Disklavier

Greetings Allan et Al.

I have spent countless hours trying to get obsolete computers to do
useful tasks and have finally given up except for the more recent
obsolete ones. It is just too difficult to find all the documentation
and the necessary accessories. Just trying to find old versions of
software that work is difficult. Besides, there are often improvements
in software. When a good program comes along (rarely) you are not
likely to be able to use the old beast with it.

MIDI does not take much and a machine dedicated to it does not need to
be the latest.  This is not the problem, it is trying to put al the
antique pieces together. It they were together to begin with and
you like it, by all means, keep it running until it smokes but trying
to go backwards is a waste of time. Once you get it working you may find
that it dies shortly afterwards and leaves you looking for the exact
same mess you had finally figured out.

Today you can get a laptop with a p266 processor, very good display, usb 10
to 20 gig hard drive etc etc for less than $300 on E-Bay. Just add a
Roland Edirol USB interface and you have a midi player for about $350
and a good one at that.

I have two Toshiba Tecra 550 CDTs doing exactly that and they are even
the notebooks that I take with me when traveling. I don't need to
impress fellow travelers with a $2000 machine running MS word and if
one get lost or smashed I am out a whole lot less.

It should not be that difficult to get a similar computer in the
Philippines, it may just take a while in shipping. I do not really
recommend this but companies like Tiger Direct (good selection, good
prices but horrible confused service) offer similar IBM and Tecra
computers refurbished by someone or other for about the same price.
-- 
Best regards,
Spencer Chase        mailto:spencer@...
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 (POSTAL SERIVICE ONLY)
Laytonville, CA 95454 (UPS ONLY)
mailto:spencer@...
http://www.spencerserolls.com
http://www.spencerserolls.com/MidiValve.htm
(707) 984-8356