Max-80

The MAX-80 is a personal computer released in 1982 by Lobo Systems (formerly Lobo Drives International, a company from California).[1][2] It differed from other TRS-80 compatible computers in that it was not hardware compatible with the TRS-80.[3][1]

Max-80
ManufacturerLobo Systems
TypePersonal computer
Release date1982 (1982)
MediaExternal disk drive
Operating systemLDOS and CP/M
CPUZilog Z80-B @ 5.07MHz
Memory64K, 128K max
Removable storageFloppy Disks
DisplayComposite video out; 64x16 or 80x24 characters

Hardware

The MAX-80 featured a Zilog Z80-B CPU which ran at 5.07 MHz, a very fast speed for its time. It came standard with 64KB of RAM, and was expandable via sockets for a further 64KB.

The standard configuration originally consisted of a 64KB unit (later 128KB) and CP/M. The user could buy a complete system, or provide their own monitor and disk drives.[3]

The floppy disk controller could handle 8-inch drives using the standard IBM 3740 format in single-sided or double-sided modes, as well as 5.25-inch floppy drives with up to 80 cylinders. The Max-80 included a hard disk interface and two RS-232 serial ports. The MAX-80's character generator was user programmable.[1]

Software

Up to 95% of TRS-80 Model III software would function without modification on the MAX-80. This did not include games. The special version of LDOS used was able to run most Model III programs with a patch disk available for those, such as VisiCalc, which it couldn't. The CP/M operating system was offered as well.[3]

A patched version of the TRS-80 Model 4's LS-DOS 6.x operating system was later made available for the MAX-80. This was called MAXDOS.[3]

Community

A users' group called MAXIMUL published a MAX-80 newsletter.[4] MAXIMUL actually outlived Lobo Systems, lasting until 1989.[3]

Reception

Jerry Pournelle wrote in September 1983 that if the Max-80 came with more bundled software "it would be a strong contender for the best deal in microcomputerland. As it is, it's a lot of machine for the money". He recommended that customers join Maximul.[4]

References
  1. "The Lobo MAX-80". www.trs-80.org. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  2. "LOBO DRIVES INTERNATIONAL". opencorporates.com. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  3. Reed, Matthew. "The Lobo MAX-80". Retrieved 2010-11-24.
  4. Pournelle, Jerry (September 1983). "Eagles, Text Editors, New Compilers, and Much More". BYTE. p. 307. Retrieved 2019-04-07.
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