Portfolio Frequently Asked Questions
by BJ Gleason, Copyright (c) 1992 by BJ Gleason
Send Updates, Comments and Suggestions to the author at:
75300,2517 Compuserve
bjgleas@auvm.american.edu
Edition: February 26, 1992
________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
PORTFOLIO_____________________________________________
1. What is the Atari Portfolio?
2. How large should I set Drive C: to with the FDISK command?
3. Why does the screen flash when the computer is off?
RAMCARDS_______________________________________________
4. What size RAM cards are available?
5. Can I interface the RAMcards to other machines?
6. Can memory cards for the HP work on the Portfolio?
7. How often should the battery in the RAMcard be replaced?
8. How do I replace the batteries in the RAMcard with out losing the information?
BATTERIES______________________________________________
9. Can I use Nicads in the Portfolio?
10. Will the Parallel port and/or Serial port drain the batteries faster?
COMPATIBILITY / BUGS____________________________________
11. Will the Portfolio run IBM files?
12. What is the UPDATE program?
13. What are some of the Bugs in the Portfolio?
14. What are some of the Hardware Incompatibilities?
15. How do I reboot the Portfolio?
INTERNAL APPLICATIONS__________________________________
16. What ROM versions are available?
17. Can the ROM be upgraded?
18. Can I run MS/DOS 3.0 or later on the Portfolio?
19. How can I get a list of filenames when I want to load a
20. How can I find the developers names in the Portfolio?
21. Can Portfolio Applications run on a PC or a MAC?
PROGRAMMING____________________________________________
22. How can I make my programs smaller?
23. Is a Technical Manual Available for the Portfolio?
24. What languages are available for the Portfolio?
25. What PC Compilers can I use to develop programs?
26. Can Turbo Pascal 3.01A run on the Portfolio?
PBASIC_________________________________________________
27. How do I run a PBASIC program?
28. What is ALTR.COM?
29. Can I use PBASIC on the PC?
30. What are the differences between PowerBASIC and
PBASIC?
FILE TYPES_____________________________________________
31. What do .ZIP and .ARC mean?
32. What is .PGC?
33. What is .PGX?
34. What is a .HOO file?
35. What is a .RUN file?
DISK STORAGE___________________________________________
36. Will the PDD1 or PDD2 from Radio Shack work on the
37. Can I attach a Hard Disk to the Portfolio?
38. When using the Flashdrive, the MD command lock up the
39. Can I hook an MS/DOS Compatible Disk Drive to the Port?
40. Did Xoterix release their hard disk unit for the Portfolio?
FILE TRANSFERS_________________________________________
41. How do I transfer files to and from the PC?
42. How do I transfer files to and from other machines?
SOFTWARE SOURCES_______________________________________
43. Where can I get programs for the Portfolio?
44. How do I get an account on Compuserve?
45. What is the Atari Portfolio Forum on Compuserve?
46. What is in the Atari Portfolio Libraries on Compuserve?
EXPANDING MEMORY_______________________________________
47. Can I increase the internal memory size of the Portfolio?
APPLICATIONS___________________________________________
48. Will WordPerfect Run on the Portfolio?
49. Is there a version of Tetris for the Portfolio?
50. What is a PREAD file?
51. Is there a program to capture the Portfolio Screen?
52. Can I do Animation on the Portfolio?
SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS__________________________________
53. How do I hook up a modem?
MISCELLANEOUS__________________________________________
54. What is the APB?
55. What is the Address of Atari?
56. Was that a Portfolio used in Terminator 2?
57. What is DIP?
58. What is the Address of DIP?
59. Is a keyboard cover available for the Portfolio?
60. What magazines/newsletters cover the Portfolio?
61. Who is Don Thomas?
62. What should I do if travelling Overseas with the Portfolio?
63. Can I put the Portfolio Through an X-RAY machine?
64. What do I do when the Portfolio dies?
________________________________________________________________
PORTFOLIO_____________________________________________
1. What is the Atari Portfolio?
The Portfolio is a "palmtop" personal computer that is very (but not completely) compatible with the IBM PC computer
systems. The base unit, when folded, is about the size of a VHS tape. It unfolds to reveal a 40 characters by 8 lines
screen and a 63 key keyboard. It comes with 128k of RAM,which is divided between memory and a RAMdisk. The Liquid
Crystal Display screen is very easy to read, even in poor lighting, and has contrast adjustment built into the
keyboard. The keyboard is arranged in the standard QWERTY fashion (like a typewriter), making it very easy to find the
keys, but the spacing of the keys is a bit tight. The unit is powered by three AA batteries, which last about 100
hours. With the addition of the parallel interface you can upload and download files to another PC that has a parallel
port. A serial port is also available.
Aside from DOS 2.11, the Portfolio also has a simple ASCII text editor, a calculator, a diary with alarms, and an
address book that can dial numbers on touch tone phones. Perhaps the most impressive built in application is a
spreadsheet program that is compatible with Lotus 1-2-3.
2. How large should I set Drive C: to with the FDISK command?
If the computer should ever crash, all the files on drive C are lost. Many users keep all their files on the RAMcard,
and set the C drive to about 8k with the FDISK command.This will leave you about 100k of free memory for your
applications.
3. Why does the screen flash when the computer is off?
New users will occasionally notice the screen flash when the unit is turned off. The computer will turn itself on about
every two minutes to check the alarms in the diary.
