Hardware

From the QL-users list Peter Graf tantalises the group with this :


"Hi all,

what would be your favorite style for an SD/MMC card "harddisk" for the 
QL?

I can _not_ promise to really make a piece of hardware available, but it
would be nice to know, just in case...

A) External interface, plugs into parallel port of SuperGoldCard

Pro:
- Interface also works on Q40 and Q60
- QL Case doesn't need to be openened
- Easy reconnect from one machine to another
- Hot-plugging might work
- ROM-Port remains usable
Con:
- Slow data transfer through parallel port handshake lines

B) External interface, plugs into QL ROM port

Pro:
- QL Case doesn't need to be openened
- Faster data transfer
- Onboard Driver ROM
- Works on QL without GoldCard / SuperGoldCard
Con:
- ROM-Port occupied
- Complex hardware

C) Internal interface, plugs into CPU socket

Pro:
- Fastest data transfer
- ROM-Port remains usable
Con:
- QL Case needs to be openened
- Only GoldCard/SuperGoldCard machines

D) Internal interface, replacing a microdrive(!)

Can easily be bolted inside the case, after a microdrive was removed
Plugs into CPU socket or maybe other place

Pro:
- SD/MMC-card can be plugged in like a cartridge
- Looks cool
- Very "QL-style"
- ROM-Port remains usable
Con:
- QL Case needs to be openened


All the best,
Peter"