Path: utzoo!dptcdc!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!bloom-beacon!apple!voder!cullsj!jeff
From: jeff@cullsj.UUCP (Jeffrey C. Fried)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.tandy
Subject: Re: Tandy Printer + PC Compatible Query
Summary: Tandy is "somewhat" compatible, and that only under duress
Message-ID: <536@cullsj.UUCP>
Date: 17 Apr 89 15:52:42 GMT
References: <1370@cunixc.cc.columbia.edu> <136500014@cpe> <1407@csm9a.UUCP> <1346@bucket.UUCP>
   I own a Tandy 2000 and 3000.  I purchased the 2000 when i was considerably
Organization: Cullinet Software, San Jose, CA
Lines: 32

gave any indication that the 2000 was not compatible, and to the best of
my knowledge Tandy continued this policy up until the last 2000 was dumped.

   For those unfamiliar with the differences, the two major ones are that
the base address for the video moves upward depending on the amount of
memory you have, and, the serial port uses a completely different chip.
To be fair to Tandy one could argue that they had constructed a "better"
machine (the 80186 is almost as fast as a 80286), but that's not how they
sold it; it was sold implicitly as a compatible.

   With the 3000 they've become compatible.  The only problems i've
observed could be ascribed to the failure of particular software
manufacturers to test their products properly.  For example one problem
was due to the usage of a particular bios call that in one version of the
operating system failed; had they tried their product on a Tandy for at
least two minutes they would have observed the problem.

   In summation, i have to agree with the person who complained that the
1000 was not compatible in that i'm sure that it was NEVER made clear to
those who purchased the machine.  However, it is also important to say
that they are perhaps no less dishonest than the rest of the used-car-
turned-computer-salespersons.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeff Fried                           UUCP: ...!ames!cullsj!jeff

San Jose, CA, 95134 (clearly work)         San Mateo, CA  (home)
(408) 434-6636                             (415) 349-3744

Because a liar speaks the truth, does not mean that the truth is a lie.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are solely those of the author.