RAMCARDS_______________________________________________
4. What size RAM cards are available?
In the United States: 32k, 64k, 128k
Outside the US, there are Memory Modules. The are RAMcards with "boxes" on the ends. They stick out of the unit by
about an inch.
256k, 512k, and 1Meg Memory Modules are available for the Portfolio from DIP systems in England. They work just like
RAMCards, and measure 20*50*70mm. Contact DIP, 32 Frederick Sanger Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, United
Kingdom, GU2 5XN. (0483) 301555. The prices are (in pounds) 256k 182.56, 512k 252.13, and 1Meg 373.87 and do not
include shipping.
5. Can I interface the RAMcards to other machines?
Circuit Cellar INK Magazine, Issue 18, January 1991, has an article entitled "An Interface for Portable Battery-Backed
RAM". The article shows construction of an interface to read and write information from a Mitsubishi's Credit Card
Memory. This is the same card that is used on the Portfolio.
6. Can memory cards for the HP work on the Portfolio?
No. They are completely different, and not compatible. The same goes for the Poqet, PC-3000, and just about every other
machine on the market.
7. How often should the battery in the RAMcard be replaced?
The battery in a memory card lasts about one year. In order to make sure you replace the battery in time, write the
replacement date on the card. You could also set the diary to alert you in about a year.
8. How do I replace the batteries in the RAMcard with out losing the information?
Insert the RAMcard into the Portfolio, and turn the Portfolio ON. The Portfolio will power the RAMcard while
the RAMcard battery is pulled out and replaced. Do not let the Portfolio power down automatically [after 2 minutes], or
you will lose all the information.
BATTERIES______________________________________________
9. Can I use Nicads in the Portfolio?
It is possible to use rechargeable batteries, on the portfolio, but be warned. The discharge drop-off on
rechargeable batteries are much steeper than normal alkaline batteries, so you might not always see the LOW BATTERY
warning. Keep everything on a RAMcard is you want to use rechargables.
10. Will the Parallel port and/or Serial port drain the batteries faster?
Whenever using the serial or parallel port, you should always use the AC adapter. These ports require about as
much power as the Portfolio and will quickly drain the batteries.
COMPATIBILITY / BUGS____________________________________
11. Will the Portfolio run IBM files?
Because of the unique design of the Portfolio, not all programs designed for a PC will run it. There are a number
of reasons. The most common is that a program directly address the hardware. Much of the Portfolio's hardware is
slightly different and this will cause a conflict. There are some other differences, but I will leave these for a
more detailed description in another column. For now, to make the Portfolio as compatible as possible with a PC,
access the SETUP menu and under DISPLAY set EXTERNAL MODE to TRACKED, REFRESH to BOTH, and SPEED to FAST. Note however,
that the FAST setting will use up your batteries quicker.
12. What is the UPDATE program?
Atari has released an UPDATE program to fix some bugs in the Portfolio.
The UPDATE program is available from several sources. You can get the program from Atari on the DOS Utility Card (HPC-
701 $89.85) or on the File Manager/Tutorial Card (HPC-704 $20.00). You can also download the program from the
Portfolio areas on both GENIE and COMPUSERVE. It can also be found on Atari's own bulletin board (408-745-2191), but
new users will have to wait two business days for validation. Once you have the program, place the UPDATE
command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file so that it is activated when you reboot your machine.
13. What are some of the Bugs in the Portfolio?
If you try to load a zero length file into one of the built- in applications, the Port will lock up. Reboot the machine,
delete the zero length file, and you should be ready to go.There is the "ShotGun" bug. When you power up the
Portfolio, it will write a random byte to a certain memory location. If an application is loaded, this can mangle the
data file. One way around is to exit any applications before the machine powers down, or enter the following lines
in the CONFIG.SYS file:
FILES=20
BUFFERS=32
The memory location will be inside the file buffer area, and will not affect the data files.
The Portfolio will lock up if you try to load a file into the editor that ends with a <SPACE><RETURN>. The UPDATE
program fixes this bug.
14. What are some of the Hardware Incompatibilities?
One of the most obvious differences of the Portfolio is that it has a smaller screen that the PC. The Portfolio's screen
is 8 lines by 40 characters. This can cause problems with programs expecting a larger screen. There are two possible
ways around this: Rewrite the program (if you have access to the code), or change the Portfolio Screen mode via the
Setup Menu. The Portfolio has three Screen modes: Normal, Static and Tracked. Normal is the 8 lines by 40 characters
mode. In Static and Tracked, the 8 by 40 screen serves as a window to a virtual 25 by 80 screen. You can use the ALT
arrow keys to scroll around on the screen. In tracked mode,the window automatically follows the cursor around on the
screen.
The second problem with the text screen is that while you can write directly to screen memory, it will not so up on
the screen until a screen refresh is done. The text is copied to the LCD screen when a refresh is performed. In
the Setup Menu are the Screen Refresh Options. The default is Normal: No refresh. You can also select a refresh based
on the Timer, Keyboard Input, or Both. For programs that write directly to the screen, you should select both, but it
is highly recommended that you change the program to operate in the No Refresh (normal) mode, since this is the default
for the Portfolio.
