jhs@MITRE-BEDFORD.ARPA (03/03/86)
To: Jackson at ucb.berkeley.edu Sorry, but I couldn't seem to get a direct reply thru so I am posting this. Well, 800XLs are selling for $60 to $100 these days. You might try Computer Direct for a $90.00 price; they are in Barrington, IL and phone number is (312) 382-5050; address is 22292 N. Pepper Rd., Barrington IL 60010. Lyco at 1-800-233-8760 is another source. Also, one of the local K-Marts out here (Somerville, MA) had 800XLs (2 of em) for $60.00 last I heard. Other K-Marts may have them, as do a lot of the toy stores at $99.95 or so. For service, you might try American TV in San Leandro, CA. They are at (415) 352-3787, and they seem to be decent folks for mail order purchases anyway. Just a hunch... you might try taking the case apart (6 screws on the bottom) and wiggling the ribbon cable that comes from the keyboard over to the motherboard. It just might be dirty and making a poor contact or something. If it's like mine, the ribbon cable is just pushed into the socket. If you pull it out and clean it, the extra piece of stiff clear plastic is helpful in stiffening the cable while you push it carefully back into the connector. I would suggest alcohol on a Q-tip for cleaning the cable contacts. However, ALWAYS test solvents on a non-critical place before using them!!! (Translation: I haven't tested this solvent on this material!!!!) While you have it open, a general cleaning with a compressed air source (even if that's your lungs) might help. It could be as simple as a little dust here and there. Good luck. If you don't mind, I would like to know what you use to do your taxes on the 800XL. I just got the computer and don't have much software for it yet. A tax package would be useful, I should think. Regards, John Sangster jhs at mitre-bedford.arpa
jackson@TTIDCB.UUCP (03/04/86)
John, Thanks for your reply to my request for help. Last year I used the program called The Tax Advantage. Skeptical at first, I found it really helped - especially with those little changes one often wants to make at the last minute. Of course no computer helps with the chore of keeping track of all those pieces of paper with strange $ amounts on them. I have seen The Tax Advantage advertised in Antic for about $30. Thanks again, regards, Dick Jackson