hedger@inmet (01/17/89)
Can anyone in the Boston area give me any information about Unitech ? I am considering investing in a PC Compatible and they have what appear to be some pretty good deals. Has anyone out there ever had any dealings with Unitech hardware wise ? Any problems ? Lemons ? Suggestions ? Also, what about Tandy computers? Are they any good? Are they really 'compatible'? thanks in advance, ===================================================================== | | | Keith Hedger : {...!}uunet!inmet!hedger hedger@inmet.inmet.com | | | =====================================================================
paradis@maxzilla.Encore.COM (Jim Paradis) (01/19/89)
>Can anyone in the Boston area give me any information about Unitech ? >I am considering investing in a PC Compatible and they have what >appear to be some pretty good deals. Has anyone out there ever had any >dealings with Unitech hardware wise ? Any problems ? Lemons ? Suggestions ? I've done business with Unitech on several occasions; I find they're a pleasure to do business with. Their prices are quite reasonable (maybe, oh, 5-15% higher than mail-order, but you pay for the convenience of shopping in a store), their salespeople are courteous and knowledgeable, and they give no hassles about returns. They're a real down-to-earth operation, which I find infinitely easier to deal with than the slick-and-sleazy "business" computer stores. They also have a cute gimmick for getting customers into the store; they have a row of PCs set up in a corner of the store, with huge PD/shareware libraries on them, and customers are welcome to sit down, pop in a floppy, and copy what they want (I'm sure they also sell a LOT of floppies this way 8-) ). >Also, what about Tandy computers? Are they any good? Are they really >'compatible'? Ack! Phphpht! Actually, I think that more recent Tandy computers are much more compatible than their earlier MS-DOS offerings. Tandy just leaves a bad taste in my mouth because I foolishly bought a Tandy 2000 back when they first came out. Except for the fact that it ran MS-DOS, that machine was completely proprietary! And Tandy tried to take advantage of that position by lowballing the price of the base machine and making up for it by gouging you on the peripherals and support (and even software -- so much MS-DOS software is ill-behaved that you had to buy Tandy versions of most popular applications like Lotus and Dbase). Even the Tandy 1000, which was supposed to be a direct competitor for the PC-XT, had a few bus glitches which made it a crap shoot as to whether or not Brand X PC peripheral would work in it or not. I hear that some of the more recent Tandy offerings (the 3000, the 4000, and a couple of the 1000 models) are 100% PC-compatible, but I wouldn't stake the farm on it. Not to mention that most Radio Shlock salesmen don't seem to have two neurons to rub together..... I tend to stay away from Radio Shlock except MAYBE to buy christmas toys... Jim Paradis (paradis@encore.UUCP) 508-460-0500 Devout Secular Humanist and Worshipper of Bacchus in Vintage Years
davis@clocs.cs.unc.edu (Mark Davis) (01/19/89)
In article <4700@xenna.Encore.COM> paradis@maxzilla.UUCP (Jim Paradis) writes: >>Also, what about Tandy computers? Are they any good? Are they really >>'compatible'? > >Ack! Phphpht! >Actually, I think that more recent Tandy computers are much more >compatible than their earlier MS-DOS offerings. ... > >Not to mention that most Radio Shlock salesmen don't seem to >have two neurons to rub together..... First, some of the Tandy line does still have compatibility problems. To my knowledge, all of the 1000 line requires specialized disk controllers (normally only a few dollars ($20) extra). I have had no compatibility trouble with the 1200HD (with mail order 1200 baud modem, 30 Meg disk, 1.44 Meg 3.5" floppy, and Hercules graphics card) that I bought 4 years ago or the 3000 (something) that my brother bought a year ago. They claim that the 5000MC is an accurate MCA clone and the 4000 is a compatible as any 386 in an AT box. Secondly, salesmen are salesman. In 8 years of window shopping in all different kinds of stores, I have only found one that knew more than I did. (This is not quite as bad as it sounds. Since I design them and they sell them, you would hope I know a little more about computers.) I have found two really knowledgeble people in two different Tandy stores in my area, but if you talk to the wrong guy, you are out of luck. Radio Shack has the advantage that if it breaks you can take it to any Radio Shack in the land and it will get fixed. (May take a week, but they will get it fixed.) Their prices for peripherals are much higher than mail order. If you do not feel comfortable mail ordering the system you want, you may want to try Tandy because they build fairly reliable boxes (these days) and you can get them fixed. I recommend checking with several Tandy Computer Stores in your area until you find somebody you can talk to. I have no direct affiliation with Tandy/Radio Shack. I am a happy owner of a couple and I frequently recommend them. (However, my last recommendation was "Mail order a Premier 1000"). Hope this helps - Mark (davis@cs.unc.edu or uunet!mcnc!davis)
fetrow@bones.stat.washington.edu (Dave Fetrow) (01/19/89)
In article <4700@xenna.Encore.COM> paradis@maxzilla.UUCP (Jim Paradis) writes: > >>Also, what about Tandy computers? Are they any good? Are they really >>'compatible'? > >Ack! Phphpht! >Actually, I think that more recent Tandy computers are much more >compatible than their earlier MS-DOS offerings. Tandy just leaves >a bad taste in my mouth because I foolishly bought a Tandy 2000 >back when they first came out. Except for the fact that it ran >MS-DOS, that machine was completely proprietary! > >Even the Tandy 1000, which was supposed to be a direct competitor >for the PC-XT, had a few bus glitches which made it a crap shoot >as to whether or not Brand X PC peripheral would work in it or >not. > >I hear that some of the more recent Tandy offerings (the 3000, >the 4000, and a couple of the 1000 models) are 100% PC-compatible, >but I wouldn't stake the farm on it. > >Not to mention that most Radio Shlock salesmen don't seem to >have two neurons to rub together..... > >Jim Paradis (paradis@encore.UUCP) 508-460-0500 >Devout Secular Humanist