MEMORY
The next most obvious problem with the Portfolio is the severe lack of memory. The standard Portfolio comes with
128k of memory, and at least 15k of that is reserved for MS/DOS and the RAMdisk. Care should be taken to keep
programs as small as possible. A common problem is that some program automatically assume that there is at least
256k of memory available, and they just use it, instead of requesting it from the operating system. This will
typically cause the system to crash.
GRAPHICS
When you switch the screen mode to graphics, you can draw on the screen using the standard ROM BIOS calls, but you can
not write text to the graphics screen. The screen memory arranged different than a standard PC. The graphics memory
is arranged as 30 bytes (240 bits) across and 64 lines down. Each pixel is either 1 (on), or 0 (off). Direct graphics
screen writes suffer the same problem with the refresh as the text screen, but there is one further complication. You
can not write text to the graphics screen. PowerBASIC and PBASIC both work about this problem by creating and printing
their own character set, which will allow text and graphics on the same screen.
TIMER
On a standard PC, there is a timer tick that occurs 18.2 times a second in order to update the real time clock. On
the Portfolio, this has been reduced to 1 tick per second in FAST mode, and 1 tick every 128 seconds in NORMAL mode.
This reduction is to conserve battery power. The FAST more require much more power, and will drain the batteries
sooner.
Some programs count the timer ticks during initialization in order to determine the speed of the computer. If the code
waits for 18 timer ticks, it will take 18 seconds in FAST mode, and over 36 minutes in NORMAL mode. If a program
appears to lock up the machine, reboot, and try setting the speed to FAST, and run the program again. If possible,
rewrite the program to use a predetermined number for the clock speed, instead of calculating it.
PARALLEL AND SERIAL PORTS
The detachable Parallel and Serial Port are at different addresses than a PC, and use a slightly different interrupt
structure. This leads to a major incompatibilities with communications programs. Several communication programs are
available from both commercial and public domain sources.
EXTRAS
On the plus side, the Portfolio has a number of built in options, such as drawing boxes, line editing, and menus
(which are used in the built in applications), are available to the intrepid programmer. The technical manual describes
these options in detail, but there are a few languages that allow you to access these special functions. Using these
Portfolio Only features can reduce the size of your code, and make your program look and feel more like the built-in
applications.
15. How do I reboot the Portfolio?
When the Portfolio locks up, there are three ways to reboot the machine. First try the "three finger salute",
<CTRL><ALT><DEL>. If this has no effect, turn the machine upside down, and above the Atari label, there is a hole.
Use a paper clip to depress the switch in the hole. If the Portfolio still refuses to reboot, you will have to cold
boot the machine. Remove the battery cover. Use a paper clip to depress the small metal tab. The cold reboot will
take your Portfolio back to when you first got it. You will even have to tell it what language you want to use.
Everything on drive C: will be lost.
INTERNAL APPLICATIONS__________________________________
16. What ROM versions are available?
1.056 First Version Released
1.072 Current Version
1.09 Not Released
17. Can the ROM be upgraded?
No.
18. Can I run MS/DOS 3.0 or later on the Portfolio?
No. The unit is MS/DOS 2.11 compatible in ROM. Due to the hardware differences, and memory limitations, other versions
of DOS will not run on it.
19. How can I get a list of filenames when I want to load a files into an application?
When a built-in application asks for a filename to load, type *<return> to display a list of files for that application.
20. How can I find the developers names in the Portfolio?
To see the names of the people who developed the Atari Portfolio, follow these steps: From the editor, press
<FN><F2> to get the help menu. Press <K> to select Keyboard Help. Finally press <ALT><[> to find out who created your
machine.
21. Can Portfolio Applications run on a PC or a MAC?
Yes. ComputerBooks, in their infinite wisdom, has imported them so that they are available to American users for only
$69.95 for the PC version, and $89.95 for the Mac Version. The Mac version also includes a cable and software on a ROM
card for file transfers.
The program, called PC Applications or Pocket Mac, depending on your machine, is a complete implementation of the
Portfolio software. You do not need to use any conversion programs, and the file transfer software is built right into
it. It provides for a very nice and easy pocket-to-desktop linkage. The desktop versions also give you a larger view,
since it can make use of the 80 characters by 25 line screens. It is so nice, that some Poqet computer users are
using PC Applications on their machines instead of the Poqet's built-in applications!
The address for ComputerBooks is 20351 Irvine Avenue, Suite 9, P.O. Box 9167, Newport Beach, CA 92658. Their phone
number is 1-714-966-2023.
PROGRAMMING____________________________________________
22. How can I make my programs smaller?
Disk space is a prime concern on the Portfolio. To make programs smaller, there are two utilities, LZEXE and PKLITE,
which will compress programs to about 2/3's their original size.
23. Is a Technical Manual Available for the Portfolio?
If you are an amateur or professional developer and want to develop programs that take advantage of the inner workings
of the machine, there is a Technical Reference manual available from Atari for 60 dollars. Call Gail Johnson at
(408)-745-2022 for more details. The manual includes emulation software for the PC. The cost is $60.
24. What languages are available for the Portfolio?
BASIC
There are two version of BASIC available for the Portfolio.
The first is Atari's PowerBASIC compiler. This is a reasonable straight forward compiler. It allows for text
and graphics on the same screen, but does not allow you to access the more interesting Portfolio Only features. The
other is PBASIC version 4.9, the 'freeware' BASIC interpreter for the Portfolio is available in the APORTFOLIO
forum on COMPUSERVE. PBASIC is an almost complete implementation, lacking only Random Access Files. To it's
credit, PBASIC does allows easy access to the Portfolio Only features.
