[Duo2400] best subnote for writer?

[Scott Holder]

At 10:38 AM 1/27/2003 -0600, you wrote:
>So my burning questions:
>Is the 2400c--given the relatively high price and hard-to-find 
>availability--overkill for this kind of work? If I buy a 2400c that needs 
>work (new mo-bo, new logic board, etc.) how hard it is truly to get repair 
>work done?

For writing, a 2400c would probably be overkill. They're quite nice, 
however, and for the right price might be worth it.


>Are the Duos too limited for exchanging info if you *don't* have a 
>DuoDock? (ideally would like to be able to use Ethernet crossover between 
>a sub and a desktop system for exchanging information, if possible, 
>otherwise would use floppies, I suppose). Like the price of the Duos more 
>than the 2400cs, but don't want to buy into an endless headache of not 
>being able to easily move information back and forth between sub and 
>desktop systems, and have no desire to turn the Duo into a desktop system.

If you can get your hands on one of the mini/microdocks, then you should be 
fine. I picked up an Ethernet Microdock for $25 awhile back and it's been 
great. My only problem with the Duos is constantly wanted to spend money on 
new knicknacks :) Well, that and the keyboard. See below:


>If there are other freelance writers on the list using a 280c (or other 
>Duo I should consider) or 2400c in their work, I would really love to hear 
>about your experiences/problems with these systems, please feel free to 
>email me off-list if preferred. This system will make an important 
>contribution to my livelihood if I buy one, and I really need to make a 
>sound choice.

The one big limitation of Duos is the keyboard. It sucks. Even the Type F, 
while quite usable, is far behind in usability compared even to the likes 
of a 520. That said, I love my 280c and use it for writing and typing all 
the time (though calling myself a freelance writer would be quite a 
stretch, though I do have one published article on LEM ;)   ). Once you get 
used to the keyboard it's quite usable, but I'd suggest finding someone 
locally with one to try out. Either that, or risk the $30 that you might 
end up hating it and sending it to me ;) . The other big problem would be 
batteries. I lucked out and found one that lasts 1.5-2 hours, but that's 
considering miraculous by Duo standards. If you have some electronics 
skills, it's not too hard to rebuild one for ~$40 or so, but it's still 
some work.

All in all, it's hard to beat a Duo for what you're wanting, if you can 
live with the limitations. There is full connectivity available without a 
full dock, but there are some tradeoffs.

Scott Holder