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From: gk@kksys.mn.org (Greg Kemnitz)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: Questions on Unitech and Tandy
Message-ID: <900@kksys.mn.org>
Date: 21 Jan 89 05:27:44 GMT
References: <149000025@inmet> <4700@xenna.Encore.COM> <75@VAX1.CC.UAKRON.EDU>
Reply-To: gk@kksys.UUCP (Greg Kemnitz)
Distribution: na
Organization: K and K Systems, Minneapolis MN
Lines: 54

In article <75@VAX1.CC.UAKRON.EDU> greggt@VAX1.CC.UAKRON.EDU (Gregg Thompson) writes:
>As for IBM compatability DON'T SAY ANYTHING IF YOU HAVEN'T TRIED IT YOURSELF!

I did try one...  I foolishly bought a Tandy 1000 (original) thinking
that it was going to be able to run standard software.  BIG mistake.

>As for a Tandy 1000 (old or new we have both here at home, infact we have
>one of the first Tandy 1000's, on of the later Tandy 1000's, and a
>Tandy 1000TL) I have YET to find ANY IBM-PC program that will not run on a
>Tandy!  Infact I have some great games (Sierra, FSIII, etc...) that run better

The first one I found that did not run CORRECTLY was an obscure program
called Lotus 123 release 1a.  It was possible to run it by bypassing
the main menu (ie, run 123 instead of lotus), but IT DID NOT OPERATE
CORRECTLY.  The folks at Radio Shack had a solution, of course... buy
THEIR version of Lotus 123.  They said it had a special driver
necessary for correct operation on the 1000 display, and code to
re-map the keyboard (to deal with the non-standard key layout).

I encountered enough similar problems with other packages that I decided to
abandon the machine and try something a bit more standard.

>	So before anyone opens their mouth about compatability problems better
>find out the facts first!

Fact:  The Tandy 1000 (original) display is not fully PC compatible.
       SOME standard programs WILL NOT operate correctly with this system.

Fact:  The Tandy 1000 (original) requires a NON-STANDARD disk controller
       configuration for hard disk operation.

Fact:  The Tandy 1000 (many models if not all) uses a NON-STANDARD
       joystick pinout, preventing use of STANDARD PC-type joysticks.

Fact:  The Tandy 1000 (original) does not include the DMA controller
       which is standard with IBM PCs and clones.  It can be added by
       purchasing a Tandy-specific memory expansion card which includes it,
       at a significant price, of course....

Agreed, each of the compatability problems can be dealt with by
visiting your local Radio Shack store or computer center.  For a
price, they have proprietary versions of the standard products which
will operate correctly.

I understand that later models of the Tandy 1000 have been more
compatable than the early ones, however several intentional
incompatabilities still exist.  If you are a buyer who likes to deal
with a supplier who tries to lock you into their products for future
expansion, by all means go to Radio Shack.  Their machines are
generally quite reliable, and service is available across the country.
Just do not be lured in by the relative low cost of the initial
acquisition.

Greg Kemnitz / K and K Systems / PO Box 41804 / Plymouth, MN 55441-0804
Domain:  gk@kksys.mn.org  /  UUCP:  ...!rutgers!bungia!kksys!gk
Voice:   (612)475-1527    /  Fax:   (612)475-1979