There are two new advanced computers on the market that may be of interest to Timex and Sinclair users.
The Sinclair QL (Quantum Leap)
As reported last issue the QL is a new business and personal computer from Clive Sinclair and Sinclair Research, Ltd. The QL is already available in England, and Sinclair had hoped to be selling the computer to mail order customers in the U.S. by the third quarter of this year. However a recent hold-up in component delivery will probably delay U.S. availability until the fourth quarter. The announced price is $499.
The QL is said to be comparable to the Apple Mcintosh in every way except price – the Mac sells for about five times as much. The QL features a 65-key keyboard, two built-in microtape drives, 128K RAM (expandable to 640K). The main microprocessoris a 32-bit 68008 chip containing SuperBASIC and QDOS. SuperBASIC is an enhanced BASIC featuring user-friendly commands and flexibility. (For the QL, Sinclair has abandonned its one-touch keyword system). The operating system, QDOS, is multi-tasking and can maintain up to 20 program “windows” simultaneousy. QDOS also can support a 256-user local area network. The display is 85 columns by 25 rows (516×256 pixels, hi-res)or 40 columns by 25(lo-res).
Four sophisticated programs are provided with the QL: Quill – a word processor; Abucus – a spread sheet; Archive – a data base; and Easel – a graphics package. (All programs can share data with each other.) Ports are provided for a modem, a printer, joysticks, a monitor. a TV, and networking.
The Memotech MTX-512
For the last year and a half Memotech Corporation has developed and sold RAM paks, EPROMS, printer interfaces, and keyboards for Timex Sinclair Computers. With the announcement last year that Memotech was developing its own microcomputer, many Timex users were naturally interested. The Memotech MTX-512 computer is now available. The advertisement appearing in several computer publications is very impressive. 64K RAM built-in, expandable to 512K (thus MTX 512), plus seperate 16K RAM for video output with a seperate processor.
DISPLAY: 256 X 192 resolution , 16 colors which can all be used simultaneously, 32 sprites, and eight user-definable windows.
INPUT/OUTPUT: Centronics parallel printer port, two standard joystick ports, cassette port (2400 baud) separate TV and monitor ports, 4-channel hifi port, ROM cartridge port, plus a uncommitted parallel I/O port (all standard).
LANGUAGE: MTX BASIC with abbreviated commands, MTX GRAPHICS, NODDY – an II – command language for children, and MTX ASSEMBLER (built into 24K ROM). PASCAL and FORTH availabe as add on ROMs.
KEYBOARD: 81 keys with numeric keypads, 8 function keys, auto repeat.
ITEM: Software from JRC, PO Box 448, Scottsburg, IN 47170.
For the TS 2068
- The Great Graphics Show: The examples above are just two of the many graphics display that can be done with the “Great Graphics Show.”
- Three Games Package: Paint and draw with Colorsketch, using your joystick more than 12 single keystroke commands. “Timing the Trash Compactor” is a cleverly animated game for children and adults. “Dodge-em” is a clasic race game with a surprising twist, fast and tough.
- HiRes Lander: The clasic space game with high-resolution realism and two difficulty levels. Requires skill and patience.
- Oscilloscope: Real time three-dimensional rotaion with dozens of possible patterns.
- Touch Type Learning Game: Introduces 197 symbols and tracks your progress. Educaional but fun game.
- Easy Editor: Fastest and easiest text editor ever in BASIC.
All six of these programs are available for $24.95 on a high – quality TDK tape. Also available seperately for $9.95 each.
For the TS 1000/1500
- Super Tape: Include Super Function Plot, 4-2K action games, Touch Type Teacher, Extensions to BASIC, Upper/Lower case on printer, Hi-Res on printer, and many more programs, mostly in machine code, on TDK tape for $24.95.
JRC Software
Software for Sinclair and Timex Sinclair Computers
Call (812) 752-6071 or 752-5106
John Richard Coffey
P.O. Box 448
Scottsburg, IN 47170
ITEM: 5 programs for the TS 2060 from Softsync, 14E. 4th Street, NY, NY 10016.
- Gulpman: PacMan-Type game except Gulpman can shoot at his attacker. Joystick or keyboard control. 15 mazes and 9 speeds. (Ed. note: I liked it).
- Cyberzone: Space game. Voice-activated firing (no joke!), joystick/keyboard control. Nice color and very fast. (Ed. note: I’m hooked).
- Voice Chess: Several difficulty levels. Computer talked to the player with mildly sarcastic vocabulary. Nice game.
- Personal Accountant: General ledger, amortization program,address file with 15-page booklet.
- Zeus Assembler: Machine Code programing.
All programs on cassette ($19.95, except Accountant, $24.95). These programs will be reviewed in upcoming issues.
ITEM: Apropos Technology announces three new program packages for the TS-1000 and TS-1500
DR. FLOYD: A psychoanalytic artificial intelligence program which allows the player to carry on a “conversation” with the computer. Great for showing others what a small computer can do.
GRAPHICS PAK 1: A collection of five programs which allow the user to draw pictures on his TV screen through keyborad control. All creations can be saved to tape and recalled. One program allows placement of any character anywhere on the screen.
WORDPLAY: A collection of five English language programs which teach the player important points of grammer and literature in a fun and stimulating manner.
All require 16K of memory and sell for $12.95 plus $2.00 S & H.