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What is Duo-Zone International?Duo-Zone International is the web site presented to the people who love Apple Macintosh Duo. Some unique activities by the PowerBook users group in Japan 'PowerBook Army' are introduced here as well.
In Japan, the web site 'PowerBook Army' is one of the places for PowerBook users to exchange various information and discuss on PowerBook. Duo-Zone is a part of PowerBook Army especially prepared for Duo users in Japanese. Many Duo enthusiasts get together at Duo-Zone, and have been running several unique projects for Duo to keep this masterpiece alive and use it with fun. Duo-Zone has now become one of the biggest information source for Duo users in Japan.
Since Duo-Zone was launced in September 1997, we received many emails from Duo users all over the world. Then we realised that Duo is still popular and that it is better to share the information more widely. That is why we decided to start English version of Duo-Zone.
Put this into your mindOf course we try and make this web site the place for all Duo lovers to visit, however, you should know that the data and information contained here basically comes from Tokyo, Japan, where most of our activities are taken place. As you probably know, some products have different specification depending on the area such as US, Europe and Japan. Therefore all information given in this site is not necessarily applicable to your Duo, and we are not able to help you about it.
We are not professionals. We just love Duo seeking the ways to use Duo more comfortably and to make it a very special machine. To do so, we are always searching for the information and keep doing trial and error discovering something new. So we are not going to make this site Duo's ER. Rather, we would like to hear from you and introduce Duo's charm to you through Duo-Zone International.
Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!
What is so good about Duo?Like SE/30 and ColorClassic, Duo is one of the most excellent Apple's invention but no longer available in the latest market. However, there still are so many people who love such machines, and it is great pleasure to try to upgrade and use these 'out-of-date' machines as more powerful and special gear. As for Duo, power-up and upgrading is not easy because of its structure, but anyway, we want to make our Duo one and only masterpiece in the world!
Its official name is 'Macintosh PowerBook Duo'. 7 types of Duo were released between 1992 and 1995 (in Japan). The most remarkable feature of Duo series was its futuristic concept that is widely known as 'mobile computing' now -- removing even floppy drive for lightweighting and downsizing, but never forgetting internal modem. Furthermore, supporting equipments called 'Dock' were introduced, so by docking with such device, Duo could be as expansive as desktop machines.
Who is making this site anyway?It is me, Nao, who is actually making and managing this web site.
I am originally a PowerBook540C user. (Look! This is MINE!) And to be honest, it has been only a few months since I got my Duo230. (Thanks to Hero-san! You know how deeply I love my 'twinkle' Duo!) It may be a funny thing to do -- buying an old Duo now while everybody is talking about G3 Mac. But I am already totally attracted by Duo so it is impossible for me to forget about it even for one single day!
Having been living in UK where is not Mac friendly at all, I myself have experienced a lot of anger and disappointment because of the lack of information on PowerBook and even Mac. And Duo-Zone in Japan has been a great help for me.
So I would like to learn more about Duo through Duo-Zone International with you. My poor English and insufficient knowledge might make you laugh or confused sometimes though, please kindly be patient and understand. Thank you!