arb1@ihuxv.ATT.COM (Blackburn) (12/31/87)
Has anyone heard anything good or bad about the Amstrad PC1512. It it pretty cheap in comparison to other XT compatibles and has an 8086 rather than the 8088 which is a plus. 8086 16-bit CPU (8mhz) Amber monitor 640K on motherboard mouse 20 meg hard disk 360K floppy 3 expansion slots (hard drive takes up 1.5) ** is this a problem? ** keyboard DOS 3.2 all for about 1150.00 Any reponse would be appreciated. Alan Blackburn ..!ihnp4!ihuxv!arb1
dross@umn-d-ub.D.UMN.EDU (David Ross) (01/04/88)
In article <2322@ihuxv.ATT.COM> arb1@ihuxv.ATT.COM (Blackburn) writes: > >Has anyone heard anything good or bad about the Amstrad PC1512. Amstrad is a big name in European (well, English) electronics; they may even now be #2 in microcomputers there (after Olivetti). They specialize in low-cost Taiwan-built stuff, though much is designed in the U.K. The PC1512 was the first really cheap clone to hit the English market, and it took it by storm. The impression of my colleagues at Hull University (where the Amstrad is one of 4 officially sanctioned machines) is that it is pretty reliable, a good buy, and nice to use. However, WARNINGS: 1) The graphics is nonstandard. Moreover, In the early days - they might have fixed this by now - the machine blew up when EGA cards were plugged in. 2) The machine is a bit plasticy, and may not stand up to hard (i.e., office) use. On the plus side, it is cheap, comes with lots of software, and the BASIC that comes with it (not Microsoft! - but largely compatible) is very fast and powerful. In Europe it would be a safe buy. In the U.S.? Who knows; it depends on whether enough people buy them so that Amstrad becomes a presence here. Hope this helps!
med@druhi.ATT.COM (DrapalME) (01/05/88)
In article <2322@ihuxv.ATT.COM>, arb1@ihuxv.ATT.COM (Blackburn) writes: > > Has anyone heard anything good or bad about the Amstrad PC1512. > It it pretty cheap in comparison to other XT compatibles and has > an 8086 rather than the 8088 which is a plus. > > 8086 16-bit CPU (8mhz) > Amber monitor > 640K on motherboard > mouse > 20 meg hard disk > 360K floppy > 3 expansion slots (hard drive takes up 1.5) ** is this a problem? ** > keyboard > DOS 3.2 > > > all for about 1150.00 > > Any reponse would be appreciated. > > Alan Blackburn > ..!ihnp4!ihuxv!arb1 Well, I can talk from experience, since I just bought a PC1512DD (2-360K floppies) for my parents for Christmas. I chose the Amstrad for them, since it has GEM Desktop/Paint included in the "free" software (nothing's "free" anymore :-)) so they could use GEM to get started, and learn MS-DOS in their leasure time. For the good points: 1) First, and foremost, it is *very* compatible - 123 came up without a hitch - PC World magazine claims that the Amstrad is the most compatible PC that they have seen in a long time. 2) The bundled software (4 disks total) is very complete - MS-DOS 3.2, GEM Desktop, GEM Paint, DOS PLUS (CP/M like OS), and Locomotive BASIC are included. 3) The documentation included is very complete, but a little too skimpy for us hacker-types (;-) - BUT, I called Amstrad (in Texas) and they sent me a technical reference manual that has everything but schematics in it ($40). 4) Expansion from 512K to 640K is a snap, just add 18 64K DRAMS and move a jumper. 5) Built-in battery backed up clock, video (both mono and color - CGA), 8Mhz 8086, 3 slots (one is a "half" slot, but you can use it as a full slot - there just isn't a card guide on one end). Socket for an optional 8087 is included. Now, for some of the weak points: 1) Only 3 slots (1.5 if you buy their hard disk) - Well, you could buy an expansion box ($150-250) if you need more slots, but why? Also, I would probably stay away from their HD, 1.5 slots seems excessive to me - just buy a PC1512DD and a 1 slot hard card. 2) Full-time 8Mhz turbo - this may be a problem for some software, though this is getting better with most of the newer software. If you really need to go back to 4.77Mhz, it should be easy (though I haven't checked yet) to put in a switchable turbo option. 3) Monitors - You really do need to buy one of their monitors (CGA color or B/W monochrome) because they power the system from a 90 watt power supply enclosed in the monitor. This may seem silly at first (it did to me anyway), but this allows them not to include a fan in the CPU box (read - *very quiet*). I did take a stab at using a different monitor/power supply combo, but looking at the pricing on their monitors, hacking in all of the power/video connections does not seem cost effective. All in all, I was very impressed with the machine - so much so that I may just buy myself one. As for the pricing you quoted - $999 (or less) for that system through Tussey Computer Products 1-800-468-9044. If anyone has any more questions regarding this system, please feel free to send me e-mail. Myron Drapal AT&T - Denver ..!ihnp4!druhi!med
