U.S. QL – $299
Sinclair’s 32-bit micro, the QL, now has a suggested retail sticker of $299 U.S. dollars. Not only is it much more affordable but also easier to obtain. In a generous gesture, Nigel Searle of Sinclair Research has offered the QL with incentitives to T/S dealers here in the States. At this writing, seven companies have contacted TIME DESIGNS to announce that they will be handling the $299 QL. They are: Curry Computer, EMC (The English Micro Connection), Knighted Computers, Ramex International, RMG Enterprises Sunset Electronics, and Zebra System, Inc.
The new QL price tag is a follow-up to the half price cut in Europe last September. Sinclair is preparing for what could be a “make-or-break” Christmas selling season in Great Britain.
While the QL emerged upon the home computer market with flair, it has been moving slowly in sales. Sinclair claims that the new price reduction is a result of reduced manufacturing costs, and major savings from a substantial increase in manufacturing volume (based on current sales “commitments”). Industry-watchers noted that the QL price cut came three days after the announced release of a competitor’s new computer…the Amstrad PCW8526.
Sinclair Research Ltd., is still on its feet for the time being, following the major debt rescheduling with Barclays Bank and other creditors. Sub-contractors Thorn EMI, Timex Corp. and AB Electronic Products were all agreeable to the terms. These companies assemble Sinclair’s computers in contracted factories. Sir Clive, who’s lack of management skills have been well-publicized, has placed a new management team in control of Sinclair Research’s future direction.
The QL with its $299 (complete) price should move quite a few units here in the States. A lot of new software is available from the U.K. presently, with hundreds of new titles currently being developed. Sinclair has just authorized the production of a new floppy disc system (3 inch drives), that should be out sometime early next year.
128k SPECTRUM
The Sinclair 128k Spectrum in no longer rumor, but fact. In September at a home computer and electronics show in London, Sinclair unveiled their new machine, the last few days of the show. Suprisingly, the 128k Spectrum resembles the T/S 2068 except for the QL-type black case. It utilizes the 2068 bank-switching, three video modes, three-channel sound chip, and built-in joystick ports. Reportedly it is 100% compatible with all software for older Spectrum models.
As we went to press, the 128k Spectrum was already available in Spain. However, it it is expected to be in the English shops after the first of the year. A spokesperson for Sinclair (U.S.) told TIME DESIGNS that there are no plans to market the 128k Spectrum in America. Although Bob Dyl of the English Micro Connection announced plans to carry it, when supplys are made available.
POCKET TV PERFORMS WELL
The new Sinclair Pocket TV is truly an amazing piece of high-technology. Last week, TIME DESIGNS obtained a sample unit for review from Sinclair Research. The Pocket TV is a compact little unit (5 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ x 1 1/4″) with a black plastic case. It utilizes circuit miniaturization extensively. It is powered by Polaroid’s unique 6v (flat) Lithium battery. This battery is rated for 15 hours (total) life. However, an external DC supply jack is also provided. The Pocket TV comes complete with a tiny earphone (for optional private listening), and a smartly-styled velvetine carrying pouch. Suggested retail price is $100.
Unlike most standard TV’s, where the picture image is “shot” from the rear of the set to the front screen surface, the Pocket TV’s screen is absolutely “flat”, and the viewer peers in at the screen thru a plastic fresnel lens. The viewing area is aprox. 1 and 1/2 x 1 inch. The Pocket TV is tuned by turning a small thumb-wheel (moving a needle accross a calibrated dial). VHF and UHF are selected by a switch. The built-in 18 1/2″ telescoping antenna pulls the TV stations in.
In a side-by-side comparison test with the Sony Watchman, the Sinclair Pocket TV picture clarity was just as good, if not a little better. Not to mention that the Sony retails for twice the price of a Sinclair. The Pocket TV received every available VHF and UHF station in the high-signal strength area. When tested in the “fringe” area, it demonstrated good sensitivity, pulling in about half of the available stations…with fairly decent reception. The volume control on the unit can be adjusted from quiet to suprisingly loud levels.
If you would like to own one of Sir Clive’s latest electronic wonders, this is certainly a “conversation” piece. Some practical uses for the TV are possible such as private home viewing, camping, or sports events. If interested, some T/S dealers have the Sinclair Pocket TV available.
PRODUCT NEWS
BNF Enterprises, 119 Foster St, PO Box 3357, Peabody, MA 01961, (617) 531-5774, has several T/S 2040 printers for $38.88 each.
RAMEX has a new address: 17620 26 Mile Rd., Washington, MI 48094, (313) 781-5800. They are offering the MK Floppy Drive System only as a “package” deal for $400 (includes one quad-density drive, SP-DOS interface, cables, and three software discs including Tasword, Masterfile, and Omni-calc). They have discontinued selling the interface separate, to eliminate problems of buyers using their own incompatible drives, a spokesman from Ramex told TIME DESIGNS. They also have another floppy drive “package” system with dual 3 inch drives and the SP-DOS interface for $299 (no software included). Ramex is a QL dealer, and includes a ROM cartridge called “ICE” (Icon Controlled Environment), $99 value, but free to purchasers of the $299 QL. ICE turns the QL into a Mac-like computer.
