mrh@camcon.co.uk (Mark Hughes) (09/14/88)
The following was extracted from an article carried by Telecom Gold (a UK email network). Note that I have no connection with APC, although I am an Amstrad dealer. ====================================================== Amstrad has announced its 2000 range of IBM compatible PCs... Three computers in the range ============================ The three new computers provide a range of computing power that extends from rather higher than the current PC1640 to well into the top end of the current IBM PS/2 range. Indeed, the new Amstrad series parallels three of the IBM models (30, 60 and 80). But there are also some significant differences. All machines are supplied with the MSdos operating system, GWBasic, and Microsoft Windows. There's also a mouse that's capable of running in both the MSdos and Windows environments. On each system you can attach a range of hardware add-ons: Different size disc drives, tape streamers, and so on. But Amstrad has decided not to go down IBM's MCA (Micro Channel Architecture) route, which many may feel is a surprising move. However, recent press statements make it questionable whether IBM themselves will continue to support the system. 2086 ==== At the bottom end of the trio is the 2086, an 8086 machine which closely emulates on the original IBM Model 30. The price varies between #599 and #1349, depending on the specifications chosen. It comes supplied with 640k of Ram as standard, with either two 3.5in. (720k) drives or a single 3.5in. drive and a 30Mb hard disc. The 8MHz clock runs at the same speed as the current 1640 but, interestingly, the PC bus operates at 4MHz, allowing asynchronous operations. 2286 ==== Mid range, and costing between #999 and #1699, is the 2286. Although not yet ready for release it appears to be similar, but again superior, in specification to the IBM Model 60. At the heart of this machine is the Intel 80286 processor which allows considerable increases in memory addressing capacities. Indeed, the standard Ram configuration of 1Mb can be increased to 4Mb. Processor speed is increased by about 50% over the 2086 to 12MHz, and the hard disc version has its disc capacity increased to a massive 40Mb. 2386 ==== At the top end of the range, but again not ready for release, is the 2386 - a 386-based machine that compares with the IBM Model 80. Apart from price, that is (about #2700 to #2999). To accommodate the increased processing, the clock speed leaps to a massive 20MHz and there's 4Mb of on-board Ram that's expandable to 16Mb. Graphics and Displays ===================== All machines come not only with VGA (Video Graphics Array - a feature missing on the IBM Model 30) but also the more advanced, and highly superior, PVGA (Paradise VGA). In addition the full range of graphics adapters is fitted, from the CGA seen on the PC1512, through the 1640's EGA, to IBM Model 30's MCGA (Multi-color graphics array). As a departure from its previous policy, however, Amstrad will allow users complete flexibility in their choice of monitors. Indeed, the company even suggests that they're considering entering the monitor market. Because the power system has been moved back into the system unit, at a later date users can choose to attach any monitor they wish to the machine - although, of course, the systems are supplied originally as a complete set of key- board, mouse, system box and monitor. Four monitors are available. Costing between #149 and #199, the 12in. monochrome is capable of displaying up to 64 shades of grey. For #299 there's the 14 in. colour (the quality of which is about the same as the monitor on the current PC1512). Moving into the high resolution colour monitors (slightly better picture quality than the current ECD monitor) there's the 12in. version at #399 and the 14in. model at #499. For more information ==================== More detailed information is available in the October issue of AMSTRAD PROFESSIONAL COMPUTING, which is now on sale (in the UK). The November issue of APC contains a comprehensive explanation of the facilities available on all three machines in the Amstrad 2000 series. (The following applies only to people able to send email to Telecom Gold:) If you are unable to obtain a copy of APC you can obtain one by sending an order to MAG001, giving your name, address and credit card number. The cost per copy is #1.25. You can also write to MAG001 to order a year's subscription to APC. This costs #15. -- ------------------- <mrh@camcon.co.uk> or <...!mcvax!ukc!idec!camcon!mrh> | Mark Hughes | Telex: 265871 (MONREF G) quoting: MAG70076 |(Compware . CCL) | BT Gold: 72:MAG70076 ------------------- Teleph: Cambridge (UK) (0)223-358855