 
 What is GBU? 

 ---- 

 It is no secret that many people have had less than wonderful 
 experiences getting OS/2 to work with sub-standard computer 
 hardware.  This document is an attempt to minimize these problems in 
 the future.  It can be used as a shopping list, or to compare against 
 your machine to find if other people using the same hardware have 
 had similar problems. 

 As is the case with any document of this type, it can only be helpful 
 if it is supported by the potential users.  This means that enough 
 people must send in enough messages that a representative sample of 
 the available hardware gets listed.  Please email me new submissions.  
 New versions will be posted as additions are made to the list. 

 Feel free to upload this document to any ftp site, BBS, or online 
 service that does not already have it, or that has an older version of 
 it. 

 ==== 

 80 column marker - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - | 

 ====   

 
 Detailed Description 

 ---- 

 Since many of the problems people have had with OS/2 stem from 
 semi-compatible PC hardware, I will maintain a live document of 
 computer hardware with respect to its performance with OS/2.  I will 
 make this document available by uploading it to a local ibmNET BBS, 
 ftp-os2.nmsu.edu, and ftp-os2.cdrom.com.  It will be distributed both as 
 a viewable INF file and as clear text. 

 Please send me messages about any hardware experiences you want 
 to share.  In particular I am looking for information on motherboards, 
 video cards, multi-I/O cards, SCSI controllers, floppy drives, hard drives, 
 CD-ROM drives, printers, modems, mice, track balls, graphics tablets, 
 multi-serial port cards, and any other hardware you have had good, 
 bad, or ugly experiences with. 

 The definitions I am using are: 

  GOOD 
     hardware that caused no known problems, software drivers were 
     available in shrink wrap either with OS/2 or with the hardware, or 
     drivers were freely available on BBSs. 

  BAD 
     hardware that has proved to be incompatible with OS/2 due to 
     excessive numbers of trap messages, or OS/2 drivers do not exist.  
     The hardware might still work in DOS or Windows sessions with 
     appropriate drivers. 

  UGLY 
     hardware that has had problems which could be corrected only 
     after some serious work (changing jumpers doesn't qualify as 
     serious), the available drivers take advantage of only some of the 
     features of the hardware, only beta level (or worse) drivers exist, 
     or the hardware works only in a "compatibility mode".  If there are 
     several messages with conflicting votes for a piece of hardware, it 
     will automatically be placed in this category. 
  
  The specific information I need includes:  type of hardware (mother 
  board, video card, etc.), the manufacturer, model number, chip set, 
  serial number range (if it matters), version of OS/2 used to test the 
  hardware, and a vote on Good, Bad, or Ugly, with a specific problem 
  report or glowing recommendation, and any caveats regarding the GBU 
  vote. 

  To decide which category your submission fits in, ask yourself if you 
  would recommend this hardware to someone who does not have any 
  DOS or Windows programs.  I may change the GBU designation based 
  on the comments or caveats if they point to a different designation 
  using the guidelines above. 

  Any script files or chunks of code supplied with a submission can be 
  included as a footnote.  Cross references to other submissions will be 
  maintained as hypertext links. 

  If you wish to refute a previous category for a piece of hardware, 
  please provide adequate documentation that the hardware should 
  change from one category to another.  It is almost impossible to 
  promote something from Bad to Good directly without said hardware 
  spending at least one release of GBU in Ugly.  Likewise for the 
  opposite (less likely) demotion. 

  Please send messages directly to me via Internet or the networked IBM 
  BBS based in Canada.  On the (Canada) IBM BBS, send messages to 
  John Altstadt.  Private messages may be sent via the Ibm.Bbsmsg 
  forum or uploaded as files with a note to the sysop to forward the 
  file to me.  On Internet, send messages to altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca. 

  To reduce the time required to generate a new edition of GBU, I 
  prefer that messages are sent to me in IPF format, as I can just cut & 
  paste them into the source files, and then bang out a new version 
  quickly.  If this is a problem for you, then send them in ASCII format 
  and I will do the appropriate conversion.  These panels show example 
  text that you would be replacing highlighted this way. 

  Not all fields will make sense for all hardware categories. 

  The examples given are for hardware that does not exist. 

  ====   

 
 IPF Source Format Example. 

 Select this window, press <Ctrl><Ins> to copy this text to the 
 clipboard, then press <Shift><Ins> to paste it into your editor. 

 ---- 

 Category:  CD-ROM drive
 GBU rating:  good
 
 :p.----
 :hp8.
 :dl break=all tsize=3.
 :dt.:hp2.Type:ehp2.
 :dd.SCSI-2 interface, octuple speed
 :dt.:hp2.Manufacturer:ehp2.
 :dd.Toshisonic
 :dt.:hp2.Model Number:ehp2.
 :dd.XJ-9/4000
 :dt.:hp2.Chip Set:ehp2.
 :dd.Fish &amp. Chips
 :dt.:hp2.Comments:ehp2.
 :dd.Driver included with OS/2.  Uses 25 disk cartridges.
 :dt.:hp2.Caveats:ehp2.
 :dd.The drive will overheat and melt the CD-ROM after 50 milliseconds if
 the liquid helium coolant hose is disconnected.
 :edl.
 :dl compact tsize=18.:dthd.:hp2.OS/2 Version:ehp2.:ddhd.:hp2.Rated by:ehp2.
 :dt.Warp 5.0
 :dd.altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good
 :edl.
 :ehp8.
 
 ====   

 
 ASCII Source Format Example. 

 Select this window, press <Ctrl><Ins> to copy this text to the 
 clipboard, then press <Shift><Ins> to paste it into your editor. 

 ---- 

 Category:  CD-ROM drive
 GBU rating:  good
 
 Type:  SCSI-2 interface, octuple speed
 Manufacturer:  Toshisonic
 Model Number:  XJ-9/4000
 Chip Set:  Fish & Chips
 Comments:  Driver included with OS/2.  Uses 25 disk cartridges.
 Caveats:  The drive will overheat and melt the CD-ROM after 50 milliseconds
 if the liquid helium coolant hose is disconnected.
 OS/2 version:  Warp 5.0
 Rated by:  altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good
 
 ====   

 
 Other Sources of Help 

 ---- 

 Check for the following documents on BBSs, Internet archive sites, Usenet
 news groups, and WWW sites.

  PCMTAB.ZIP 
     IBM's list of 3rd party hardware that has passed compatibility tests 
     with OS/2.  This is an excellent list, but each entry is limited to the 
     information that can be contained on a single line.  Information on 
     equipment that has failed the standard set of tests is not included.  
     Much of the list covers complete systems as supplied to IBM by the 
     various clone manufacturers, so it would be a good resource for 
     people about to purchase a new system. 

  Patrick Duffy's PCI Lists 
     Patrick Duffy posts three lists to the Usenet news group 
     comp.os.os2.misc every Monday.  These lists cover PCI bus based 
     motherboards, video cards, and SCSI controller cards. 