FORTH
Essex Marketing Services, (203) 651-8284, have developed a FORTH-83 compiler for the Portfolio. It has a kernel of
just 8k, leaving a lot of room for programs and data. There are versions available for the Portfolio, a PC, and the
HP95LX, allowing for easy development across platforms.
A86
Eric J. Isaacson's A86 is not only one of the fastest assemblers, but it is one of the few assemblers that will
run on the Portfolio. Version 3.12 has been tested on the Portfolio. Some earlier versions of this shareware
assembler will cause the Portfolio to crash.
TURBO PASCAL 3
Because of the timer design (as described before), Turbo Pascal 3.01A from Borland International will not run easily
on the Portfolio. On Compuserve, in the APORTFOLIO forum, there is a document called PURBO.TXT that describes how to
modify the compiler to run on the Portfolio. After making a simple modification to the compiler with DEBUG, you then set
the DISPLAY to TRACKED and REFRESH to BOTH, and you are ready to run. You can edit, run and compile TP3 programs on
the Portfolio. The compiled programs will also run on the PC, but the timing might be off, depending on the clock
speed of the PC.
25. What PC Compilers can I use to develop programs?
BORLAND TURBO C
This compiler is widely used by many developer writing code for the Portfolio. To ensure compatibility, be sure to set
DIRECTVIDEO to 0. There are a number of libraries under development to provide Portfolio Only support to the
language.
TURBO PASCAL 5.5 and 6
Turbo Pascal programs will run on the Portfolio, provided you don't use the CRT unit. The CRT unit tries to calculate
the clock speed. There is a replacement available for the CRT unit, called The Portfolio Unit, available in the
APORTFOLIO forum on Compuserve. This emulates a fair number of the functions in the CRT unit, and it also adds access to
a number of Portfolio Only functions, such as Boxes, Sounds, and Menus. This unit will be examined in an upcoming issue
of this column.
PBASIC EDITOR
The PBASIC interpreter will run on both the Portfolio and the PC. But since the PC does not have the Portfolio Only
functions, some statements will generate errors. The PBASIC EDITOR, Version 2.0, takes care of that problem by providing
Portfolio Emulation built into the editor. This allows for easy development of BASIC programs on and off the Portfolio.
The editor is available on Compuserve.
POWERBASIC
The PowerBASIC compiler for the Portfolio will not run on the PC. You could use a standard editor to create the
programs, and then transfer and compiler them on the Portfolio, or you can buy a copy of PowerBASIC from Spectra
Publishing (the company that created PowerBASIC for the Portfolio), and develop programs on the PC as well. You
must then transfer the source code to the Portfolio and recompile the program. A special PowerBASIC development kit
for the PC is expected soon, which will allow PowerBASIC users to access the Portfolio Only functions.
MICROSOFT QUICKBASIC
Is not exactly the best programming environment for the Portfolio. Much of the generated code access hardware
directly, causing problems on the Portfolio, and the executable programs tend to be very large even for the
smallest programs. Still, with a little work, and setting REFRESH to BOTH, will allow you to run these programs on the Portfolio.
26. Can Turbo Pascal 3.01A run on the Portfolio?
It will... it just takes an amazingly long time. When TP3 starts up, it tries to determine the clock speed of the
computer. It does this by waiting for a couple of timer ticks. On a standard PC, these ticks are generated 18.2
times a second. On the Portfolio, these ticks occur about every 2 MINUTES! So TP3 sits and waits.
On Compuserve, in the APORTFOLIO forum, there is a document called PURBO.TXT that describes how to modify TURBO PASCAL
3.01 to run on the Portfolio. After making a simple modification to the compiler with DEBUG, you then set the
DISPLAY to TRACKED and REFRESH to BOTH, and you are ready to run. You can edit, run and compile TP3 programs on the
Portfolio. The compiled programs will also run on the PC,but any the timing might be off, depending on the clock
speed of the PC.
PBASIC_________________________________________________
27. How do I run a PBASIC program?
PBASIC does not have an internal editor like GWBASIC. Create the BASIC program with the Portfolio's internal
editor. You can then run the program with the command:
PBASIC filename
28. What is ALTR.COM?
ALTR is a TSR program for the Portfolio that will Automatically save the current file in the editor, exit the
editor, and run PBASIC. PBASIC.EXE must be renamed to P.EXE to be used with this utility.
29. Can I use PBASIC on the PC?
Yes, but you can not use any of the "Portfolio Only" features.
The PBASIC Editor, a program to allow users on a PC to write PBASIC programs, has been upgraded to version 2.0. The
major improvement is that the editor now provides emulation for those nifty "Portfolio Only" features. So you can now
view PGC graphics, as well as Boxes, Sounds, and Menus on the PC. This should help speed up Portfolio software
development. The PBASIC editor is available on Compuserve in the APORTFOLIO forum as PBE20.ZIP.
30. What are the differences between PowerBASIC and PBASIC?
Lets take a look at the Pros and Cons for each:
PowerBASIC Pros:
More memory available
Programs run faster
Random Access files
Supplied on ROM Card
Interrupt Driven Serial Input/Output
PowerBASIC Cons:
Only runs on the Portfolio
Debugging is harder
Does not interact with the editor
Does not make use of the internal Portfolio features
Doesn't allow for Hex constants
Cost $75+
PowerBASIC for the PC another $75+
PBASIC Pros:
Runs on the PC and the Portfolio (and HP)
Editor points to errors
Allows Access to internal features (Menus, etc.)
