Uncle Clive has dropped another bomb on the computer industry. Just as we are being introduced to the TS-2068, Sinclair research announced they will ship a new microcomputer, the Sinclair QL (which stands for Quantum Leap), to the American market beginning this fall.
This is the fabled computer announced in our magazine about a year ago as the ZX-83.
Here are some of the specifics, as we understand them:
- Motorola 68008 32 bit microprocessor
- 65 dome recessed keys
- 128K RAM, expandable to 512K
- 85 character columns by 25 lines with monitor
- 40-60 columns by 25 lines with TV
- Two 100 K microdrives onboard
- 32K ROM
- Cartridge port for 64K ROM cartridges
- 4 color Hi-Res 512×256 screen output
- 8 color 256×256 Lo-Res screen output
- Sinclair SUPERBASIC onboard
- Multi-screen (up to 6 windows)
- Multi-program/tasking (allows computer to have in memory more than one program and operate more than one program or sections of a program at a time in various windows).
The computer will come with 4 BASIC programs. They are:
- Word processor
- Spread sheet
- Graphics package
- Management data base
The last one has its own screen editor. Peripherils under developement are:
- Pascal compiler
- 68000 assembler
- Terminal emulator
- Analog/digital interface
- Winchester disk interface
- Parallel printer interface
- Multi-channel sound generator
- 80 column ink printer
- 512 K memory board
It is interesting that Sinclair plans to market this computer by mail-order and through Sinclair Research, not through Timex. Apparently Sinclair is dissatisfied with the marketing methods of Timex and the fierce price wars encountered in the U.S.
This could pose a serious problem for the future of the Timex Sinclair computers in general. Timex, with their non-TV advertising approach to computer marketing has not received the expected sales with the 2068 and has all but dropped the 1500 line. The 2068 is a wonderful computer but without proper exposure, future sales are uncertain. Don’t be suprised if in a few months the Timex computers go the way of the TI 99/4A.
Also look for the Coleco Adam to fold. Word has it that the Adam has almost a 100 % return rate for various problems – Ed.