lucb@kulcs.UUCP (Luc Bomans) (01/06/88)
In article <2525@druhi.ATT.COM> med@druhi.ATT.COM (DrapalME) writes: >Now, for some of the weak points: > 1) Only 3 slots (1.5 if you buy their hard disk) - Well, you could > buy an expansion box ($150-250) if you need more slots, but why? > Also, I would probably stay away from their HD, 1.5 slots seems > excessive to me - just buy a PC1512DD and a 1 slot hard card. From what I heard the PC1512 isn't hardware compatible with other PC's, so that you must buy one of there harddisks, which have two times the price of harddisk from another vendor. (Problably they need a non-standard controller?) Also, here in Europe, there is a new Amstrad PC, the PC1640 with standard 640K memory and Hercules compatible graphics and (I think) some more expansion slots. Luc Bomans mail: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Tel: +32 16 200656 x 3546 Dept. Computer Science E-mail: lucb@kulcs.UUCP Celestijnenlaan 200 A ... mcvax!prlb2!kulcs!lucb B-3030 Leuven - Belgium -- Luc Bomans mail: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Tel: +32 16 200656 x 3546 Dept. Computer Science E-mail: lucb@kulcs.UUCP Celestijnenlaan 200 A ... mcvax!prlb2!kulcs!lucb B-3030 Leuven - Belgium
med@druhi.ATT.COM (DrapalME) (01/08/88)
In article <1096@kulcs.UUCP>, lucb@kulcs.UUCP (Luc Bomans) writes: > In article <2525@druhi.ATT.COM> med@druhi.ATT.COM (DrapalME) writes: > >Now, for some of the weak points: > > 1) Only 3 slots (1.5 if you buy their hard disk) - Well, you could > > buy an expansion box ($150-250) if you need more slots, but why? > > Also, I would probably stay away from their HD, 1.5 slots seems > > excessive to me - just buy a PC1512DD and a 1 slot hard card. > From what I heard the PC1512 isn't hardware compatible with other PC's, > so that you must buy one of there harddisks, which have two times the price of > harddisk from another vendor. (Problably they need a non-standard controller?) > Also, here in Europe, there is a new Amstrad PC, the PC1640 with standard 640K > memory and Hercules compatible graphics and (I think) some more expansion slots. > > Luc Bomans mail: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven > Tel: +32 16 200656 x 3546 Dept. Computer Science > E-mail: lucb@kulcs.UUCP Celestijnenlaan 200 A > ... mcvax!prlb2!kulcs!lucb B-3030 Leuven - Belgium According to the sales literature (which is probably like everyone else's - not worth the paper it's written on ;-)) and their technical manual, the slots are standard XT-style slots. I have heard that their graphics are slightly incompatable with standard CGA (don't know how, just yet), but I've not heard anything about hardware specific problems. I will have access to another PC1512DD this week, as well as two different HDs so I'll be able to tell you more problably next week sometime as to my success/failure to use other vendors drives/controllers. NOW, Some lines for the stupid INEWS fix(bug). . . . . . . . . . . . . Myron Drapal AT&T Denver ..!ihnp4!druhi!med
Usenet_area_"Cs.I.Pc"@watmath.waterloo.edu (01/08/88)
From Usenet: mtgzz!drutx!druhi!med From: med@druhi.ATT.COM (DrapalME) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc Subject: Re: AMSTRAD PC1512 Summary: not according to their literature and tech manual Message-ID: <2534@druhi.ATT.COM> Date: 7 Jan 88 16:14:15 GMT References: <2322@ihuxv.ATT.COM> <2525@druhi.ATT.COM> <1096@kulcs.UUCP> Organization: AT&T, Denver, CO Lines: 44 In article <1096@kulcs.UUCP>, lucb@kulcs.UUCP (Luc Bomans) writes: > In article <2525@druhi.ATT.COM> med@druhi.ATT.COM (DrapalME) writes: > >Now, for some of the weak points: > > 1) Only 3 slots (1.5 if you buy their hard disk) - Well, you could > > buy an expansion box ($150-250) if you need more slots, but why? > > Also, I would probably stay away from their HD, 1.5 slots seems > > excessive to me - just buy a PC1512DD and a 1 slot hard card. > From what I heard the PC1512 isn't hardware compatible with other PC's, > so that you must buy one of there harddisks, which have two times the price of > harddisk from another vendor. (Problably they need a non-standard controller?) > Also, here in Europe, there is a new Amstrad PC, the PC1640 with standard 640K > memory and Hercules compatible graphics and (I think) some more expansion slots. > > Luc Bomans mail: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven > Tel: +32 16 200656 x 3546 Dept. Computer Science > E-mail: lucb@kulcs.UUCP Celestijnenlaan 200 A > ... mcvax!prlb2!kulcs!lucb B-3030 Leuven - Belgium According to the sales literature (which is probably like everyone else's - not worth the paper it's written on ;-)) and their technical manual, the slots are standard XT-style slots. I have heard that their graphics are slightly incompatable with standard CGA (don't know how, just yet), but I've not heard anything about hardware specific problems. I will have access to another PC1512DD this week, as well as two different HDs so I'll be able to tell you more problably next week sometime as to my success/failure to use other vendors drives/controllers. NOW, Some lines for the stupid INEWS fix(bug). . . . . . . . . . . . . Myron Drapal AT&T Denver ..!ihnp4!druhi!med --- via UGate v1.6 * Origin: watmath (221/163)
