Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!cs.utexas.edu!oakhill!jbudet
From: jbudet@oakhill.UUCP (jim budet)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.tandy
Subject: Re: Tandy hardware
Message-ID: <2056@elmer.oakhill.UUCP>
Date: 15 May 89 15:56:02 GMT
References: <2520@csd4.milw.wisc.edu>
Reply-To: jbudet@elmer.UUCP (jim budet)
Distribution: na
Organization: Motorola Inc., Austin Tx.
Lines: 83

In article <2520@csd4.milw.wisc.edu> chaz@csd4.milw.wisc.edu (Charles D Lembach) writes:
>
> I am considering purchasing a Tandy computer, probally one of thier
>1000 series. I know of thier three models, not sure of the specific
>intials, maybe SL, TL, TX? I do know that two are 286 bas ...

>1) When owning a Tandy computer, do you have to strictly purchase
>Tandy hardware for it? i.e. disk drives, hard disks, etc.
>   A) if not, is there a barnd that doesn't have compatibility problems?

	I know that CompuAdd sells Tandy compatible hard cards for
	the 1000 series at a considerable cost savings.  I
	personally have a Tandy 20 meg hardcard (CompuAdd did'nt
	sell them at the time).  As for the disk drives, I have
	used only Tandy drives.  I belive that the connectors are
	different than normal but I'm not sure.


>2) Of the three mentioned above, which one is better in terms of IBM
>compatibility? I do know the two 286 based machines are quite alike,
>the only differnece I could tell was in the sound department. 

>3) Maybe someone could tell me what the specific details are between
>the three? 

	The 1000TL is the choice among the three that you
	mentioned.  It is similar to the SL except that is has an
	80286, socket for an 80287 and a 3 1/2" drive.  The TL's
	video card supports Tandy CGA, IBM monochrome text and
	Hercules graphics.  The TL and SL' digitized sound
	capability is, unfortunately, not very well supported by
	Tandy.  Ignore deskmate.

	The TX is an older model that has some known compatibility
	problems with the video circuit and with adding a video
	card.  It also has the funny keyboard.  I would not
	consider it.


>4) The prices are somewhere around $699 (For the non-286, can't think
>of the CPU number) to $1499 (not sure) for the claimed better of the
>three. Is this too much to pay for IBM compats and if so, what other
>brands are there in this price range or lower?

	I bought the 1000TL through Marimac for about $900.  It
	arrived two days after I ordered it and I have had no
	problems with it.  If you have been following the Tandy
	flames here recently you are aware of some of the problems
	with buying Tandy Computers.  In general they are expensive
	unless you buy them on sell or through mail order.  Tandy
	support is usually terrible.  There is usually one
	saleperson who is honest enough to tell you what he knows
	and will admit when he does'nt, the rest seem to make
	things up on the fly.

	On the other hand, I like Tandy computers.  They are
	reliable, well supported by third party software vendors
	and you know that Tandy will be there if you really need
	them.  But in general your on your own.

	If you buy a Tandy, take a look at the upgrade options
	currently available for it because the list will not grow.
	If you want to use hardware or software that will take
	specific advantage of an AT then do not buy the TL
	(although it will run 286 code such as Falcon-AT).
	Besides, if you plan on extensive upgrades then CompuAdd
	can make you a better deal.

	I have been dealing with Tandy for about 8 years now.  I
	first bought a color computer, then a 1000 and know a
	1000TL.  I feel that I am pretty objective about Tandy.
	Feel free to contact me about any specific questions.


===============================================================================
					Jim Budet
	Disclaimer			Motorola Microprocessor Products Group
					Austin, Texas
===============================================================================
	     Phone : (512) 891-3175
	    Usenet : cs.utexas.edu!oakhill!elmer!jbudet
	Compuserve : 73177,171
===============================================================================