and Worshipper of Bacchus in Vintage Years Tandys' quality has often been all over the place but the recent machines we've bought (in quantity): the 3000's and 4000's have been very good indeed both in repair and in compatability. We even get reasonably priced upgrades (the original 4000 [like the original Compaq 386] didn't have an 80387 socket). As with most computer places you NEED to find the knowledgeable people in the store (in the case of Tandy you may need to look at a lot of stores) and deal exclusively with that person. The Computer Store version of Radio Shack is a good place to start. Ask questions you know the answer to in order to find out what they know. If you can find such a person(s) then Tandy can be a really satisfying company to deal with. As usual, it's best to stay away from the stuff with small serial numbers.....from anybody. As for us, we have a very good guy here in Seattle and the fellow before him was also very good and we've had very nice experiences. They knew enough and were good enough to steer us away from stuff that is iffy, suggested what peripherals were best bought from someone else as well as giving good service. That's why they have our repeat business. BITNET: dfetrow@uwarita -- david d. fetrow -- UUCP: uw-beaver!hilbert!fetrow INTERNET: fetrow@bones.biostat.washington.edu (cond ((lovep you (quote LISP)) (honk)) (t nil))
greggt@VAX1.CC.UAKRON.EDU (Gregg Thompson) (01/19/89)
I for one also do not like the fact that most Radio Shack stores (if not all) know nothing about computers; however, don't be stupid! Go to the Tandy Computer Centers!! Most of the time you will find at least 1 person who knows what he is talking about. As for IBM compatability DON'T SAY ANYTHING IF YOU HAVEN'T TRIED IT YOURSELF! Granted the 2000 isn't IBM compatible but everyone knew that! As for a Tandy 1000 (old or new we have both here at home, infact we have one of the first Tandy 1000's, on of the later Tandy 1000's, and a Tandy 1000TL) I have YET to find ANY IBM-PC program that will not run on a Tandy! Infact I have some great games (Sierra, FSIII, etc...) that run better on my Tandy 1000 with a basic system than a IBM-PC compatible for the same price (monitor and computer) running CGA, because of the higher resolution and 16 colors. Most of the popular games support the Tandy 1000/PCjr graphics which is better than the el cheapo CGA (no special monitor for the tandy just a regular RGB from qubie'). I was even running a standard hard disk on my tandy 1000A (the old Tandy 1000's) even when people on the net was saying it was impossible to do that. I had no problems, I was even running PC-DOS 2.1 at the time! So before anyone opens their mouth about compatability problems better find out the facts first! Granted I would love to have a "better" machine but hey for the price you can't beat it. I would not buy the Tandy 1000 from Tandy because they price them soo high, so mail order is a LOT better (Fort Worth Computers was selling tandy's for a while, don't know if they still exist haven't seen their ads other than in 80 Micro) So if you have the money to burn get something else, if you hardly have any money and you want the higher res and color for a cheaper price... well tandy does well. -- To live is to die, to die is to live forever; GRegg Thompson Where will you spend eternity? greggt@vax1.cc.uakron.edu
gk@kksys.mn.org (Greg Kemnitz) (01/21/89)
In article <75@VAX1.CC.UAKRON.EDU> greggt@VAX1.CC.UAKRON.EDU (Gregg Thompson) writes: >As for IBM compatability DON'T SAY ANYTHING IF YOU HAVEN'T TRIED IT YOURSELF! I did try one... I foolishly bought a Tandy 1000 (original) thinking that it was going to be able to run standard software. BIG mistake. >As for a Tandy 1000 (old or new we have both here at home, infact we have >one of the first Tandy 1000's, on of the later Tandy 1000's, and a >Tandy 1000TL) I have YET to find ANY IBM-PC program that will not run on a >Tandy! Infact I have some great games (Sierra, FSIII, etc...) that run better The first one I found that did not run CORRECTLY was an obscure program called Lotus 123 release 1a. It was possible to run it by bypassing the main menu (ie, run 123 instead of lotus), but IT DID NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY. The folks at Radio Shack had a solution, of course... buy THEIR version of Lotus 123. They said it had a special driver necessary for correct operation on the 1000 display, and code to re-map the keyboard (to deal with the non-standard key layout). I encountered enough similar problems with other packages that I decided to abandon the machine and try something a bit more standard. > So before anyone opens their mouth about compatability problems better >find out the facts first! Fact: The Tandy 1000 (original) display is not fully PC compatible. SOME standard programs WILL NOT operate correctly with this system. Fact: The Tandy 1000 (original) requires a NON-STANDARD disk controller configuration for hard disk operation. Fact: The Tandy 1000 (many models if not all) uses a NON-STANDARD joystick pinout, preventing use of STANDARD PC-type joysticks. Fact: The Tandy 1000 (original) does not include the DMA controller which is standard with IBM PCs and clones. It can be added by purchasing a Tandy-specific memory expansion card which includes it, at a significant price, of course.... Agreed, each of the compatability problems can be dealt with by visiting your local Radio Shack store or computer center. For a price, they have proprietary versions of the standard products which will operate correctly. I understand that later models of the Tandy 1000 have been more compatable than the early ones, however several intentional incompatabilities still exist. If you are a buyer who likes to deal with a supplier who tries to lock you into their products for future expansion, by all means go to Radio Shack. Their machines are generally quite reliable, and service is available across the country. Just do not be lured in by the relative low cost of the initial acquisition. Greg Kemnitz / K and K Systems / PO Box 41804 / Plymouth, MN 55441-0804 Domain: gk@kksys.mn.org / UUCP: ...!rutgers!bungia!kksys!gk Voice: (612)475-1527 / Fax: (612)475-1979
neese@cpe.UUCP (01/23/89)
Any incompatibilities in the 1000 line are not reflected in the 3000,
4000, 5000 line of products.