  FAQxxx.ZIP 
     The FAQ maintained by Timothy Sipples contains some tips 
     regarding hardware and OS/2 in general. 
  
  http://pclt.cis.yale.edu/pclt/default.htm
     The PC Lube and Tune site has general information on the PC
     architecture.

  ----

  This is a list of anonymous ftp sites mentioned elsewhere in this document.

  creative.creaf.com 
     drivers and software for Creative Labs cards 

  ftp-boi.external.hp.com 
     drivers for Hewlett-Packard printers 

  ftp-os2.cdrom.com, ftp.cdrom.com 
     collection of OS/2 shareware, freeware, and information 

  ftp-os2.nmsu.edu 
     collection of OS/2 shareware, freeware, and information 

  microsoft.com 
     Windows drivers, mscdex 
  
  ====   

 
 What's New? 

 ----  
       
       Good CD-ROM drives:  NEC, Wearnes 
       Good Hard Disks:  Seagate 
       Ugly Hard Disks:  Quantum, Seagate 
       Good IDE cards:  Boca Research 
       Good I/O cards:  ZyXEL 
       Good Keyboards:  NorthGate update 
       Ugly Magneto Optical drives:  Fujitsu upgraded 
       Good Modems:  US Robotics, Zoom update 
       Good Monitors:  KFC, Panasonic, ViewSonic 
       Good Motherboards:  Asus 
       Bad Motherboards:  J-Bond 
       Good Pointers:  Logitech update, Mouse Systems 
       Ugly Printers:  Hewlett-Packard 
       Good Tape drives:  Archive 
       Good Video cards:  Cardex 
       Ugly Video cards:  Diamond 
  
  ====   

 
 Good Audio cards 

 ---- 

  Type 
     8-bit mono card 

  Manufacturer 
     CPS 

  Model Number 
     Soundblaster Junior 

  Caveats 
     Does work only with recent Soundblaster drivers.  The CD audio 
     connector has to be changed from 1234 to 2143 for use with a 
     Mitsumi FX001D CD-ROM drive 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             marc_van-woerkom@ac3.maus.de - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     16 bit stereo with SCSI-2 port 

  Manufacturer 
     Creative Labs 

  Model Number 
     Sound Blaster 16 SCSI-2 

  Chip Set 
     Creative CT174x 

  Comments 
     Drivers supplied on MMPM diskettes.  The card comes with DOS and 
     Windows drivers and software.  New drivers for DOS, Windows, and 
     OS/2 are available via anonymous ftp from Creative Labs at 
     creative.creaf.com.  The DOS drivers will let you change the IRQ 
     and DMA channels, so the card can be set for IRQ10 under OS/2 and 
     Windows, while older DOS programs can use IRQ 2, 5, and 7 inside a 
     BAT file wrapper.  OS/2 will allow DOS programs to change the IRQ 
     on the fly.  See the Good SCSI Controller cards section for more 
     info. 

  Caveats 
     The SB16 cards are known for hiss, clicks, and pops when playing 
     8-bit wav files.  Some of the system sounds skip the first chunk of 
     the file, but sound correct when using the Audio Player.  The 
     updated drivers from Creative Labs solve these problems.  OS/2 will 
     allow DOS programs to change the card IRQ on the fly, which has 
     potential for serious problems. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  2.11              altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     8-bit FM synthesis card 

  Manufacturer 
     Creative Labs 

  Model Number 
     SoundBlaster "Value Edition" 

  Chip Set 
     Creative Labs 

  Comments 
     Very minimal card, but works fine. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     MediaVision 

  Model Number 
     Pro Audio Spectrum-16 Basic 

  Comments 
     Requires 3rd party drivers for OS/2 2.1GA.  Readily available. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Sound Blaster 16 BAT file 

 ---- 

 Save the following as the file AUD.BAT, edit to change the paths 
 and default IRQ as appropriate, and execute as AUD 5 (for example) 
 to change the SoundBlaster to use IRQ5 under DOS. 

 @echo off
 if '2' == '%1%' goto valid
 if '5' == '%1%' goto valid
 if '7' == '%1%' goto valid
 if '10' == '%1%' goto valid
 SET BLASTER=A220 I10 D1 H5 P330 T6
 goto continue
 :valid
 SET BLASTER=A220 I%1 D1 H5 P330 T6
 :continue
 SET SOUND=D:\SB16
 D:\SB16\SB16SET /R /Q /M:220 /VOC:220 /CD:220 /MIDI:220 /LINE:220 /TREBLE:0
 D:\SB16\SBCONFIG.EXE /S
 echo BLASTER=%BLASTER%
 
 ---- 

 
 Ugly Audio cards 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Bad Audio cards 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good CD-ROM drives 

 ---- 

  Type 
     AT-BUS, double-speed 

  Manufacturer 
     Mitsumi 

  Model Number 
     FX 001 D 

  Comments 
     Good and cheap 

     Double Speed successor of the LU-Drive; driver kit available on 
     various BBSes (mitfx.zip; 17131 bytes).  Includes MMPM/2-Support 
     (CD-Player).  Easy to install.  Can use upper interrupts (10,11) or 
     software polling. 

  Caveats 
     I had to change the audio connector from 1234 to 2143 to connect 
     to to my soundblaster clone.  This may not be a problem mit other 
     Soundcards 

     No OS/2 drivers shipped with the drive, To install OS/2 from CD-ROM 
     you need to change the first boot disk (explained in the 
     mitfx.zip-archive). 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             marc_van-woerkom@ac3.maus.de - good 
  < 3.0             Pascal.Gienger@uni-konstanz.de - GOOD 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     proprietary interface 

  Manufacturer 
     Mitsumi 

  Model Number 
     LU005 

  Comments 
     Driver available from the usual sources.  Caddyless. 

  Caveats 
     Can't install OS/2 from CD-ROM unless you've modified the OS/2 
     installation disks to include the driver. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     SCSI-1 interface, double speed 

  Manufacturer 
     NEC 

  Model Number 
     CDR-84 

  Comments 
     Driver included with OS/2. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     SCSI-2, triple speed, caddy 

  Manufacturer 
     NEC (?) 

  Model Number 
     CDR 510 

  Comments 
     OEM version of NEC 3Xi.  Cdthru says that the drive tops out at 401 
     kbytes/sec.  OS/2 2.1 GA and later recognize the drive as either an 
     NEC Multi-Spin or as an NEC 3Xx right out of the box. 

  Caveats 
     There are rumors that NEC doesn't support OEM drives in any way, 
     and is even hostile to people that buy such drives. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  2.10, 2.11        altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     SCSI-II, double speed 

  Manufacturer 
     Plextor (formerly TEXEL) 

  Model Number 
     DM3028 

  Comments 
     Driver included with OS/2 (use the Texel 3024 driver).  Uses caddies.  
     Self-cleaning lens mechanism.  Software eject. 