mrh@camcon.uucp (Mark Hughes) (01/11/88)
in article <2322@ihuxv.ATT.COM>, arb1@ihuxv.ATT.COM (Blackburn) says: > > Has anyone heard anything good or bad about the Amstrad PC1512. > It it pretty cheap in comparison to other XT compatibles and has > an 8086 rather than the 8088 which is a plus. > This reply was written on a PC1512 of some 18 months standing. First let me qualify what follows by saying that I don't have significant hands on experience of other compatibles or indeed originals. The PC1512 is a very good clone. Both from my own experience (including pulling lots of code of the net) and from comments made by reviewers it is one of *the* most compatible compatibles. The only problems I have encountered have been with occaisional (and obscure) public domain games programs or due to the fact that the 1512 runs abouut twice as fast as the standard ibm which can be a problem with some software. (e.g. the help.com voice synth recently posted). Some people react adversly to the quality of display, but it is more than adequate from my point of view. If you really value crisp clear graphics then I might suggets the PC1640 (which I also use). The latter has excellent (EGA) compatible display and an extra (short) expansion slot as well as 640K RAM as standard. (Upgrading the 1512 to 640K is simple and costs about 20 pounds.) Re: Expansion slots - The Amstrad hard disc machine takes up only one slot (on the UK version at least) although a hard *card* will take up 1.5 slots as reported above. I have one machine using an Amstrad HD and another using a tandon 20Mbyte hardcard. (Both do in fact use the same Tandon drive, although the latter is a significantly cheaper way of obtaining a 20Meg pc). As for shortage of expansion slots, this is not a problem on a machine that includes (fully compatible) serial and parallel ports and CGA graphics. (EGA for the 1640). There were teething problems with early UK machines (as always) but these will have been sorted out long ago. There you go. Hope this is of use. ------------------- UUCP: mrh@camcon.uucp / ..uunet!mcvax!ukc!camcon!mrh | Mark Hughes | Telex: 265871 ref:MAG70076 |(Compware . CCL) | BT Gold: 72:MAG70076 ------------------- Teleph: Cambridge (UK) (0)223-358855 -- ------------------- UUCP: mrh@camcon.uucp / ..uunet!mcvax!ukc!camcon!mrh | Mark Hughes | Telex: 265871 ref:MAG70076 |(Compware . CCL) | BT Gold: 72:MAG70076 ------------------- Teleph: Cambridge (UK) (0)223-358855
mrh@camcon.uucp (Mark Hughes) (01/12/88)
in article <1096@kulcs.UUCP>, lucb@kulcs.UUCP (Luc Bomans) says: > From what I heard the PC1512 isn't hardware compatible with other PC's, > so that you must buy one of there harddisks, which have two times the price of > harddisk from another vendor. (Problably they need a non-standard controller?) ***** WRONG ***** The 1512 is about as compatible as you can get. I suggest that people don't make worrying comments like this unless thay are sure of their facts. Another chap mentioned that the 1512 had non standard graphics and blew up when an EGA card was inserted. This too is misleading. First, the 1512 graphics are fully compatible with MGA and CGA IBM modes but also include additional non-standard modes (which have been dropped in the 1640). It is true that you can't plug graphics cards into the 1512 (because Amstrad didn't provide for the on board graphics to be disabled) but I have heard no reports (other than the one mentioned) of machines blowing up when this was tried. On the contrary, I believe it is possible to plug in a high res card and use it in monochrome mode - you just can't access the high res colour graphics modes. (See the benchtest that appeared in Personal Computer World about a year or so ago for a more definitive explanation). If you want high res graphics, you should not buy the 1512 in the first place. The PC1640 is fully EGA cotmpatible and equally good value. -- ------------------- UUCP: mrh@camcon.uucp / ..uunet!mcvax!ukc!camcon!mrh | Mark Hughes | Telex: 265871 ref:MAG70076 |(Compware . CCL) | BT Gold: 72:MAG70076 ------------------- Teleph: Cambridge (UK) (0)223-358855