Roy Neese
Tandy Computer Product Engineering
UUCP@ {killer,merch,texbell}!cpe!neesedale@wucs1.wustl.edu (Dale Frye) (01/24/89)
Awhile back we used to use the P-System for our freshman courses. The P-system was notorious for it's dislike of clones. All of our machines are true Blue. Mostly PC-1s but a few PC-2s. A student bought an IBM machine to insure compatability with the P-system. Unfortunatly the P-system did not like the latest change that IBM made to the BIOS. The P-system just locked up the machine. What really made this student mad was when another student with a Tandy 1000 said that the P-system ran fine on his machine. Even IBM is not "compatible" with itself. Dale Frye @ Washington University in St. Louis
bpendlet@esunix.UUCP (Bob Pendleton) (01/24/89)
From article <75@VAX1.CC.UAKRON.EDU>, by greggt@VAX1.CC.UAKRON.EDU (Gregg Thompson): > > > So if you have the money to burn get something else, if you hardly > have any money and you want the higher res and color for a cheaper price... > well tandy does well. Odd, I recently decided NOT to buy a Tandy 1000TL because the price was so high! I bought a 6/10Mhz AT clone, with a 360K floppy, a 30 Meg hard disk, 1 Meg of Ram, an Everex EGA card, an EGA Monitor, and MS-DOS for about what Tandy wanted for a 1000TL and a second floppy disk. The list price of the 1000TL did look good. But the total system price was outrageous. And I didn't buy mail order. I bought from a small local shop that gave me a good warantee. Bob P.-- Bob Pendleton, speaking only for myself. UUCP Address: decwrl!esunix!bpendlet or utah-cs!esunix!bpendlet Reality is what you make of it.
japplega@csm9a.UUCP (Joe Applegate) (01/24/89)
In article <3200003@cpe>, neese@cpe.UUCP writes: > > Any incompatibilities in the 1000 line are not reflected in the 3000, > 4000, 5000 line of products. Strange it was a Tandy Computer Store Salesman that told me the 1000A was a new version redesigned to be 100% IBM compatible... Fool me once shame on you! Fool me twice shame on me! Actually when evaluating the 4000 for our school I found several major hardware design flaws and lots of software incompatibilities, primarily as a result of Tandy using a non-standard memory utilization that caused programs like AutoCad, Personal Consultant Plus, and Minix to think there was memory between 640K and 1 Meg. but it couldn't find the memory... Typical Tandy... "Tandy, there are so many better values" - Joe Applegate - ======================STANDARD DISCLAIMER============================ All views and opinions are my own and do not represent the views or opinions of the Colorado School of Mines, whatever they might be. =====================================================================
neese@cpe.UUCP (01/25/89)
You didn't leave a mail path so,....
It is interesting you mentioned hardware incompatibilities. I know
of none. For instance, SCO's standard Xenix product runs fine on the
4000 and it really depends on the hardware to be in the right place.
I have used Autocad and haven't had any problems with it and I believe
a magazine published some performance figures based on Autocad and
the 4000.
The memory stuff you mentioned is done the same way in several other
makers of AT boxes. The memory between 640 and 1MB is shadow ram.
That area of memory is defined in the AT standard as a place
for BIOS's and video. It is not supposed to be used by a program
except for those uses I have stated. If a program is attempting
to use that area of memory for real memory, then the program is
at fault. The 4000 does not remap that area above 1MB so it is
not available to any program. The DOS functions for determining
the memory in a system all return the correct values. They do not
reflect the 384K that is mapped between 640 and 1MB. If you would
E-mail me some more details, I will be happy to find out what is
going on.
Roy Neese
Tandy Computer Product Engineering
UUCP@ {killer,texbell,merch}!cpe!neese