  Caveats 
     Does not support digital transfer on audio-CD's 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             paltiel@cnj.digex.net - good 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     proprietary interface 

  Manufacturer 
     Reveal (Panasonic) 

  Model Number 
     CD-620 (Panasonic CR-563b) 

  Comments 
     Requires SBCD2.ADD or SBCD2PAN.ADD drivers to operate in OS/2 2.1 
     GA. Fully supported under OS/2 2.11. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     SCSI interface 

  Manufacturer 
     Toshiba 

  Model Number 
     3401 

  Comments 
     Driver included with OS/2.  Uses caddies. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     SCSI Interface, double speed 

  Manufacturer 
     Toshiba 

  Model Number 
     4101 

  Comments 
     Driver included with OS/2. Caddyless 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             reinhard@ifki50.informatik.fh-muenchen.de - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     IDE interface, double speed 

  Manufacturer 
     Wearnes 

  Model Number 
     CDD-110 

  Chip Set 
     Philips 

  Comments 
     Includes interface card and DOS drivers. Caddyless 

  Caveats 
     Sony OEM drive but it doesn't work with the Sony drivers.  OS/2 
     drivers are available at Hobbes:  /2_1/drivers/wearnes.zip 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             peterpv@ice2.utwente.nl - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly CD-ROM drives 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Bad CD-ROM drives 

 ---- 

  Type 
     Proprietary interface. 

  Manufacturer 
     Optics Storage 

  Model Number 
     Dolphin 8000AT 

  Comments 
     Includes interface card & DOS drivers.  Cadyless. 

  Caveats 
     From what I can tell the drive is a Sony OEM.  However, no drivers 
     for OS/2 can be found nor do the current Sony drivers work with 
     the card.  However, the DOS drivers provided do load in a DOS box 
     if only someone can find a MSCDEX.EXE that will access the drive 
     from a DOS box. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             sandman@netcom.com - ugly 
  
  ====   

 
 Good Flopticals 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Ugly Flopticals 

 ---- 

  Type 
     SCSI-II 

  Manufacturer 
     Insite 

  Model Number 
     Unknown (Only one revision, known) 

  Comments 
     Driver support from 3rd party (Corel via CorelSCSI), reads and 
     writes 1.44MB, 720K, 21MB 3-1/2" floppies, reads normal floppies at 
     2-3 times speed of a normal 3-1/2" drive 

  Caveats 
     Software conflict with MMPM/2's system sounds, incorrectly formats 
     21MB flopticals, unable to format any media from OS/2 WPS, format 
     created by OS/2 version of CorelSCSI unrecognizable by DOS based 
     floptical drivers, unable to change size of floptical software cache, 
     accessing drive locks WPS 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             paltiel@cnj.digex.net - ugly 
  
  ====   

 
 Bad Flopticals 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good Hard Disks 

 ---- 

  Type 
     513MB IDE HD 

  Manufacturer 
     Fujitsu 

  Model Number 
     M2624T 

  Comments 
     Very fast, durable, reliable, 5-year replacement warranty 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             fredng@io.org - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     Fast SCSI-II, 340MB 

  Manufacturer 
     Seagate 

  Model Number 
     ST3390N 

  Comments 
     Audible high-pitched whine; makes loud popping noises when 
     powered on or off. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     340MB IDE HD 

  Manufacturer 
     Western Digital 

  Model Number 
     Caviar 2340 

  Comments 
     Fast, reliable 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             fredng@io.org - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly Hard Disks 

 ---- 

  Type 
     SCSI-II (?), 540MB 

  Manufacturer 
     Quantum 

  Model Number 
     LPS540S 

  Comments 
     When used with a PCI-bus NCR chipset on a J-Bond or Asus 
     motherboard, OS/2 2.1 refuses to boot from the hard disk unless the 
     /!SN option is specified in the OS2CAM.ADD driver.  OS/2 2.99 Warp 
     Beta II will boot, but there's a 45-second delay during boot 
     (operation is normal after bootup).  Functions corectly when used 
     with an UltraStor 34F VLB SCSI controller on a Diamond FastBus 
     VLB motherboard with either OS/2 2.1 or OS/2 2.99 Warp Beta II. 

  Caveats 
     In above OS/2 2.1 scenario with NCR SCSI chipset, the boot partition 
     was occasionally WIPED OUT (OS/2 identified it as unformatted and 
     gave error messages when access was attempted). 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - ugly 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     SCSI-2 interface, 220 Meg 

  Manufacturer 
     Seagate 

  Model Number 
     ST3283N 

  Comments 
     Overall, the performance of the drive is actually quite good.  I've 
     had few problems with the drive itself, by itself. 

  Caveats 
     It intensely dislikes other SCSI devices.  It uses weird termination, 
     which throws off the entire SCSI chain.  You will only get three 
     devices working, for example, by terminating every device in the 
     chain.  Needless to say, troubleshooting is an absolute nightmare. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             jcarmack@phoenix.sas.muohio.edu 
  
  ====   

 
 Bad Hard Disks 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good IDE cards 

 ---- 

  Type 
     ISA bus, with floppy controller 

  Manufacturer 
     Boca Research, Inc. 

  Model Number 
     IDE002 

  Chip Set 
     GoldStar 

  Caveats 
     Tested for floppy controller only; IDE adapter disabled. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     ISA IDE Controller 

  Manufacturer 
     Western Digital 

  Comments 
     Not very fast, but rock solid 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             fredng@io.org - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly IDE cards 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Bad IDE cards 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good I/O cards 

 ---- 

  Type 
     serial/parallel/game port 

  Manufacturer 
     Kentech 

  Chip Set 
     74LS series parts 

  Comments 
     jumper selections for COM ports at 1/3 and 2/4, jumper selections to 
     put PRT at 1/2, one UART is socketed 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  2.0 - 2.11        altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     2S/1P/1G card 

  Manufacturer 
     ZyXEL 

  Model Number 
     I/O 16550-1 

  Chip Set 
     One 16450, one 16550 UART for serial ports 

  Comments 
     In contrast to fredng@io.org's account, my card has a GoldStar 16450 
     and a Startech 16550.  Still works fine, though. 

  Caveats 
     Game port can't be disabled. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly I/O cards 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Bad I/O cards 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good Keyboards 

 ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Focus 

  Model Number 
     FK6000 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Fujitsu 

  Model Number 
     FKB4700 

  Comments 
     full use of grey keys 

  Caveats 
     keyboard driver would trap in version 2.0 GA + SP 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  2.0 - 2.11        altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Keytronics 

  Model Number 
     E03601Q 

  Comments 
     full use of grey keys 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Monterey 

  Model Number 
     K104 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     101-key 

  Manufacturer 
     NMB Technologies 

  Model Number 
     RT101+ 

  Comments 
     Sold as CompUSA "generic" keyboard; above manufacturer taken 
     from label on keyboard, and does not appear on display shelf box. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     101-key Enhanced 

  Manufacturer 
     NorthGate 

  Model Number 
     OmniKey/101 

  Comments 
     Great tactile feeling, persistent to my abuse (I don't type, I pound 
     on my keyboard hard!), even better than IBM keyboards!  [fredng] 

     Unusual keyboard layout, especially around cursor keys.  Light but 
     "clicky" feel.  [rsmith] 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             fredng@io.org - good 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly Keyboards 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Bad Keyboards 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good Magneto Optical drives 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Ugly Magneto Optical drives 

 ---- 

  Type 
     3.5", SCSI Interface 

  Manufacturer 
     Fujitsu 

  Model Number 
     M2511A 

  Comments 
     OS/2 recognizes it's there, but thinks it's a 2.88MB floppy drive.  I've 
     been unable to get it to work better, but haven't tried too hard, 
     either.  [rsmith] 

     Tested with an Adaptec AHA1542CF SCSI adapter.  OS/2 recognizes 
     that the M.O.  drive it's there, but the WPS format utility apparently 
     thinks it's a 2.88MB floppy drive.  However a properly FAT 
     formatted cartridge is obtained nonetheless. 

