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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!mcvax!ukc!stc!dbmk1
From: dbmk1@stc.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.micro
Subject: Re: INFO NEEDED: "Amstrad" (sp?) Computer
Message-ID: <760@stc-b.stc.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 7-Jan-86 12:21:19 EST
Article-I.D.: stc-b.760
Posted: Tue Jan  7 12:21:19 1986
Date-Received: Thu, 9-Jan-86 06:28:17 EST
References: <11168@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU> <34@gumby.UUCP>
Reply-To: dbmk1@stc.UUCP (Derek Bergin)
Organization: STC Telecoms, London N11 1HB.
Lines: 53
Xpath: stc stc-b stc-b stc-a

In article <34@gumby.UUCP> schaefer@gumby.UUCP writes:
>> Help!
follows spec for machine :-

>-has disk drive (expandable)
>-includes monitor
>-128K RAM (expandable)
>-Z80A 4MHz
>-48K ROM, ROM cart. port
>-its own CRT controller
>-full size 76 key w/numeric
>-3 voice/8 oct sound
>-hi res full color
>-built in centronics
>-joystick port
>-cassette interfc
>-stereo snd out
>-20/40/80 col scrn
>-includes BASIC, CP/M, LOGO, AMDOS
>-1 yr warranty
>-software bundle includes:
>	-word proc
>	-speadsht
>	-graphics
>	-home educ
>	-arcade game soft
>-much liked manual
>-coupon for $300.00 off first software purchase
>
 I don't know what the US s/w package will be like but be VERY careful about
 the colour display.  The UK version is a modified TV and is totally
 braindamaging in 80 col mode.  The manual may be good for beginners but you
 have to spend extra money getting even very simple technical info.  There
 again you get what you pay for.  The main problem is the disk drive.  It's a
 three inch abortion that Hitachi couldn't sell to anyone else - but they tell
 me that extra disks will be available "real soon now".  

 A good point is that Alan Sugar (owner of Amstrad) doesn't like retailers
 making what he regards as "excessive" profits on extras - and publicises what
 they are paying for them wholesale.  This has provided much good shit
 stirring fun over the last few months in the UK press.

 As a disclaimer - my only connection with Amstrad is that I own a 6128.  It's
 a very good games machine with the ability to run CP/M software (including
 CP/M 3).  OK I'd prefer a SUN but the factor of 100 price difference is a bit
 off-putting.


-- 
Regards
  Derek                   !seismo!mcvax!ukc!stc!dbmk1 

If anyone wants these opinions they're free, and worth what you pay for them