Just as the future of our computers grows dim again, the Midwest TS Computerfest comes along and brightens things up!
With more than 25 dealers and groups with displays and more than 350 registered families in attendance (500-600 people actually showed), the show proved that support for the Sinclair/Timex line is far from being over.
Supporters of the entire line of conmputers were there. From the old ZX-80 and Jupiter Ace to the QL, if you needed something for them, it was probably there.
A map of the US and Ohio pinpointed where visitors of the show were from. People as far away as Oregon and California showed up and many came from New York, Nebraska, Florida, Michigan, and Canada. Of course, most came from Ohio and Kentucky.
Most of the ma jor advertisers were there, from Aerco to Zebra and many in between. Several user groups as well as all of the US magazine supporters were also there. Media support included local coverage as well as the Wall Street Journal and Mark fFendrick of Computer Shopper and ZX Computing.
Here is a list of dealers who attended:
- A+ Computer Response was there showing their full support for the QL line and authorized dealers.
- Aerco was there with several full blown systems with their most recent disk interfaces running CP/M in 80 column mode.
- Brice Road Pharmacy was there with a full QL line of hardware and software.
- Budget Robotics was there with their Buffered Buss Expansion Board for the 81/1000/1500.
- Budgetsoft, who is known for their Fish Locator program, now provides the solunar table data from that program to resorts and newspapers all over the country. They were there showing their program.
- Computer Trader Magazine had Chet Lambert there with recent and back issues.
- Detroit User group made a good showing with the Andek Plotter.
- Dave Macarone of Damco Enterprises demonstrated the Rotronics Wafadrive for the Spectrum/2068.
- E. Arthur Brown had their most recent catalog covering the TS line.
- English Micro Connection had their most recent catalog covering the Spectrum/2068 and QL.
- G. Russell Electronics had their Winky Board, ROM switch, and QL products on display.
- The Greater Cleveland Area Sinclair User Group had software on display.
- The Indiana Sinclair Timex User Group was there with Frank Davis looking to expand their group.
- Knighted Computer had their converted Spectrum software and products. 2068 QL
- RMG Enterprises had their most recent catalog available.
- SMUGWARE Conversions was taking orders for converting programs to the Aerco disk system.
- We at SUM had our Best Of SUM and back issues available.
- Sharp’s had QL products along with their own software for it.
- Syncware News was there with back issues and ProFile on cartridge by Tom Woods and Bank switched RAM by Tom Bent.
- TS Connection was there with Timex hardware and software.
- TS Horizons was there with back and current issues of their magazine.
- Time Designs was there with back and current issues and the Timex Technical Manual.
- Variety Sales was there with QL and 2068 products.
- WMJ had their current catalog available.
- The Widjup Co. had software for the 81/ 1000/1500 and 2068.
- Zebra Systems had the largest display with software, hardware, and books for the 81/1000/1500 and 2068.
No one had any idea that the show would be such a success and many of the dealers actually ran out of merchandise the first day. By the end of the second day, merchandise was being heavily discounted with brand new 2040 printers being sold for $20.40 and entire QL systems going for as low as $600!
Everyone at the show agreed that the market for the Sinclair/Timex community is anything but dead. The interest generated alot of enthusiasm and should bring about more product development. Even at the show, new products made there debut for all computers involved.
Because of the success of the show, another one has already been planned for next year at the same time and place. So, if you missed this one, you will have another chance.
With the recent announcement of the Amstrad takeover of Sinclair, rumours were flying as to what would happen to the Spectrum + and QL. Amstrad is going to support the Spectrum and is already planning new generations of the Spectrum. Some such plans include adding a better keyboard and coming out with a games only machine.
The QL is still up in the air as far as Amstrad is concerned because it competes with their own computer. They would like someone to take over that division in Europe.
A+ Computer Response, the new US distributor for the QL provided an entire QL package as the grand prize for the show.
A+ Computer Response previously sold IBM’s and their clones as well as Apple computers. They became interested in the QL when they learned that Sinclair was trying to market them here in the states.
They thought they could provide better support in the American market being based here. At signed with Sinclair just before the Amstrad deal.
After talking with Carol and George Whitham (who head A+) at the show, I am convinced that they are indeed committed to the success of the QL in the American market. They purchased the entire inventory of US Sinclair products and expect to have enough inventory to last for quite some time.
A+ was very impressed with the show and plans to hold shows of their own in the coming months with some possible locations being New York and North Carolina.
A dealer network has already been set up to support the QL with twelve dealers already in place (see A+ Computer Response ads) .
A+ is definitely looking to keep the QL alive and well, and with dealer and user support continuing, we can look for second generation QL’s which, of this writing, are already planned in the Buropean market by third party supporters over there.