Max-80
{{Infobox computer
| Photo =
| Caption =
| Type = Personal computer
| Released = {{Start date and age|1982}}
| Discontinued =
| Processor = Zilog Z80-B @ 5.07MHz
| Memory = 64K, 128K max
| Media = External disk drive
| manufacturer = Lobo Systems
| display = Composite video out; 64x16 or 80x24 characters
| memory card = Floppy Disks
}}
The MAX-80 is a personal computer released in 1982 by Lobo Systems (formerly Lobo Drives International, a company from California).{{Cite web |title=The Lobo MAX-80 |url=http://www.trs-80.org/lobo-max-80/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=www.trs-80.org}}{{Cite web |title=LOBO DRIVES INTERNATIONAL |url=https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_ca/1022569 |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=opencorporates.com}} It differed from other TRS-80 compatible computers in that it was not hardware compatible with the TRS-80.{{Cite web | last = Reed | first = Matthew | title = The Lobo MAX-80 | url = http://www.trs-80.org/lobo-max-80/ | accessdate = 2010-11-24}}
Hardware
The MAX-80 featured a Zilog Z80-B CPU which ran at 5.07 MHz, a very fast speed for its time. It came standard with 64KB of RAM, and was expandable via sockets for a further 64KB.
The standard configuration originally consisted of a 64KB unit (later 128KB) and CP/M. The user could buy a complete system, or provide their own monitor and disk drives.
The floppy disk controller could handle 8-inch drives using the standard IBM 3740 format in single-sided or double-sided modes, as well as 5.25-inch floppy drives with up to 80 cylinders. The Max-80 included a hard disk interface and two RS-232 serial ports. The MAX-80's character generator was user programmable.
Software
Up to 95% of TRS-80 Model III software would function without modification on the MAX-80. This did not include games. The special version of LDOS used was able to run most Model III programs with a patch disk available for those, such as VisiCalc, which it couldn't. The CP/M operating system was offered as well.
A patched version of the TRS-80 Model 4's LS-DOS 6.x operating system was later made available for the MAX-80. This was called MAXDOS.{{r|trs80}}
Community
A users' group called MAXIMUL published a MAX-80 newsletter.{{r|pournelle198309}} MAXIMUL actually outlived Lobo Systems, lasting until 1989.
Reception
Jerry Pournelle wrote in September 1983 that if the Max-80 came with more bundled software "it would be a strong contender for the best deal in microcomputerland. As it is, it's a lot of machine for the money". He recommended that customers join Maximul.{{Cite magazine |last=Pournelle |first=Jerry |author-link=Jerry Pournelle |date=September 1983 |title=Eagles, Text Editors, New Compilers, and Much More |url=https://archive.org/details/byte-magazine-1983-09/page/n321 |magazine=BYTE |page=307 |access-date=2019-04-07}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.oldcomputers.net/lobomax80.html Lobo MAX-80 at Oldcomputers.net]
- [http://www.trs-80.org/lobo-max-80/ The Lobo MAX-80] at [http://www.trs-80.org trs-80.org]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100418134923/http://www.old-computers.com/MUSEUM/computer.asp?st=1&c=625 Lobo Drives International MAX-80 at Old-Computers.com]
- [http://www.tim-mann.org/ldos.html LDOS and Me]- By Tim Mann
{{TRS-80 and Tandy computers}}