This is a FAQ regarding the
Sentry Gun Remote Terminal "laptop" Computers used in
Aliens.
Since we still receive quite a few questions regarding...
Quote:
Is this the correct model of Gridcase computer that I bought?
...I've decided to post a comparison list of images of the different
models of GRiD Computers.
If you have better images of certain models, feel free to share
them and we'll update the FAQ. Also, if you have better technical
information (or more accurate) than what I post, feel free to share
it and we'll update that as well. Most of the information I'm posting
is from memory (mine, not computer.
) so it may be a little
inaccurate.
Some models have been eliminated, mainly those that look nothing
like the film used versions (which includes all the pen/tablet models
and the later clamshells that deviated from the earlier elongated
design due to advancements in technology).
Russ Krook III
Admin
==================================
The exact model of GRiDCase computer used in Aliens is a matter
of some debate. The original film used computers have long since
disappeared and nobody has stepped up with them in the movie
prop collector's community to share information.
The following information is based strictly on screen captures and
cross comparison of photos with the movie items.
Film Reference items:
Photo and information courtesy of
Harry Harris! Photo was
taken at the
Alien War attraction. This GRiDCase is a replica
made from Plexiglass and some real GRiD component parts (such
as the keyboard). The monitor has a static film overlay on the
screen.
Screen captures adjusted for brightness and contrast.
The only laptop parts that have appeared for sale is
a single "monitor" with a static (non-moving) graphic overlay attached, created
for the Alien War atttraction.
=============================
GRiD Compass - 1100/1101/1107.8086 processor, internal 128-512k non-volitile bubble memory,
magnesium alloy case and (yellow) gas plasma display.
320x240 (Hercules Monochrome) resolution, 80x24 text.
First introduced in April, 1982. Original price $8150.
The photo below is the Grid Compass model 1107.GRiD Compass II - 1129/1131/1137/1139The photo below is of the Compass II model 1129.The photo below is of the Compass II model 1131.The photo below is of the Compass II model 1137.8088 processor, Amber-Plasma display (also Red Display),
128-512k NV Bubble memory, 10 MB HDD, same magnesium alloy
case. 512x240 (Hercules Monochrome) resolution.
First introduced in June, 1984
It's believed that the Compass II model 1139 Is the
version used in the film. The GRiDCase 2 is the next closest
to the screen used items.GRiDCase (aka GRiDCase 1/I)Featured a Low End LCD display, 640x240 resolution(?).
8086 processor, 3.5" 720k Floppy drive, 128k-640k RAM.
First introduced in April, 1985.
GRiDCase 2/IIThe GRiDCase 2 came with either an "Enhanced" Green/blue LCD
monitor (pictured) or Amber Plasma, MSDOS 2.11 stored on ROM.
Internal 720k 3.5" Floppy drive.
GRiDCase 3/III"High contrast (Red) gas-plasma display." (CGA Resolution)
8086 processor, internal 720k 3.5" Floppy drive. 512k - 1MB ram.
GRiDCase 4/IVAccording to
http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=1054The Gridcase 4 ''...used a full size yellow electoluminescent screen that was also offered on the high end
earlier Grid Compass Computers.''
GRiDCase PlusPhotos below are of the
GRiDCase 2 Plus model.
Photo below is of the
GRiDCase 3 Plus model.
Essentially, they are versions of the above (GRiDCase 1-4) with the
additional row of function keys added on the keyboard.
First introduced in September, 1986.
GRiDCase TempestMilitary version of the
GRiDCase 4 Plus with the Amber (Yellow) EL
monitor. Some military versions of the Gridcase computers are said
to have an "X" moulded into the metal case, showing where to
shoot (and thereby destroy) the hard drive in the event that
capture by an enemy is possible.
The computer case/monitor usually only has the "GRiDCase" label
on the exterior, but "Tempest" labels can be found on the interior,
sometimes located on the Floppy Drive or other components.
The Tempest is reported to have a 286-16mhz processor.
GRiDCase - 1520Same basic unit as the 1530, but with a 286-10mhz processor.
Has function keys like the Tempest. 640k base memory with 384
EMS. (Amber monitor) CGA Graphics Adapter. Could use either a
20mb, 40mb or 100mb HDD. Sold in 1986.
GRiDCase - 1530/1535One of the easiest to find Grids. 386DX processor, Up to 8 MB ram,
(amber) CGA graphics LCD monitor, internal 3.5" 1.44MB floppy
drive. Up to 120 MB Internal HDD. Internal power pack swappable
with a battery pack. Sold in 1988.
GRiDCase - 1550386SX processor. First Grid with a factory standard VGA LCD
monitor, integrated pointing device. Designed to be used with the
Windows OS. Monitor also reported to be an "orange plasma" with
standard VGA at 640x480 resolution.
Sold in 1990.
GRiDCase - 172080C286 Processor
3MB RAM
20 MB HDD
Monochrome VGA LCD Monitor
Sold in 1991 (1993?)
One of the more modern models, their case design has changed
from the large elongated "brick" style of the previous versions. Not
really accurate for a movie "prop replica."
GRiDCase - 1755486SLC Processor
4 MB RAM
80MB HDD
1.44mb Floppy
MSDOS 6.1/Windows 3.1
Monochrome LCD monitor.
One of the more modern models, their case design has changed
from the large elongated "brick" style of the previous versions. Not
really accurate for a movie "prop replica."
=========================
Revision notes.
Created by Russ.
Additional GRiDCASE 1-4 info supplied by Matt Noble.
Tempest photo supplied by Kevin Burton.
Compass II additional info and picture supplied by Stephan Dorger.
Gridcase 2 picture supplied by Rick "Ripstick"