Importing from a .WKS file
PGC graphics support with Animation
Cost: Free
Updated regularly
PBASIC Cons:
Requires about 70k of memory to run
Slower than a Compiler
Not 100% compatible with GWBASIC
Transfer to Portfolio can be a minor problem
Here are the additional functions and statements included
with PowerBasic. Most of these command are to support the
Random Access file.
$COM $STACK CIRCLE CVD CVI CVS
DEF FN END DEF DEFINT DEFSNG DEFDBL DEFSTR
DO, LOOP EXECUTE EXIT FIELD GET GET$
LOC LOF LSET MKI$ MKS$ MKD$
OPEN COM PUT PUT$ RSET SEEK STRPTR
STRSEG SUB END SUB TONE
Here are the additional functions and statements that are included with PBASIC.
ACOS ALARM ASIN BLOAD BOX BSAVE
CHAIN CLICK CMODE COSH CWD$ DECR
DEG DIAL DISPLAY DMS DOSVER ERRWIN
EVAL FALSE FINDFILE$ FINDNEXT$ FILESIZE FIX
FORMFEED GETDISPLAY GLOCATE GPRINT INCR
INVERT LTRIM$ MENU MSD NUMFMT OFF
PBVER PGLOAD PGSAVE PGSHOW PI PORT
PRINTER PRTSC RAD RAND REFRESH
REPEAT/UNTIL ROMVER RTRIM$ RUN SINH
SHIFT SOUND SPACE$ STATUS STOP SWAP
SYSTEM TANH TICK TIMER TRUE VCSRLIN
VLOCATE VMOVE VPOS WAIT WKSREAD WKSREAD$
WKSTYPE WRITE WRITE#
FILE TYPES_____________________________________________
31. What do .ZIP and .ARC mean?
If the filename ends in .ZIP or .ARC, that means that it is a compressed library containing several files. To extract
the files, you will need the PKUNZIP or ARC programs.
32. What is .PGC?
Don Messerli, of the Software Vineyard, has developed the .PGC (Portfolio Graphics Compressed) standard. This
standard, along with his excellent program, PGSHOW, allows for 9 frames per second of animation. It is very
impressive. PBASIC also supports the .PGC standard, and allows up to about 4 frames per second.
33. What is .PGX?
This is a graphic animation file. Use PGFLIX to display the file.
34. What is a .HOO file?
A .HOO file is a program designed to run from inside the Portfolio's internal editor. Press <F6> inside the editor
to get a list of .HOO files.
35. What is a .RUN file?
This is a program that can be run from the memory card, leaving all the memory free for your data. The programs are
of a special format, and have been specially written for the Portfolio. You can not typically copy these files, since
they have to be stored in consecutive sectors on the memory card. To copy a .RUN card, the quickest way is to reformat
the target card, and then copy the .RUN file first. This will assure it is stored on the card correctly. To execute
a .RUN program, use the command:
RUN filename.RUN
DISK STORAGE___________________________________________
36. Will the PDD1 or PDD2 from Radio Shack work on the Portfolio?
Yes. There are drivers in the for both units. The devices do not act as disk drives, but as mass storage devices.
For the Model 100 computer, Radio Shack developed a 3.5 inch Portable Disk Drive (PDD) that could be plugged into a
serial port. There are two models, the PDD1, which can hold 100k of data, and the PPD2 which can hold 200k. It is not
very fast (about 1.9kbps), but it runs on batteries and is about the size of a box of 5.25 inch disks. The PPD1 is no
longer available, but can often be found used at computer festivals. The PDD2 is still sold by Radio Shack and costs
about $220. It often goes on sale for about $170. To use either PDD with the Portfolio, you will need the serial
port, and a program to access the unit. PDD1.ZIP and PDD2.ZIP are both written by Brian C. Woodcox and are
available in the APORTFOLIO forum on Compuserve.
A driver for the PDD2 if available on a ROM card from John Feagans, Monterey Bay Whaling Company, 2681 N. Rodeo Gulch
Road, Soquel, California, 95073, (408)-475-4290. The cost is seventy dollars ($70.00) for the drivers on a ROM card,
or forty dollars ($40.00) for the programs on an MS/DOS compatible disk.
The problem is that the disk formats are unique to the PDD. The drivers on Compuserve will also work on a PC, so you can
read the disk via a serial port on the PC as well.
TIP: If using disk formatted for the PDD units, be sure to mark on the labels "PDD" so you don't get them confused with
other systems.
37. Can I attach a Hard Disk to the Portfolio?
There is finally a hard disk unit available for the Portfolio. The BSE Company, 14701 Candeda Place, Tustin, CA
92680, (714)-832-4316, have developed the Flashdrive hard disk unit. The unit interfaces to the Portfolio via the
Parallel Interface. The 20mb version sells for $499.
38. When using the Flashdrive, the MD command lock up the computer. Why?
On some models of the Portfolio, there is a problem with the MKDIR (MD) command. The designers of the Portfolio never
anticipated a harddrive connected to the unit. The MD command can not handle drives larger that 2mb. BSE had to
create their on version of the MD command, called ATMD, to bypass this problem. It is included with the Portfolio
driver.
