saving $20-25? I've got an old 
P3 here that would be fast enough though, and would probably use it. 
---------------- Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:48:38 -0400 From: mike delyea 
<mdelyea at gmail.com> The thing that concerns me is audio. Does anybody 
even make a sound card that works in DOS anymore. On Tue, Sep 15, 2009 
at 5:02 PM, Frank Swygert <farna at att.net> wrote:

> > Most of us have older PCs that aren't much good for
> > anything, P1/2/3/4 machines that are cheap now because they are outdated.
> > Would still make a fast CC4/hybrid machine. To tell the truth, the whole "PC
> > as CC4" bit could do without the cartridge port altogether, there's nothing
> > that the CoCo could do (except I/O control) through the port that can't be
> > emulated. So unless you wanted to use the port for a relay board or some
> > other type of data aquisition project, it's not necessary. 
-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)