     Adaptec SCSI drivers included with OS/2.  Available also at 
     ftp-os2.nmsu.edu.  [marziani] 

  Caveats 
     Only FAT seems supported.  No HPFS for 128MB cartridges.  Not all 
     (i.e. very few) SCSI adapters and their respective OS/2 drivers seem 
     to support this unit.  Adaptec 1542CF works fine.  [marziani] 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - bad 
  < 3.0             marziani@vaxfe.fe.infn.it - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Bad Magneto Optical drives 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good Modems 

 ---- 

  Type 
     external 

  Manufacturer 
     AT&T Paradyne 

  Model Number 
     Dataport 

  Chip set 
     AT&T 

  Comments 
     Flawless operation with both ZOC and Fax/PM 

  Caveats 
     Does not come with OS/2 software. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     14.4k Fax Modem 

  Manufacturer 
     US Robotics 

  Model Number 
     14,400 Fax Modem 

  Comments 
     Supported by virtually all communication programs, inexpensive, 
     reliable, although not a screamer in performance 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             fredng@io.org - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     internal v.32bis (14,400 bps) fax-modem 

  Manufacturer 
     US Robotics 

  Model Number 
     Sportster 

  Chip Set 
     80186 with DSPs 

  Comments 
     User should change the default settings, since it's set up for COM3 
     with an IRQ shared with COM1.  Includes built-in 16550 UART. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     14.4 Fax/Modem 16550UART ISA (internal) 

  Manufacturer 
     Zoom 

  Model Number 
     VFP V.32bis 

  Chip Set 
     Rockwell 14.4Kbps 

  Comments 
     20 Mhz controller and v.32bix data pump on board. 16550UART. MNP 
     5 and v.42bis. Group III, Class 1 and 2 Fax (V.17). Selectable port 
     settings at (COM/IRQ): 1/4, 2/3, 3/4, 4/3, 3/2, 4/2, 3/5, 4/5 through 
     jumpers. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             davmp@alumni.caltech.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     external 

  Manufacturer 
     ZyXEL 

  Model Number 
     U-1496E 

  Chip set 
     68000 cpu & TI DSPs 

  Comments 
     Flawless operation with many DOS, Windows, and OS/2 programs 

  Caveats 
     Some versions of ZyXEL's Z-Fax DOS software don't run under OS/2; 
     does not come with OS/2 software. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly Modems 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Bad Modems 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good Monitors 

 ---- 

  Type 
     15" SVGA 

  Manufacturer 
     KFC 

  Model Number 
     1511 

  Comments 
     Handles 30-60KHz horizontal, 50-90Hz vertical -- enough for 
     1024x768 at 70Hz but not (quite) 1280x1024 at 70Hz.  Manual 
     controls. 

  Caveats 
     First two units I received were defective; the third seems OK. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     15" Multisync, supports up to 1280x1024 

  Manufacturer 
     MAG 

  Model Number 
     MX-15H (MX-15F in U.S.), 1992 model 

  Comments 
     Microprocessor-based Multi-freq. monitor, 100MHz bandwidth 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             fredng@io.org - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     14" SVGA 

  Manufacturer 
     Panasonic 

  Model Number 
     C1381 

  Comments 
     Can (barely) handle 640x480, 72Hz or 800x600, 60Hz.  Manual 
     controls. Adequate, but not recommended for a new system. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     17" SVGA 

  Manufacturer 
     ViewSonic 

  Model Number 
     17G 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly Monitors 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Bad Monitors 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good Motherboards 

 ---- 

  Type 
     486 (any type) EISA/VLB, 486DX2-66, DX2-50, DX-50 

  Manufacturer 
     AIR 

  Model Number 
     486EI 

  Chip Set 
     SiS, AMI BIOS 

  Comments 
     VERY solid board.  Personally tested with no problems using DX50 
     and DX2-66.  Takes nifty new 72-pin SIMMs.  [greck] 

     Very stable from day one. No problems running OS/2 2.11, or 2.99. 
     Uses 72-SIMMs. Good Docs  [jaycee] 

  Caveats 
     Only 5 of 8 EISA slots are master-capable.  [greck] 

     Memory bank configurations are limited above 16M(28M).  [jaycee] 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             greck@catt.ncsu.edu - good 
  < 3.0             jaycee@emh.osan.af.mil - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     486DX/50, ISA 

  Manufacturer 
     Amptron 

  Chip Set 
     Opti, AMI BIOS, 08/30/91, 256K (20ns) RAM Cache 

  Comments 
     The system has been used extensively (at least 16 hours a day, 
     sometimes on for a week or so without resetting), and yet is still 
     operating with extreme stability 

  Caveats 
     Never used with more than 16MB of RAM 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             fredng@io.org - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     486 CPU, PCI bus 

  Manufacturer 
     Asus 

  Model Number 
     SP3G; motherboard revision 1.8 

  Chip Set 
     Intel Saturn II (revision 4), 82420ZX; NCR 53c810 SCSI controller; 
     Award flash BIOS version 4.50G 

  Comments 
     Includes on-board SCSI, IDE, 2.88MB floppy, two 16550 UART serial, 
     and parallel ports.  Uses 72-pin SIMMs in pairs.  Has 3 PCI and 4 ISA 
     slots (1 shared slot).  Takes 486DX, DX2, and DX4; and Pentium 
     Overdrive CPUs. Includes "green" features (only work with Intel 
     CPUs).  Comes with OS/2 drivers for the SCSI port. 

  Caveats 
     This board reportedly doesn't work with AMD 486DXL-series CPUs, 
     but does work with AMD 486DX-series CPUs, as well as Intel and 
     Cyrix CPUs. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     ISA/VLB Multi-speed Intel Chip 

  Manufacturer 
     BioStar 

  Model Number 
     1433/50AEA-V 

  Chip Set 
     AMI 

  Comments 
     2 VL Bus slots. 6 ISA. 8 32-pin SIMM slots. No ZIF socket. Came with 
     256K cache. I run mine with an Intel 486DX-66 and 16MB of 70ns 
     RAM - no problems. CMOS settings (and jumpers if I remember right) 
     for setting of clock speed. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             davmp@alumni.caltech.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     generic clone, Intel 386DX20 

  Model Number 
     ECS 386/32, ISA Bus 

  Chip Set 
     C&T 8230, 1991 AMI BIOS, no cache 

  Comments 
     With 8 MB RAM, 2 IDE drives on generic ctrlr, VGA Mono.  Just goes 
     to show how primitive a system can still run OS/2 acceptably. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rwh@gov.on.ca - good 
  
  ---- 

  Model Number 
     EISA486P, ME009 

  Chip Set 
     HiNT, AMI BIOS, EISA/VLB 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Model Number 
     G486HVL 

  Chip Set 
     HiNT Caesar, AMI BIOS, "Super ISA"/VLB 

  Caveats 
     "Super ISA" is a subset of EISA; most EISA boards work, but not all. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     486DX2-66 EISA/VLB 

  Manufacturer 
     Gigabyte 

  Model Number 
     GA-486TA 

  Chip Set 
     SIS,AMI BIOS, 256K (20ns) Cache, upto 128M (standard SIMMS) 

  Comments 
     The system has been extremely stable. 

