This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:23:12
The video explores the history and features of the Laser 128 and Laser Compact XT computers, which were inspired by Apple II and IBM PC architectures. The Laser 128, a successful Apple II clone by V-Tech, offered high compatibility and innovative features like RGB mapping for clearer text. In contrast, the Laser Compact XT, a clone of the IBM PC, faced challenges due to limitations like a single floppy drive. The video details differences in pricing, features, and reliability between the two systems, emphasizing the Laser 128's success in the Apple market and the XT's struggles in the competitive IBM clone market. Despite these differences, both computers played significant roles in the evolution of personal computing.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the 8-Bit Guy explores the history of the Laser 128 and Laser Compact XT, discussing early computer architectures like the Apple II and IBM PC that inspired clones. Various Apple II clones are mentioned, such as the Microprofessor II and Franklin Ace 1000, facing legal issues due to unauthorized ROM code copying. The Laser 128, produced by V-Tech in 1986, stood out for its 95% compatibility and custom ROM closely resembling Apple II’s, leading them to license BASIC from Microsoft. Despite a lawsuit from Apple, the Laser 128 was successful as a clone or competitor to the Apple Iic.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker talks about similarities between the Laser 128 and Apple IIc, such as the side-mounted drive and carry handle. They highlight compatibility between the power bricks and ports of the two systems. The Laser 128 has a number pad, making it unique compared to other Apple II computers. The color/mono switch on the Laser 128 allowed users to switch between 40-column text or monochrome graphics and 6 colors on screen with reduced resolution. The video also mentions the Laser 128’s 95% compatibility with Apple software and that software companies internally tested their programs on the Laser for compatibility.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the focus is on the video port of the Apple IIc and the compatibility issues with other systems like the Apple IIgs and Macintosh. The video signals on the IIc are described as unusual, with various sync signals and RGBI compatibility similar to IBM CGA and Commodore 128. An adapter is used to connect the Laser 128 to an RGB monitor for testing, showing differences in color and sharpness between RGB and composite monitors while running games like Oregon Trail and Castle Wolfenstein. The text discusses how the RGB mode simulates composite artifacting to achieve color and mentions some color discrepancies between RGB and composite monitors.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses how the Laser 128 mapped the 16 colors of the Apple II to RGB colors, providing clearer text on the RGB monitor without the need for an expensive add-on card. The Laser 128 included an 80-column mode switch, allowing for compatibility with 80-column software like Appleworks without the need for an additional card. The keyboard replaced the Apple logo with open and closed triangles for legal reasons, which is reflected in the character set. The video compares the clarity of 80 columns on composite and RGB monitors, with the RGB monitor delivering crisper text. Additionally, the Laser 128 featured function keys mapped to control key combinations and offered faster processing speeds than the original Apple II, with configurations up to 3.6 Mhz.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, it is explained that the Laser 128 had extra RAM to operate independently from the video circuit, potentially offering superior graphics modes. However, evidence supporting this claim is lacking. The Laser 128 was somewhat expandable with an expansion slot for Apple II cards, which was a feature the Apple IIC did not have. Additionally, the Laser 128 was cheaper than the Apple IIC, retailing for $479 compared to $1,295. It was initially sold through mail order, with retailers like Sears eventually carrying it, as seen in a 1987 catalog.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the pricing and features of the Laser 128 and Laser Compact XT computers found in a Sears catalog. The Laser 128 is compared to the Laser Compact XT, highlighting their differences and rarity. The Laser Compact XT is noted for being a clone of the IBM PC. The presenter details the various ports and connectors on the back of the Laser Compact XT, including an external drive connector, parallel printer, joystick, composite and RGB ports, and more. Additionally, the absence of a bus expansion port and a headphone jack on the Laser Compact XT is mentioned. The video shows the boot screen indicating the BIOS was made by Central Point Software. The need to boot an MS-DOS disk for most functions is highlighted, with a demonstration of attempting to play games like California Games on the computer.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the 4-color CGA mode on an RGB monitor, showing California Games and other games in 4-color CGA and 16-color composite mode. The issue of color inconsistency due to clone CGA cards not locking the colorburst signal correctly is highlighted. The speaker also demonstrates the color mono switch on the XT, which affects the composite output by altering how pixels are displayed. The turbo mode feature of this computer, allowing toggling between standard and turbo speeds, is explained, with a visual demonstration of the speed difference. The challenge of finding compatible software due to storage limitations is mentioned as a significant issue with this computer.
00:21:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the limitations of the Laser Compact XT due to its single floppy drive configuration, which hindered its popularity compared to IBM clones with more drives or hard drives by 1987. The Laser 128 was successful in the Apple market, being considered better and cheaper than Apple products, but the Laser Compact XT struggled to compete in the IBM clone market where there were many alternatives from companies like Compaq and Tandy. The speaker notes that the Laser 128 is known for its reliability, with many still functioning without repairs, while the XT’s reliability is uncertain. The video concludes with a mention of a repair done on the Laser Compact XT and thanks for watching.