Group Technology, Ltd., POB 87, Check, VA 24072, (703) 651-3153, has T/S books and h/w for interfacing external devices to the ZX-81 and 2068.
Zebra Systems, Inc., 78-06 Jamaica Ave, Woodhaven, NY 11421, (718) 296-2385, is a company that has supported T/S computers since the ZX-81. They have recently affirmed their continued support by releasing several new products for the 2068. In stock now are the Zebra Disk Drive Systems (from Portugal) for $349.95. Also in stock is the brand new OS-64 Operating System Cartridge, that enhances the 64 col. video mode of the 2068. 64 col. feature works on screen, or sent to a full-size printer. Price is $29.95. There are some new software titles available, including the “Greeting Card Designer” (which is like Atari’s Print Shop). Card Designer prints cards of your own design on a full size printer. Many of Zebra’s new programs are available on 3 inch discs. Card Designer is in stock for $19.95 (cassette) and $24.95 (disc). For total order include $3.00. Along with their catalog for the 2068 and 1000, they have a QL s/w and h/w catalog available to support the $299 QL (yours, just for the asking!).
Small Digital Systems, Inc. have two utilities that improve the Hunter 8k RAM Board for the T/S 1000. They are the Memory One and REMC, for $14.99 each. For more information, write to SDS, c/o Product Info Services, 2089 Chatsworth Blvd, Suite 4, San Diego, CA 92107, or phone (619) 569-2743.
The English Micro Connection just put their new 36 page Sept.-Dec. catalog in the mail. Considerably larger and professionally printed, it lists a wide variety of English computer products for the Sinclair Spectrum. All of the s/w and h/w has been tested by EMC for 100% compatability with the T/S 2068 (modified with some form of Spectrum emulation). The catalog contains lots of photos and descriptions for reference. If you are not on their mailing list, write to them at 15 Kilburn Ct., Newport, RI 02840, or phone (401) 849-3805.
DAMCO Enterprises is having a special Holiday sale. The Wafadrive system for the 2068 (complete with their new Rainbow plus Spectrum Interface) is priced for a limited time at $175 plus $5 S&H. They also have several Spectrum software package deals (on cassette). For example, a grab bag of three titles may contain one or more of these titles: Chess, Dungeon Master, Traxx, Ship of Doom, ect. The price? $9.95. There are many more deals including educational software. If interested, contact DAMCO at: 67 Bradley Ct., Fall River, MA 02720, or phone (617) 678-2110.
Kurt A. Casby, 25 Battle Creek Ct., St. Paul, MN 55119, has written a utility program for Westridge‘s MTERM modem software. It expands MTERM’s buffer to allow the user to load up long text files from Tasword. The program also adds further capabilities to the auto-dial (and macro key) section. For more information and pricing/dealers, write to Mr. Casby at the address above.
A new company from “up north”, Beaver Computer Products, has two software titles available for the 2068. “Character Font Generator” aides the user in designing custom character sets or UDG’s, and is priced at $25. “Advanced Video Modes” is a utility for 2068’s dual screen, extended color, and 64 column modes. It is priced at $15. All software prices are quoted in Canadian funds. Postage and handling is free. Write to: 999 Munroe Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2K 1J4.
MISC.
Carver Technologies is a division of T/S Connection. They will repair Timex/Sinclair computers for a nominal fee. However, they are not an authorized warranty repair outlet. All warranty repairs should be sent to Timex in Little Rock, Arkansas. Carver Technologies have developed some enhancements for T/S products such as a stereo jack for the 2068, LED power indicator for the 2068, and a power supply switch for the 2040 printer. For information on service rates and add-on modifications, write to: The T/S Connection, 3832 Watterson Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45227.
The Greater Cincinnati Users Group has developed a 2068-based BBS which is now operational. It will become fully-operational on a nation wide basis in a few weeks with the addition of an Aerco Disk Drive System. A Mr. Jack Roberts c/o The T/S Connection has more details on the BBS.
A Midwest ZX/TS Computer Fair is in the planning stages. Mr. Frank Davis, [address omitted], Peru, IN 46970, would appreciate any reader input or suggestions. His phone number is [phone number omitted]. Compuserve I.D. is [e-mail address omitted]. The Computer Fair is scheduled for this next spring.
USERS GROUP UPDATE
If your Timex/Sinclair Users Group hasn’t been listed in TIME DESIGNS before, such as the directory in the March/April 85 issue, or an update…please send us the information so that we can mention you. We have added new members to groups because of this listing. Here are some additional ones to add to your list:
Dallas Timex Sinclair User Group
[address omitted]
Plano, TX 75074
Contact: Julie Barrett
Omaha Timex/Sinclair User Group
[address omitted]
Omaha, NE 68105
Contact: Dan Hargens (Secretary)
Group would like to contact other groups for purpose of trading info.
PC Users Group Of New York
(formerly ZX Users Group of NY)
Box 560-Wall St.
New York, NY 10005
Publishes PC World News Bulletin
$15/year for membership/subscription
Mexican Timex/Sinclair User Group
c/o M. Adriana Rodriguez Maldonado
[address omitted]
C.P. 11370
Mexico, D.F.