[Coco] How much of a CoCo makes it a CoCo?

[Lothan]

Preserving the original case doesn't really do anything for me, personally. 
I certainly understand the nostalgia aspect of having an original case, but 
I prefer something significantly smaller (say the size of an external 
USB/Firewire/eSATA hard drive or smaller) with VGA video output and PS/2 or 
USB keyboard connector.

I'm not saying I wouldn't purchase an original case if this is the only way 
it's supplied. I'm just saying I prefer it to be significantly smaller so it 
doesn't take up much room on my already cramped desk.

-----Original Message----- 
From: Boisy G. Pitre
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 6:15 PM
To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts
Subject: Re: [Coco] How much of a CoCo makes it a CoCo?

My point in bringing up these questions is to identify where the consensus 
lies.

I believe that once we replace the main board with something like an 
FPGA-based board, it becomes a CoCo 3+ or a CoCo 4 (I'm ambivalent to 
either).

I think a dream CoCo 3+ would be preserving the exterior (case, keyboard, 
etc), removing the power supply and motherboard, and in its place, have an 
FPGA-based board.  Analog RGB would be replaced with a 15 pin VGA connector 
coming out where the composite audio/video ports are now (no composite 
audio/video support would be warranted.)   The serial I/O jack could still 
be there, as well as the joystick ports, but the cassette could go.  The 
reset and power buttons would remain.  Where the 3-4 modulator hole is we 
could put something, and the 3-4 channel switch would remain but would serve 
an entirely different purpose.

And of course, the 40 pin cartridge connector would still be there.

Best Regards,
Boisy G. Pitre
http://www.tee-boy.com/