Since Timex finally introduced its new Timex-Sinclair 2068 color computer this past October/November, it has received very favorable reviews in most of the popular microcomputer magazines. Those which I have seen and read are the following:
- COMPUTER SHOPPER, November 1983
- COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS, November 1983
- INFOWORLD, December 19, 1983
- MICROCOMPUTING, February 1984
- CREATIVE COMPUTING, March 1984
- COMPUTE!, March 1984
These are in addition to the various reviews found in magazines devoted specifically to the Timex-Sinclair computers such as SYNC and TIMEX SINCLAIR USER.
In order to give you an idea of how favorable these reviews by non-TS fanatics are, I’ve given several of the more impressive quotations below:
“In terms of memory, graphics, and sound, the Timex Sinclair 2068 is an impressive entry into the under $200 market.” (COMPUTE!)
“Physically, the TS2068 is an attractive little computer .. .The TS2068 is well equipped for playing games… When it comes to graphics, the TS2068 outperforms almost every other computer in its price range… For $199.95 retail, the Timex Sinclair 2068 personal color computer represents one of the best buys on the computer market today. Aimed at the home user, the TS2068 is certainly capable of living up to almost any entertainment, educational, or computer tutorial expectations the prospective purchaser may have. For those satisfied with, yet looking to graduate from their ZX-81’s and TS1000’s, I can think of no better computer.” (CREATIVE COMPUTING)
“As for third-party support, there isn’t much (if any) right now, and whether there will be in the future remains to be seen. . . Publishers are more cautious than optimistic, so it will probably be at least a year (if at all) before thirdparty programs proliferate. It was the same story with the Commodore 64; I hope the Timex story will have as happy an ending… The Timex 2068 has promise; it has potential .. .And, if Timex does some aggressive marketing, you may find an explosion of third-party support available by next year.” (MICROCOMPUTING)
I know that we all hope that Timex does in fact heavily support with both peripherals and advertising the 2068. This will give new computer buyers out there the opportunity to learn about and buy one of our favorite machines. Considering how well Commodore has done with their model 64 and the huge software and hardware support that now exists for it, I certainly hope our machines will do as well. The Commodore machine is only now coming down into the price range where the 2068 is beginning! (The 64 started at $595!) I suspect Timex has room to drop prices later on, just as they did with the TS1000. Meanwhile, features like the higher resolution graphics and availability of 64 character screen lines which are not available as standard features on the 64 should clearly demonstrate the greater value of the 2068.