  Caveats 
     Not tested with more than 32MB. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             reinhard@ifki50.informatik.fh-muenchen.de - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Silicon Star, Intel 486DX33 

  Model Number 
     AV433, ISA/VL bus 

  Chip Set 
     SIS, AMI BIOS, 06/06/92, 256 K external cache 

  Comments 
     One known problem (the Pentium APAR) corrected in CSD 2.11. 

  Caveats 
     Not tested with more than 16 Meg of RAM. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     generic Taiwan clone, Intel 486DX33 

  Model Number 
     Rev D2 486SC-P, June 1991, ISA bus 

  Chip Set 
     Symphony, AMI BIOS, 07/07/91, 128 K external cache 

  Comments 
     The system has been extremely stable. 

  Caveats 
     Not tested with more than 8 Meg of RAM. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  2.0 - 2.11        altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly Motherboards 

 ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Diamond 

  Model Number 
     FastBus VLB, Flash EPROM revision 1.2I 

  Chip Set 
     Chips & Technologies with Diamond-modified C&T BIOS 

  Comments 
     Problems with speed of QIC-80 backup unit when UltraStor SCSI 
     controller installed.  Also some bugs in BIOS. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - ugly 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Unknown 

  Model Number 
     Laser 9000 

  Chip Set 
     Unichip U4800 with Ami BIOS, 256K external cache 

  Comments 
     Machine operates with AMD 486DX40 CPU run at 50MHZ, jumper 
     selectable CPU speed, otherwise very stable 

  Caveats 
     System hangs and occasionally reboots when Mediavision PAS-16 
     uses 16-bit DMA channels, sometimes displays errors about not 
     finding basic ROMS during 16-bit DMA induced reboot, PAS-16 
     sometimes works flawlessly if there is no hang on system boot-up.  
     Not tested with more than 16MB of ram. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             paltiel@cnj.digex.net - ugly 
  
  ====   

 
 Bad Motherboards 

 ---- 

  Type 
     486 CPU, PCI bus 

  Manufacturer 
     J-Bond 

  Model Number 
     PCI400C-A 

  Chip Set 
     Intel Saturn I (revision 2), 82420TX; NCR 53c810 SCSI controller; 
     Phoenix BIOS 

  Comments 
     Manufacturer attempted to blame drivers for the below problem, 
     but changing to the IBMINT13.I13 driver doesn't help.  Has 3 PCI and 
     5 ISA slots (1 shared).  Comes with OS/2 drivers for the SCSI port. 

  Caveats 
     Board occasionally crashes when doing SCSI I/O.  Disabling the 
     external cache seems to fix this.  This is a known Saturn revision 2 
     bug.  As of 9/27/94, J-Bond doesn't use the fixed (Saturn II, revision 
     4) chipsets. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - BAD 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     486DX2-66, DX2-50, DX-50 

  Manufacturer 
     Micronics 

  Model Number 
     EISA-VL-Bus (Part #09-173-05 Rev A) 

  Chip Set 
     Intel / Pheonix BIOS 

  Comments 
     Very unstable from day one.  Manufacturer support was poor (they 
     refused to call me back, said it was OS/2 and not their board, 
     would not provide RMA for return of Board for them to test; even 
     after I offered to pay for the testing and shipping to and from, 
     etc).  Continous Trap 000D, 000E, and 0002 when I was able to even 
     get it to load.  Used built-in controllers, even worse.  Used 3 
     different video boards, 2 different HDD/FDD boards, 8 differnt HDD, 4 
     different FDD, 3 different CPUs, 8 different SIMMs (56Meg, same 
     manufacturer, one of their reccomeded ones and Part #), etc.  The 
     only thing I didn't change was the MB itself (even changed the 
     cache).  Spent 4 months on this board, over 225 reloads before 
     giving up (PC mag gave this board a #1 reccomendation).  Fair Docs 

     P.S.  ALL of the hardware used works fine on another MB and my 
     current MB!  Some of the problems I am sure are also attributable 
     to the BIOS and not the MB. 

  Caveats 
     When, for the short time periods, it was running it ran like a champ 
     (Better than the AIR I currently use). Fast, clean, crisp.  REALLY 
     wish this board worked. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             jaycee@emh.osan.af.mil - bad 
  
  ====   

 
 Good Multi I/O cards 

 ---- 

  Type 
     VLBus 

  Manufacturer 
     AIR 

  Model Number 
     Q-Access 

  Chip Set 
     Adaptec 

  Comments 
     Supports 2 IDE, 2 Floppy (up to 1.44 MB), SCSI-II, 2 ser, 1 LPT. 
     Included disk contains required drivers (replacements for OS/2's 
     AHA154x.ADD).  With ver 1.0 BIOS, COM ports will not work under 
     OS/2. Problem fixed with V1.01 BIOS. 

  Caveats 
     ASIC emulates a 16450 and cannot be replaced by 16550 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     VESA LB IDE Controller with Multi-Functional I/O 

  Manufacturer 
     Data Technology Corporation (DTC) 

  Model Number 
     DTC 2278VL 

  Comments 
     IDE controller with 2 serial, 1 parallel and 1 game port.  Jumper 
     configurable ports, IRQ's, addresses, enable/disable feature.  OS/2 2.x 
     drivers available on DTC BBS and found on ftp.cdrom.com. 