39. Can I hook an MS/DOS Compatible Disk Drive to the Port?
There are two approaches to get the Portfolio to read and write standard 720k format disks. The first is the
Retriever, a serial operated, battery powered, IBM compatible, 3.5 inch disk drive for the Portfolio. The
problem, however, is that it is currently available only in England from DIP systems (0483) 301555, and cost 350 pounds
(about 600 dollars).Another approach is the via the HPIL interface. This interface allows connection to various HP devices, including
a 3.5 inch disk drive. There is a driver to allow the HP disk drive to read and write the IBM format. Contact
Interloop (408)-922-0520 for more information. You can supposedly put together all the parts for this unit for
about 500 dollars.
40. Did Xoterix release their hard disk unit for the Portfolio?
For those people holding their breath for the hard dive/memory expansion unit for Xoterix, bad news. According
to the president of the company, the unit has been postponed indefinitely. They did not receive enough interest for them
to put the unit into production.
FILE TRANSFERS_________________________________________
41. How do I transfer files to and from the PC?
The Portfolio has built-in software to communicate with the printer port on a PC via the Smart Parallel Interface. The
parallel interface comes with a command-line driven program called FT to perform file exchanges. The program is
provided on 5 1/4 and 3 1/2 inch disk for a PC. The only real tricky part is the cable to go between the Portfolio
and the PC. You need a "Male-to-Male DB25 all-lines straight through" cable. While it can be found in local
stores (I bought one at Egghead Software), it would be easiest to obtain the cable from Atari (408) 443-8020. The
Parallel File-Transfer Cable (HPC-406) costs $19.95. This approach to file transfer is reliable and easy, but not very fast.
If you don't like the FT program that Atari supplies, there is a program on Compuserve in the APORTFOLIO library called
FTMENU, which provides a "point-and-click" menu front-end to the FT program.
Another approach to file transfer on a PC is Atari's PC Card Drive (HPC-301) which costs $99.95. This hardware card is
plugged into the PC's expansion bus. At present there is no version for the PS/2 micro-channel bus. A small box is
attached to the card, with a slot to insert a memory card. The software driver on the PC will now treat the memory card
as if it was a regular disk drive on the PC. It is referred to as the next drive (typically D:) on your system. You can
now use normal MS/DOS command to copy file to and from the memory card. This is more expensive, but is very fast.
42. How do I transfer files to and from other machines?
File transfer to non-MS/DOS machine becomes a bit tougher. Typically, you can connect two machines via their serial
ports (by using a null modem cable), and use serial communications programs on both sides to exchange files.
This seems simple enough until you realize that the Portfolio does not have a serial communications program
built into it. Another problem is that the Portfolio has a non-standard serial port, so regular communication programs
for a PC, such as Procomm, will not work. Finally, you will have to have the Serial Interface for the Portfolio.
On Compuserve, in the APORTFOLIO forum, there are two serial communication programs, XTERM by Jim Strauss, and ACOM by
Charles Cook. But how do you get the a serial program onto the Portfolio via the serial port without having a serial
program already on the Portfolio? Catch-22. Here are some solutions:
1. Get a friend to copy the program onto a memory card.
2. If you have no friends (who own a Portfolio), ask a local dealer.
3. Get the Parallel Port and access to a PC, and use FT to copy the serial program.
4. Buy the DOS Utilities ROM card (HPC-701) for $89.95 from Atari. It has the XTERM program on it.
Once you get the serial program on a RAM card, put a copy of it on every memory card you have, as well as drive C:, just in case.
The serial cable will have to have a Female DB9 on the Portfolio side, and the proper connection for your machine.
For the Macintosh, you can order a serial cable from two sources: Atari, the Portfolio-Mac File Transfer Cable (HPC-
407) for $19.95, or Able Cables (415) 457-4028 for $20 postpaid. Atari also supplies a cable for the Atari-ST and
other machines (Female DB9 to Female DB25) for $19.95, the Serial Null-Modem Cable (HPC-409).
When transferring files on the Macintosh, be sure to disable the MacBinary option.
A complete file-transfer package for the Macintosh is available from Computer Friends (503) 626-2291 for $189.00.
This includes software on ROM for the Portfolio, software on disk for the Mac, and the serial cable. It does not include
the serial port for the Portfolio.
SOFTWARE SOURCES_______________________________________
43. Where can I get programs for the Portfolio?
ATARI BBS: 408-745-2191
FIDO BBS: 301-997-7204
Compuserve
Genie
Internet/Bitnet: ATARI.ARCHIVE.UMICH.EDU.
44. How do I get an account on Compuserve?
If you are not a member of COMPUSERVE, you should be. The APORTFOLIO forum has perhaps the most complete collection of
Public Domain, Freeware, and Shareware for the Portfolio. It is also an official Atari support site. Right now, new
users you can sign up for free, and get a $15 usage credit. Call (800) 848-8199 and ask for operator 198. They will
drop your Sign-Up kit in the mail to you.
45. What is the Atari Portfolio Forum on Compuserve?
The Atari Portfolio Forum on Compuserve has been called one of the most pleasant forum on the system. Run by Master
Sysop Ron Luks, and by Assistant sysops, Marty Mankins, Judy Hamner, and BJ Gleason, it strives to keep Portfolio users
abreast with developments about the machine. It is also an Atari official support site, which means that company
employees drop by on a regular basis.
