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That side-note is really interesting, actually. They found a way to bypass all the hassle of trying to deal with compatibility issues with different computers (
by falcrist 6y ago
That side-note is really interesting, actually. They found a way to bypass all the hassle of trying to deal with compatibility issues with different computers (at least with the PC clones... Apple used a different port) and applications by using a near-universal port. No need for a file system or networking to transfer your files to the target PC. Just plug it into the keyboard port, and send your text directly into whatever program you want.
How does the saying go? "If it looks stupid but it works, it ain't stupid."
- JoblessWonder 6y agoThey had a dongle which had the Mac plug as well! It really was a very simple/elegant solution in a time before Plug and Play/USB/etc. They even included a "Y" cable so you could keep your keyboard plugged in if you used the same computer to transfer to. This is what it looked like: https://www.theultracomputer.com/images/20190118_032444.jpg https://www.theultracomputer.com/images/20190118_032444.jpg
- falcrist 6y agoNow that's just an elegant solution.
- c22 6y agoThis must have been a later version than the one I was given growing up. The one I had only had Apple support. There was no Y cable included, or necessary, because the ADB ports on the Apple keyboards were already chain-able. I just plugged my Alphasmart into the unused extra connector on the keyboard itself!
- JoblessWonder 6y agoYeah, the demo unit I was originally allowed to use was Apple only. At some point my parents were able to purchase the "Alphasmart Pro" for me which according to Wikipedia is their second model that added PS/2 support. And you are right, I totally forgot about that extra ADB port on the apple keyboard!