  Caveats 
     16450 UART. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             gsteckma@sdcc15.UCSD.EDU - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     GoldStar 

  Model Number 
     IDE Plus-V3, December 1991, ISA BUS 

  Chip Set 
     GoldStar 

  Comments 
     jumper selections for primary, secondary, and disabled floppy and 
     hard drives, jumper selection to disable game port, jumper selections 
     to put COM ports at 1/3 and 2/4, jumper selections to put PRT port 
     at 1/2, jumper selections to put COM and PRT ports at IRQ3, 4, 5, 7, 
     9, jumper selections to disable COM and PRT ports 

  Caveats 
     ASIC emulates a 16450 and cannot be replaced by 16550 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  2.0 - 2.11        altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     StarGATE 

  Model Number 
     One Slot combination multiport board, ISA BUS 

  Revision 
     Unknown (Not first revision, known) 

  Comments 
     4 COM and 3 PRT ports, jumper selections to put COM ports at 
     {4,3,3,3}, {4,3,4,3,}, {4,3,12,15}, {4 AND 3 - with interrupt sharing}, 
     PRT ports at {7,5,5} and {7,7,5}, jumper selections to disable 
     individual interrupts and addresses 

  Caveats 
     Unable to get PRT3 to work under OS/2 2.1GA 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  2.1               paltiel@cnj.digex.net - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     ZyXEL 

  Model Number 
     I/O 16550-1, ISA Bus 

  Chip Set 
     HM82C11C, NS16550AFN (National Semiconductor 16550AFN, the real 
     McCoy), HM83450 (16450 clone) 

  Comments 
     Jumper selections for COM ports at 1/3 and 2/4, jumper selections to 
     put PRT at 1/2, both UART chips are socketed. One game port (two 
     can be supported through a "Y" adapter cable).  Highly 
     recommended. 

  Caveats 
     Extremely hard to find (my friends have been trying for eight 
     months to no avail) 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             fredng@io.org - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly Multi I/O cards 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Bad Multi I/O cards 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good Notebooks 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Ugly Notebooks 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Bad Notebooks 

 ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Compaq 

  Model Number 
     Contura 4/25, 4/25c 

  Chip Set 
     Compaq AVGA 

  Comments 
     No drivers for AVGA display adapter (640x480x256) 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             marc@igwe1.vub.ac.be 
  
  ====   

 
 Good Pointers 

 ---- 

  Type 
     mouse 

  Manufacturer 
     CompuDyne (CompUSA house brand) 

  Model Number 
     Serial 3-button mouse 

  Comments 
     OS/2 doesn't automatically identify the mouse type when set to 
     3-button mode, and it's inactive until installation is complete, but it 
     IS supported by OS/2's drivers. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     Joystick 

  Manufacturer 
     Gravis 

  Model Number 
     GamePad 

  Comments 
     4-button game pad permits greater control in games like DOOM and 
     Mortal Kombat 

  Caveats 
     [Strictly speaking, this should not be listed under "good" since OS/2 
     does not support joysticks, but where else can it go? - ed.] 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             fredng@io.org - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     mouse 

  Manufacturer 
     Logitech 

  Model Number 
     MouseMan, Serial-MousePort, M-CJ13-9F 

  Comments 
     the serial pointing device drivers supplied with OS/2 recognize that 
     it is a 3 button mouse, although the middle button is unused 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  2.0 - 2.11        altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     Serial 3-button Mouse 

  Manufacturer 
     Logitech 

  Model Number 
     First Mouse 

  Comments 
     Works great with OS/2 mouse driver.  Very reliable, mine is 2.5 
     years old and has had zero problems. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             walgate@umr.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     trackball 

  Manufacturer 
     Mouse Systems 

  Model Number 
     Trackball II, GK-T321 

  Comments 
     Full support in OS/2 2.1 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     Optical Mouse 

  Manufacturer 
     Mouse Systems 

  Model Number 
     Optical Mouse, M411 

  Comments 
     OS/2 recognizes the mouse out of the box, never needs cleaning 

  Caveats 
     Mouse must be held perpendicular to pad or screen movement will 
     be jerky 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             paltiel@cnj.digex.net - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     3-button optical mouse 

  Manufacturer 
     Mouse Systems 

  Model Number 
     PC Mouse, 403533-001 

  Comments 
     The mouse is inoperative during OS/2 installation, but becomes 
     active after installation is complete. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     mouse 

  Manufacturer 
     Z-Nix 

  Model Number 
     Serial 2-button mouse 

  Comments 
     OS/2 recognizes the mouse out of the box. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly Pointers 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Bad Pointers 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good Printers 

 ---- 

  Type 
     Bubble Jet 

  Manufacturer 
     Canon 

  Model Number 
     BJ-200 

  Comments 
     Drivers are available through BBS and Internet. 

  Caveats 
     Printing is almost as good as in MS-DOS/Windows, but not quite. 
     Drivers are being worked on to improve performance. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             walgate@umr.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     color ink jet 

  Manufacturer 
     Hewlett-Packard 

  Model Number 
     DeskJet 1200C 

  Comments 
     Latest HP drivers available from ftp-boi.external.hp.com; these 
     drivers support color printing from OS/2 applications. 

  Caveats 
     Printer may run out of memory when printing large color images. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     laser 

  Manufacturer 
     Hewlett-Packard 

  Model Number 
     LaserJet 4L 

  Comments 
     Latest HP drivers available from ftp-boi.external.hp.com. Printer is 
     supported directly by OS/2 out of the box. 

  Caveats 
     Printer jams more frequently than it should.  Jams intensify if 
     double-sided (two-pass) printing is attempted from a program which 
     supports this (such as DeScribe). 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     4PPM PCL5 laser printer 

  Manufacturer 
     Hewlett Packard 

  Model Number 
     LaserJet 4P 

  Comments 
     HP quality, 600 dpi, Excellent printer drivers (4P drivers in 2.11) by 
     IBM 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             fredng@io.org - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     printer switchbox:  automatic 1-computer/4-printer or 
     4-computer/1-printer 

  Manufacturer 
     Computer Accessories (CompUSA house brand?) 

  Comments 
     Works in 4-computer/1-printer mode with no special drivers or 
     hardware (except for extra cables) 

  Caveats 
     Not tested in 1-computer/4-printer mode under OS/2; comes with 
     DOS driver software for this, so functionality for this is uncertain. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly Printers 

 ---- 

  Type 
     Bubble Jet, portable 

  Manufacturer 
     Canon 

  Model Number 
     BJ-10ex 

  Comments 
     Driver is not included with OS/2 nor is one available for this model. 
     However, it can be used in IBM Proprinter emulation of 180X180 dpi 
     for OS/2 apps with poor results.  Dos and Windows printing works 
     fine for the printer in native 360X360 dpi mode. 

     A driver is supplied with OS/2.1 GA, you use the IBM4070IJ driver!  
     This gives you access to all functions and resolutions of this 
     printer!! 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             walgate@umr.edu - bad 
  < 3.0             rwalford@mogul.apana.org.au - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Epson 

  Model Number 
     Stylus 800 

  Comments 
     excellent resolution in printing words 

  Caveats 
     OS/2 driver does not support high resolution (360x360dpi) graphics 
     modes.  Use a MSWindows or DOS based program with appropriate 
     drivers to print complex graphics or high resolution CAD art. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             mhinkle@NMSU.Edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     B&W ink jet 

  Manufacturer 
     Hewlett-Packard 

  Model Number 
     DeskJet 500 

  Caveats 
     Margin problems -- depending upon the program, the top margin is 
     from 0" to 0.5" too small, and the bottom margin is correspondingly 
     too large.  If it weren't for this, I'd call the printer "good," but this 
     problem can be very obnoxious in some situations. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - ugly 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     Ink Jet 

  Manufacturer 
     Hewlett-Packard 

  Model Number 
     DeskJet 520 

  Comments 
     Successor to DeskJet 500; capable of 300x600 resolution (but see 
     below) 

