DOS Palmtop: Targa Traveller PT30 Details and specs

Targa Traveller PT30

About this machine:

Yet another German Tidalwave clone. Targa was a brand of German Computer distributor Actebis. They sold nearly all their computers through the German discount supermarket chain "Lidl". Interestingly Actebis bought Peacock (The other distributor of german Tidalwave clones) later on and sold Targa. Just like the peacock this was probably not a best-seller as it is quite rare today. As all German Tidalwave clones it came with localized keyboard and software.

Specs:

CPU: NEC V30 @ 7.15 MHz
Graphics: Monochrome CGA, 80 x 25 character text mode, CGA 2 color monochrome graphics mode
Display: 640 x 200 monochrome Supertwist LCD , 4 grey scales, 7.2 inch
Memory (RAM): 1 MB
ROM (Software): 1.5 MB
I/O ports: RS232 Serial (proprietary cable was included accessory), PCMCIA 1.0 Type I slot, Parallel port (proprietary cable included)
Sound: PC Speaker - Piezo
Operating System: MS-DOS 5.0
Software: MS Works 2.0, RacePen PIM (File manager, scheduler, phone book, etc), Microsoft QBasic
Size: Length 11.5 cm, Width 24.5 cm, Height 2.5 cm (4.5 inches x 9.7 inches x 1 inch)
Powered by: 2 AA batteries - rechargable or non-rechargable or AC adaptor (optional accessory), CR2032 Lithium button cell as memory backup
Weight: 590 gram (21 ounces) including 2 standard AA and CR2032 batteries
Special features: None
Released: 1992
Originally retailed for:: One source claims 1199 Deutschmarks (C't 5/1993), another one lists it for 695 Deutschmarks (CC-Computerarchive 6/1993)
Clone of: Tidalwave PS-1000
Similar models: Tidalwave PS-1000, Highscreen handy Organizer and all other clones

Pros:
- Fully CGA compliant, so most CGA based DOS appz and games work
- Excellent keyboard

Cons:
- No support for flash cards
- Not really the smallest Palmtop ever
- Power management is rather average
- No way to boot a different OS and no way to bypass loading the drivers for cards and keyboard

Collector Value:
6 of 10

Usage Value:
7 of 10

Verdict:
If you are not living in Germany this one is quite hard to get hold of, but you won't miss much unless you always wanted a German keyboard.

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