There are thirteen Message Sections Available in the Portfolio Forum. People who access the forum only for the
libraries are missing out on a lot. The message area allow users to meet, and exchange a lot of information on this
little machine. One user who checks into this forum everyday is Don Thomas - Marketing Manager for the
Portfolio. He always has a lot to say to all the members. All you have to do is ask. Many of the authors who write
the software available in the libraries are available for comments, suggestions and bug reports.
The forum message areas include: Forum Business, Communications, Utilities, Entertainment, Editors/Word Proc,
Database Functions, Applications, Programming, Mac-to-Portfolio, Peripherals, *WISH LIST*, News & Reviews,
and Community Square.
A number of programmers online were complaining that they were running out of ideas for new programs for the
Portfolio. To help them out, the sysops of the forum added the *WISH LIST* area. This message area is being used by
forum members to suggest new ideas for the programmers. From large to small, many users have been placing requests
in this area, and then finding the program written just a few days, and sometimes, in just a few hours, later. This
idea was so popular, it has been spreading to other forums as well.
46. What is in the Atari Portfolio Libraries on Compuserve?
The most popular area in the forum has to be the Libraries. As of February 1, 1992, there are now over 650 files
available for downloading. This is due, in large part, to the program marathoners [Don Messerli, David E. Stewart, and
BJ Gleason], and all the rest of the members who have contributed over the years.
The library areas are: Forum News, Communications, Utilities, Entertainment, Editors/Word Processing, Database
Functions, Applications, Programming, Graphics, News & Reviews, Misc. Files.
This sometimes can cause confusion to new users who want to find the latest program. Compuserve has recently introduced
new library software to the forum, that allows you to look for files in all areas at once. For example, to browse all
the libraries for all the files uploaded in the last 30 days, you can use the command: BRO LIB:ALL AGE:30
With over 650 it is almost impossible to even begin to describe what is available. Games of all kind, programming
tools, as well as languages, hints, tips, and so much more. In order to keep abreast of all the activity, sysop Judy
Hamner, writes a weekly Forum News report which is available in LIB 1. She summarizes the conversations going on in the
message area, as well as listing all the files that had been upload in the previous week. It is highly recommend you
read these summaries in order to keep up. To access the forum, log onto Compuserve and type: GO APORTFOLIO at any prompt.
EXPANDING MEMORY_______________________________________
47. Can I increase the internal memory size of the Portfolio?
Yes. There are two approaches. There is a device available outside the US called Memory Expander+, which will increase
the port's internal memory to 384k, and add a second RAMcard slot. It plug in like the Parallel Port.
The other approach is Megabyte Computers in Texas will now upgrade the Portfolio to 512k of memory internally. The
modification includes a six month warranty for the work. The cost is 299 dollars. For more information call, (817)589-2950.
Megabyte Computers in North Texas will upgrade the memory in the Portfolio from the standard 128k to a whopping 512k. To
upgrade your system, you need to send you unit to Megabyte. The modification takes about 3 days, and then the unit is
shipped back. You will then have 512k of memory in your unit. The first thing you will notice is that drive C: is
now 128k! It can be reduced as low as 9k, or as high as 464k.
While this greatly increases the sizes and types of programs you can run, it will have no effect on the internal
applications: they are still limited to about 55k in size.
The best part of this upgrade is that Megabyte Computers has just dropped the price of the upgrade from $350 to $299. If
you cringe at someone opening up the Portfolio, you can buy a new Portfolio with 512k from Megabyte for $529. But you
shouldn't worry too much since Megabyte is a factory-authorized Atari service center, an Atari Dealer, and that
many employees of Atari have had this upgrade done. They also provide a six-month warranty on the upgrade.
There is an external memory upgrade that will increase the Portfolio memory by 256k, but it is not available in the
United States. It is a genuine Atari Memory Expander+, which also adds a second card drive, but it will not pass
the strict FCC standards for radio frequency emissions, so it can not be sold in the US. Even if you travel overseas,
or up to Canada to pick one up, you will find it to be more expensive than the internal upgrade. It also lengthens the
Portfolio by an additional four inches, making the unit a bit long, and a little wobbly.
APPLICATIONS___________________________________________
48. Will WordPerfect Run on the Portfolio?
Wordperfect Jr., designed for the IBM PC Jr., will work on the Portfolio. You can create and edit files up to about
20k. Wordperfect no longer sells the Jr. version, but it can often be found at computer festivals.
49. Is there a version of Tetris for the Portfolio?
One of the most popular games for any computer system would have to be the now classic Tetris. The implementors of this
game for the Portfolio got around the 40 characters by 8 lines screen limitation in an unique way. To play, you hold
the computer sideways. There are two versions: The first was PRTRIS.ZIP, which was quickly followed by TETRAD.EXE and
TETRAD.DOC. TETRAD is more advanced than PRTRIS, and allows for left and right handed play, but PRTRIS is about half the
size of TETRAD.
50. What is a PREAD file?
This package is designed to add a simple text viewer onto a document file. This will make the document executable, and
can be read by typing in it's name. The file can then be compressed with PKLITE or LZEXE, with both do a great job on
text, 50% to 80% or better. In general, the larger the file, the better the compression.
You can create your document using any standard ASCII text editor. With the Portfolio, the built in editor is file.