  Caveats 
     OS/2 printer drivers don't support the 520's 300x600 resolution, only 
     the 500's 300x300 resolution.  They also have margins problems with 
     many applications (see comments on DJ500). 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Hewlett Packard 

  Model Number 
     PaintJet 

  Comments 
     Contains instructions on cleaning, priming, and testing inside printer's 
     chassis on plastic coated quick-ref sheet 

  Caveats 
     OS/2 driver does a bad job at dithering color images, leaving colors 
     too dark, digital on/off switch does not automatically turn printer 
     on when power is supplied, external power supply required for use 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             paltiel@cnj.digex.net - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Bad Printers 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good Scanners 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Ugly Scanners 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Bad Scanners 

 ---- 

  Type 
     hand 

  Manufacturer 
     Reveal (Mustek) 

  Model Number 
     HS150, 400 DPI Grayscale 

  Comments 
     Not directly supported by OS/2.  Works well in OS2 DOS or Win 
     session. Uses it's own interface adapter which requires an IRQ.  
     (5-12 supported) 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             jim.royer@nmebbs.org 
  
  ====   

 
 Good SCSI Controller cards 

 ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Adaptec 

  Model Number 
     1542C, ISA BUS 

  Chip Set 
     Adaptec 

  Comments 
     Very reliable with OS/2 drivers, but not as fast as most VLB or EISA 
     controllers. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     EISA bus-mastering SCSI-2 host adapter 

  Manufacturer 
     Adaptec 

  Model Number 
     2740/2742/2742T 

  Chip Set 
     Adaptec 

  Comments 
     PhaseEngine(tm) coprocessor (support scatter/gather, tagged 
     queueing, etc.) really speeds along IO.  The T version has two SCSI 
     bussed (up to 14 devices).  Uses new 50-pin high-density connector.  
     OS/2 drivers in box work great. 

  Caveats 
     No cache. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             greck@catt.ncsu.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     VLB Host Adapter 

  Manufacturer 
     Adaptec 

  Model Number 
     AHA-2842VL 

  Chip Set 
     Adaptec, PhaseEngine 

  Comments 
     OS/2 drivers included in the card's box.  Seems to work fine.  
     [rsmith] 

     Very stable from day one.  Worked great!  Just plugged it in and it 
     ran.  Great Docs and on OS/2.  Drivers enclosed.  Built-in BIOS 
     support for a lot of SCSI devices (too many to list), eliminating the 
     need for additional drivers for CDROM, HP scanners, etc.  Very 
     configurable too!!!  If all cards were this easy you wouldn't GBU!!!  
     [jaycee] 

  Caveats 
     Installing OS/2 from a SCSI-based CD-ROM with this controller may 
     require adding the drivers to the OS/2 boot disk and deleting one or 
     two unneeded drivers.  [rsmith] 

     To the people and designers of this board, stupendous!!!!  Cant 
     think of any others.  [jaycee] 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  < 3.0             jaycee@emh.osan.af.mil - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     ISA SCSI-2 with sound capabilities 

  Manufacturer 
     Creative 

  Model Number 
     Sound Blaster 16 SCSI-2 

  Chip Set 
     Adaptec AIC-6360L 

  Comments 
     OS/2 recognizes the card as an Adaptec 1510/1520 and installs the 
     appropriate drivers.  People have reported a 1 Meg/sec transfer 
     rate using hard drives with this card.  The card comes with DOS 
     and Windows drivers and software.  See the Good Audio cards 
     section for more info. 

  Caveats 
     MSCDEX is not included on the diskettes supplied with the card, so 
     if you want to use a CD-ROM with the card under DOS, you will 
     have to obtain mscdex via anonymous ftp from microsoft.com, or 
     other sources. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  2.11              altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     UltraStor 

  Model Number 
     34F, VLB 

  Chip Set 
     UltraStor 

  Comments 
     Reliable and fast.  OS/2 drivers come with card, but may be old; 
     newer drivers available from the usual sources.  Does NOT include a 
     floppy port. 

  Caveats 
     Older cards have an outdated EPROM that causes OS/2 to crash 
     sporadically.  This ROM has a sticker with a number ending in -005, 
     and should be replaced with a -006 EPROM.  UltraStor will ship a 
     new EPROM free of charge if needed.  If installing OS/2 from a 
     SCSI-based CD-ROM, will need to modify the OS/2 installation disks 
     to include the UltraStor driver. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly SCSI Controller cards 

 ---- 

  Type 
     Fast SCSI-II, Floppy controller, ISA Bus 

  Manufacturer 
     Future Domain 

  Model Number 
     TMC-1680 (SVP Package) 

  Chip Set 
     Bios v3.2 

  Comments 
     Driver included with OS/2.  Updated drivers available from Hobbes 
     FTP or Future Domain.  Jumpered settings for: 

         IRQ's 3,5(d),10,11,12,14,15 
         Memory Address' C800,CA00(d),CE00,DE00 
         I/O Address' 0140(d),0150, 0160,0170 
         Floppy On(d)/Off Has Micro DB50 connector (SCSI-II connector) 

  Caveats 
     Will not boot OS/2 v2.1, or Warp Beta I/II, off SCSI drive if set to 
     IRQ 15, yet will happily run and access these drives if booted off of 
     IDE drive. (Will boot DOS/Windows, Win NT, Win 95 Beta at IRQ 15.) 
     IRQ14 and IRQ5 both allow OS/2 to boot off SCSI drive. Others not 
     tested. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             davmp@alumni.caltech.edu - ugly 
  
  ====   

 
 Bad SCSI Controller cards 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good Tape drives 

 ---- 

  Type 
     SCSI-based DC-6xxx drive (250MB max. capacity uncompressed) 

  Manufacturer 
     Archive 

  Model Number 
     Viper 2150S 

  Comments 
     Works fine with UltraStor 34F using ASPI driver for GTAK 2.12b.  Not 
     tested with other software. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     SCSI-based DC-6xxx drive (500MB uncompressed) 

  Manufacturer 
     Archive (now bought by Conner; advertized as either) 

  Model Number 
     Viper 2525S 

  Comments 
     Works fine with GTAK 2.40.  Can read & write Viper 2150S tapes. 
     Tested with UltraStor 34F (works fine) and NCR controller on 
     J-Bond  PCI motherboard (works fine, except for crashes due to 
     Saturn chipset bug on motherboard) and NCR controller on Asus 
     SP3G motherboard (works fine). 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     QIC-80, floppy interface 

  Manufacturer 
     Colorado Memory System 

  Model Number 
     Jumbo 250MB 

  Comments 
     Works great with Fastback Plus for OS/2 and BackMaster, with 
     optional higher performance dedicated controller cards available. 

  Caveats 
     Bundled DOS and Windows software don't work under OS/2, and no 
     OS/2 backup program is included. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             fredng@io.org - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     QIC-80, floppy interface 

  Manufacturer 
     Conner 

  Model Number 
     TapeStor 250 

  Comments 
     Previously sold as Archive XL-80.  QIC-80 tape format.  BackMaster 
     works with it quite well on four tested machines. 

