EDITOR’S NOTE: With this article, SUM is beginning a new series on other publications of interest to Timex/Sinclair users.
ZX COMPUTING is one of the most popular British publications devoted exclusively to the Sinclair computers. Having had a subscription to it for more than 2 years, there are certain things that can be said with confidence about it.
ZX COMPUTING covers both the ZX-81 and Spectrum computers. This is good news for users of the ZX-81 and TS-1000 since most other publications seldom provide information for these users. Every issue will have 2 or more complete listings of games and/or utilities just for the ZX-81. And these are generally quite substantial, requiring the 16K RAM and are quite sophisticated. A number of software and hardware reviews also appear in each issue as well as advertising by companies serving the ZX-81 market.
The Spectrum is the main computer supported by the magazine, with 8-10 programs listed in full each issue. Most listings are in BASIC, so they will run on the 2068 with no modification except for a few PEEK or POKE commands (or as is with ROMswitch or emulator). In addition, numerous reviews of hardware and software currently available is covered. For those with QLs, an occasional article is starting to appear for those machines. After two years, I have dozens of quite good games — most of which I haven’t had the time to type in. However, I have been generally happy with the quality of those I have entered, some of them true commercial quality.
Examples of programs found in the most recent issue:
- Clock — machine code utility for using the Spectrum’s own built-in clock to display time;
- Sappro — space strategy game;
- Pluto Adventure — text adventure game;
- QL Characteristics — udg’s on the QL;
- Road Race — ZX-81 graphics game
- Spectrum Disassembler in BASIC;
- FISH — like the card game on Spectrum;
- Ask Me Another — educational program for Spectrum which can be customized;
- Attack of the Mutant Wallies — arcade game; a “wally” is the same as a “nerd”;
- Twenty-One — similar to BlackJack but uses “computer dice” on the ZX-81.
The current issue had articles on machine code programming, microdrive tricks, full-size keyboard review, at least 12 software reviews, 4 book reviews, and lots of letters to the editor.
ZX COMPUTING is primarily oriented toward games as far as program listings go. However, the articles span the range from machine code to microdrive use, and from trouble shooting to book reviews. It is published six times per year and seems to always be on time. U.S.A. surface rates are $30/year. In addition, back issues and program listings on tape are available. A typical issue seems to be around 120 pages. Access (Mastercard) and Visa are accepted.
ZX COMPUTING Subscriptions, Infonet Ltd., Times House, 179 The Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP1 1BB, England.