Info-IBMPC%USC-ISIB@sri-unix.UUCP (11/03/83)
From: Dick Gillmann <Info-IBMPC@USC-ISIB> When I heard that IBM had announced the PCjr I rushed down to the local IBM Product Center to order one, since I need to get all the Inner Loop software to run on it. Sure enough, they had big PCjr posters up, videotapes and sales literature, but precious little hard technical data, and no demonstration models. They were taking orders (no money down required) and time stamping them. Delivery is not promised until 1Q84, which they said was likely mid-January. Here is what I have been able to gather about the new PCjr: CPU: 8088 (not 80188 apparently) Memory: 64K or 128K bytes Operating System: PC-DOS 2.10 Display: Either RGB or TV. The Monochrome display is not supported. I was not able to find out if a composite monitor is supported. Keyboard: Cheap looking, almost chicklet, keys, with the labels printed above the keys, not on them. Completely separate from the PCjr using infrared link like a remote TV controller. A cable is also available so you don't have to worry about batteries and staying in line-of-sight. The keys are arranged differently than on a regular PC and there are less of them (62, counting from a picture). The function keys are at the top and there is no numeric keypad. Expansion: There are expansion slots, but I haven't been able to find out how many or if they are compatible with the PC. Mass storage: A single diskette drive (half height 5 1/4") is available and is compatible with the regular PC. The cassette port is back. Cartridges: There are two cartridge slots and a few games are listed in this format. Communication: An internal 300 baud modem is available. They will also sell you Hayes modems either 300 or 1200 baud. Apparently the serial port is built-in; it's not on the option list. ROM: BIOS, Basic and "Keyboard Adventure" are in ROM. Printers: There is a new thermal printer for $175. System Software:In addition to DOS 2.10, there is a Basic compiler, Macro assembler and LOGO. Prices: $669 64K PCjr $1269 128K PCjr with diskette drive $140 64K memory and display option $480 Diskette drive $680 IBM RGB display $175 Thermal printer $199 300-baud internal modem $65 DOS 2.10 $300 Basic compiler $100 Macro assembler $175 Logo v1 and plenty of unbundled adapter cables at $30 or so a pop.