  Caveats 
     Does not come with OS/2 backup software. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly Tape drives 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Bad Tape drives 

 ---- 

 Nothing supplied in this category. 

 ====   

 
 Good Video cards 

 ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Cardinal 

  Model Number 
     VGA700, 1991, ISA BUS 

  Chip Set 
     Tseng ET4000, 1 Meg RAM 

  Comments 
     Completely supported by drivers supplied with OS/2, need to use 
     the supplied DOS support tools to set up refresh rates before 
     running SVGA ON. 

  Caveats 
     quite slow 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  2.0 - 2.11        altstadt@mprgate.mpr.ca - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     PCI bus accelerator 

  Manufacturer 
     Cardex 

  Model Number 
     Challenger 

  Chip Set 
     ET4000/W32p 

  Comments 
     Includes drivers for OS/2 2.x; Warp beta II includes TrueColor 
     support for this board.  Comes with 1MB of RAM upgradeable to 2MB 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Cirrus Logic 

  Model Number 
     CL5426 

  Chip Set 
     Cirrus Logic 5426 

  Comments 
     Drivers come with OS/2, but more recent and faster drivers are 
     available by ftp and from BBSes. 

  Caveats 
     More recent drivers give some people installation problems.  Had to 
     re-install old seamless Windows drivers to get them to work on this 
     system. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     VLB 

  Manufacturer 
     Diamond 

  Model Number 
     Viper VLB w/2MB 

  Chip Set 
     Weitek P9000 

  Comments 
     Stable from day one.  Their driver supports all resolutions I can 
     think of and is available via Internet or their BBS.  Zero Wait State 
     is dis/enable/able.  Also VGA (IRQ2) is dis/enable/able.  Good Docs 

  Caveats 
     Only works with 2.1, 2.11, Feringi, or Warp, not anything earlier. 
     Instructions on how to use it with Feringi or Warp is not included 
     with the VLB drivers but can be obtained from the PCI driver.  Due 
     its built in drivers some games won't run or require special 
     configurations to run (SimCity 2000, Empire Deluxe) 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             jaycee@emh.osan.af.mil - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     miro 

  Model Number 
     miroCRYSTAL 8S 

  Chip Set 
     S3 805 (VL-Bus) 

  Comments 
     Don't use the video drivers from S3 (version 2.2) as their WinOS/2 
     drivers don't work with this card. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             seidel3@wrcs1.urz.uni-wuppertal.de - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     VLB 

  Manufacturer 
     Number Nine Computer Corporation 

  Model Number 
     #9GXE Level 11 and #9GXE Level 12 

  Chip Set 
     S3 928 

  Comments 
     very fast, upto 76Hz refresh rate at a resolution of 1280x1024, runs 
     with manifacturer drivers and IBM S3 drivers. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             reinhard@ifki50.informatik.fh-muenchen.de - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Orchid 

  Model Number 
     Fahrenheit 1280/VLB 

  Chip Set 
     S3-805 (?) 

  Comments 
     Drivers come with some recent OS/2 package; are available from 
     usual sources for other packages. 

  Caveats 
     Beta-level S3 drivers from IBM crashed one machine when installing; 
     final S3_16M drivers gave no problems. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     STB 

  Model Number 
     Evolution, 1991, ISA BUS 

  Chip Set 
     Cirrus Logic GD-5428, 1 Meg RAM 

  Comments 
     Requires 3rd party drivers for use under OS/2 2.1.  Directly 
     supported under OS/2 2.11. 

  Caveats 
     quite slow 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             jim.royer@nmebbs.org - good 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     "Color Designer" (generic) 

  Model Number 
     ?? VL-bus 

  Chip Set 
     Tseng ET4000, 1 Meg RAM 

  Comments 
     Completely supported by drivers supplied with OS/2, need to use 
     the supplied DOS support tools to set up refresh rates before 
     running SVGA ON. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ---- 

  Type 
     VLB accelerated 

  Manufacturer 
     generic 

  Model Number 
     ???? 

  Chip Set 
     Tseng ET4000/W32I 

  Comments 
     OS/2 drivers included in the card's box (available on 
     ftp.cdrom.com, too).  Installation went smoothly, but drivers not as 
     feature-laden as S3 drivers.  Fast card (similar to Orchid S3-805 
     cards in this respect). 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             rsmith@psych.colorado.edu - good 
  
  ====   

 
 Ugly Video cards 

 ---- 

  Type 
     Graphics accelerator 

  Manufacturer 
     ATI 

  Model Number 
     Graphics Ultra, ISA Bus, 1MB VRAM 

  Chip Set 
     ATI mach8 

  Comments 
     Although the drivers for mach32 and mach64 are pretty good, the 
     one for mach8 is not worth the hassle to install it.  It simply screws 
     up the DOS sessions. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             fredng@io.org - ugly 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Diamond 

  Model Number 
     Stealth 32 VLB 

  Chip Set 
     Tseng ET4000W 

  Comments 
     These boards are prone to conflicts with other devices in your 
     system. In a few installations, I've had no trouble getting them to 
     run; in others, nothing would get them to work.  They're really 
     hit-or-miss.  OS/2 drivers are included in the box. 

     In talking to the guy that puts together most of our systems, he 
     said that the Diamond Stealth 32 seems to have the most problems 
     with motherboards using the SSI chipset. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             bobdehn@mprcamnl.wr.usgs.gov 
  
  ====   

 
 Bad Video cards 

 ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     INFOTEL 

  Model Number 
     Ultra DS600 

  Chip Set 
     S3 801 

  Comments 
     This board is a duplicate of the STB Powergraph board, and 
     evidently the architecture of these boards uses an external clock 
     that OS/2 cannot support.  1) no seamless windows, 2) cannot start 
     DOS windows (but can windowize a FS DOS session), and 3) no 
     background processing to FS windows. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             CGaylord@vt.edu - bad 
  
  ---- 

  Manufacturer 
     Prostar (taiwan) 

  Chip Set 
     OTI-087 (Oak Technology) 

  Comments 
     Does not work for DOS window or MS window in super VGA - Video 
     sync problems. 

  Caveats 
     OK with OS/2 windows. OK in VGA mode. 
  
  OS/2 Version      Rated by 
  < 3.0             g-fulford@adfa.edu.au - bad 
  
  ====   

 
 Publication History 

 ---- 

 
  Ver   Date      Release Notes
 
  1.00  94/04/25  Initial release.
 
  1.01  94/05/10  Removed graphics characters, added notebooks, floptical
                  drives.
 
  1.02  94/07/07
 
  1.03  94/09/18  Added IDE controllers, hard disks, and monitors.  Changed
                  rodents to pointers.  Removed file sizes from history since
                  it was a pain to maintain.
 
  1.04  94/09/24  Discovered the alphabet.
 
  1.05  94/10/02
 
  1.06  94/11/05  Changed introductory text.  Added What's New section,
                  pointers to other sources of help, and OS/2 version numbers.
 
 

