Bill Harmer’s article in the Spring ’95 issue of ZQA causes some old thoughts to resurface on the future of Sinclair computing, the demise of various User Groups, Newsletters and the move by Sinclair users to other platforms.
The moaning over the demise of Sinclair computing has been droning on for a few years. This is especially apparent in the realm of the TS-2068 and ZX-81, since the amount of new software and hardware is almost nil.
I have come up with a couple of ‘rules’ on the subject.
1. All computing platforms are essentially the same.
Give me any computer, be it MS-DOS, QDOS, UNIX, etc., and I will be able to do the basics of Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Data Base programming, etc. Granted each platform has some differences over the others, but the basics of being a computer is always there. As the owner of 53 computers, I should know this. I have a QL, an MS-DOS PC, an Atari ST, and a Z88 all set up for use. I have an Epson Geneva that I would like to use more. I have a CP/M machine that my wife used when I took the QL out of town.
2. Your computing platform only needs to change when your requirement changes.
If a CP/M (or 2068) machine met your requirements in 1984, why does it not meet them now? Have your requirements really changed? Barring hardware failures, I can take a CP/M machine and do all of the computing I need to do (mostly word processing and programming).
If you only need your computer to do a few simple tasks, why upgrade to a full-blown Pentium? Look at what your true requirements are.
Plus, output really depends only on the printer and not the platform. If you hooked up a ZX-81 to a laser printer, no one would be able to know that that printout came from a ZX-81.
3. Don’t get involved in computer/OS bashing.
We each have our preferences for computers, just as we each have preferences in music, food, and cars. There is no need to justify your computing platform by denigrating another computer platform.
I personally love the QL. I use MS-DOS Windows at work. I have spent a couple of years delving into the depths of UNIX. I have used a variety of operating systems and personal computers. I chose the one I liked best for the price I was willing to pay. I do not need to justify this choice to anyone.
4. Don’t alienate those that are leaving Sinclair Computers and moving on to other platforms.
Staying with an orphaned computer has its costs. The hardware will fail (esp. with parts getting harder to find). Getting any new software is getting harder. Support is almost non-existent. It’s limited to getting help from other users. The lure of the new platforms with all that new software and support is quite enticing. I mean support in that you can walk into any computer store and buy MS-DOS/Windows programs. It’s been 10 years since you could do that for a Sinclair computer.
As people leave the hobby, let them know about the emulators for MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari, and Mac. Let them know about the QXL card. Let them know that they can still have all that new stuff, plus keep some of the old stuff too.
I would like to stay with the QL for many years to come (10-30?). Eventually my hardware will fail. Using new hardware (like the QXL) will allow me to continue using my QL/QDOS. The ZX-81 and Spectrum emulators allow you to continue using what you like without having to worry about your hardware dying. Plus, with the speed of the new PC’s, you can have a really souped-up up ZX-81. I would love to see someone buy a 486 PC just to use it as a ZX-81 clone. No Windows at all. Just have the AUTOEXEC.BAT file boot up directly into the ZX-81 emulator.
What it all boils down to is this: Some ZX-81/2068 users have done all that they can on these computers and want to move on. Some still feel that the ZX-81/2068 still suits their needs and want to keep it. The number of new innovations for each computer is fast approaching zero. If you love either computer, stay with it and be happy. Let’s hope that the people that have just discovered either computer will breathe new life into the Sinclair community.