Set the word wrap ON for up to 39 characters. This viewer can not handle lines that will not on one line.
Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass, and The Hunting of the Snark have all been converted and compressed
using the PREAD technique, so you can easily take the these classics with you on the road for some light reading!
51. Is there a program to capture the Portfolio Screen?
PGCAP is a program that will "capture" a screen image on the Portfolio and save it to a disk file. This Terminate and
Stay Resident (TSR) program is requires less than 1k of memory, and is activated by pressing <ALT-S>. This will
copy the contents of the screen to a file on your disk. Depending on the screen mode, the file extension will be
.PGT if in text mode, or .PGF is the screen was displaying graphics. The main filenames will be "SCREENA", "SCREENB",
etc. To allow you up to 26 screen per session.Once you have captured the screen images, you can PGCONV to
convert them into a form that can be used by a desktop publishing package. PGCAP will import .PGC, .PGT, and .PGF
files and export .PGC, .PGF, as well as .IMG (Gem) and .WPG (Wordperfect). Figure 1 is a image from the Portfolio that
has been converted into an .IMG file.
52. Can I do Animation on the Portfolio?
YES! Don Messerli, of the Software Vinyard, has been working furiously on an Animation Package for the Portfolio,
and the results have been staggering. Depending on the complexity of the image, the package is able to display
anywhere from 16 to 20 images per second on the Portfolio's LCD screen. To see the results of his labor, download
PGFLIX, the animation package, and either DOMINOS.ZIP or HORSE.ZIP, the mini-movies. Mr. Messerli has also released
a tool so that you can create your own animation, called MKPGX1. Finally, there is now a program that will create
stand alone animation.
SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS__________________________________
53. How do I hook up a modem?
To hook up a modem, you will need the serial port, cable, modem and a serial communication program. Normal
communication packages will not run on the Port due to hardware incompatibilities in the serial port. There are
two communication programs for the Portfolio. XTERM was the first program available, and is on the DOS Utilities Card
from Atari, but ACOM is a better package. ACOM has all the features of XTERM, which include XMODEM file transfer
protocol, but also provides remote execution of DOS commands, and a scrollback buffer for reviewing text that
has scrolled of the screen.
MISCELLANEOUS__________________________________________
54. What is the APB?
Atari has released the APB (Accessories, Peripherals Bulletin) for the Portfolio. This twenty page manual
includes hints and tips, as well as listing third party vendor's hardware and software for the Portfolio. For a
copy, see your dealer, or write to Atari, 1196 Borregas Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1302.
55. What is the Address of Atari?
Atari, 1196 Borregas Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1302.
56. Was that a Portfolio used in Terminator 2?
For those who haven't seen TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY, keep you eye open for the Portfolio. It plays a small but vital
role in the movie. John Conners uses the Portfolio to break into a Money Machine and to get into the vault at Cyberdyne.
57. What is DIP?
The Portfolio was developed by DIP systems in England. They have much more software and hardware devices available than
in the United States. Contact them for more information.
58. What is the Address of DIP?
DIP, 32 Frederick Sanger Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, United Kingdom, GU2 5XN. (0483) 301555.
59. Is a keyboard cover available for the Portfolio?
A custom cover is available in clear or opaque and attaches via small adhesive strips. Call COMPUCOVER at (800)- 874-6391.
60. What magazines/newsletters cover the Portfolio?
RE:PORT
Each issue comes with a disk filled with source code for a wide number of utilities. Subscriptions are $50
a year for 6 issues, available from David Stewart at 1618 South Beech Court, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
Single issues are $10 each.
ATARI USER
AtariUser is a monthly Atari magazine, available by subscription for $20 a year. For more information on
AtariUser, call 800-333-3567.ATARI EXPLORER
Atari Explorer is a bi-monthly Atari Magazine,
available by subscription for $14.95 a year. Order
from Atari Explorer, 29-05 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106.
TAKE IT WITH YOU
A bi-monthly newsletter covering a wide variety of
palmtop computer systems, including the Portfolio. $18
dollars a year. Perfection Applied, 454 West 1010
North, Orem, UT 84057.
61. Who is Don Thomas?
Do you want to talk to the Official Marketing Director for
the Atari Portfolio? Well, Don Thomas shows up on
Compuserve in the APORTFOLIO forum everyday to chat with the
users. He has a large number of tips, and provides a great
amount of help to the users. His ID number is 75300,1267.
62. What should I do if travelling Overseas with the Portfolio?
Since the portfolio costs a few hundred dollars, before
travelling outside of the US, it would be a wise idea to
stop by customs and register it. You can sometimes run into
problems with customs when you return from overseas if you
can't prove you bought the computer in the US. There is a
Customs offices at all international airports. Ask for a
"Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken
Abroad" form.
63. Can I put the Portfolio Through an X-RAY machine?
Yes. I have always run the Port through the x-ray machine.
But be warned: most security people will want to look at it
anyway, since they won't recognize it. When you show it to
them, they will ask you to turn it on, so it's best not to
have anything embarrassing on the screen. Many of them will
be very interested in the machine and will probably want to
know more about it.
64. What do I do when the Portfolio dies?
Atari has a trade in program for dead Portfolio. At
current, Atari will exchange an old Port for a New Port for
$110 dollars. Overnight shipping is available, at extra
cost. Contact Atari before sending the unit.