IN THE PAST we have “gone on” a bit about how Timex has chosen to introduce new machines and its lack of support for present ones. We have suggested that the amount of confusion created was not needed — in fact that it was quite detrimental to all involved . . . both users and producers. Many of you have written in support of our position. While no accurate count has been kept, the number of writers who agree with us has been overwhelming.
Our aim has been not to create more problems for Timex but rather to act as a conduit between Timex and its customers, voicing the concerns we had heard. Now that the new machines are starting to be shipped, some of those concerns become immediate needs. I would like to quote from two letters that show the range of opinions being sent to us.
Thomas B. Woods of Jefferson, New Hampshire, writes: “Your comments about ‘Computers and Confusion’ in TSU 1:4 parallel my own thoughts very closely. It seems that no sooner do I have the products and the competition ‘figured out’ than the rug is pulled out from under me from a different direction: the computer I work with changes. A new computer may come out that’s ten, 100 or even 1,000 times better than the T/S1000, but that doesn’t make our computers any less valuable. I agree wholeheartedly with you that the future of the T/S1000 will be in the area of dedicated tasks.
“In my business the satisfied customer will return to purchase my new works. I value their judgement and if they tell me they want more and better software for the 1000, then by George, that’s exactly what I intend to give them.”
Mr. N.H. Nucho of Arcadia, California, writes: “In your last two issues you have mentioned the new 2000 series without giving any ‘guidance’ as to how users of the 1000 will be able to use their present software with the new machines. If we buy the 2000, will all the money we spent on software go down the drain? Do we have to rekey all those programs into the 2000? That could take a lifetime! How this problem is approached I am sure could determine the success or failure of the new 2000 series in the marketplace.”
Producers and users both face problems because Timex cannot seem to provide information to those who need it on a regular and consistent basis. There are a lot of users out there who want to remain loyal to Timex, if only Timex would let them!
As to us here at Timex Sinclair User, we certainly guarantee that our magazine will always reflect the fact that the 1000 and 1500 are out there. We will continue to publish articles, software reviews, projects and program printouts for those machines.
In this issue we take a good look at joysticks through the hardware review and our project. Bob Fraser‘s “Programming Arcade Games” continues with the second of five parts. Different file programs are looked at in Focus and of course Nigel Clark continues to keep us informed as to what’s happening in the U.K. In all, another great issue!