bsmith@mprvaxa.UUCP (Brian Smith) (10/19/85)
> Hey, there are lots of netlandians in Vancouver, BC; how 'bout someone going > over there to Concord Tech. Corp. and finding out what's up ... Okay, since you ask, here's the story. First a little bit of history: About four years ago a little company called "ABC Computers" started up selling Apple clones. I don't know how they got started, but it is probably significant that they were also running a quick-printing business out of the same store front. Anyhow, they had the cheapest prices in town and, according to reports I have heard, possibly the poorest support. (One story is about the gentleman whose power supply self-destructed. ABC handed him a replacement supply to install himself. When the gentleman pointed out that the connectors on the replacement supply did not match the original one, he was told (approximately), "You're an engineer -- figure it out for yourself.") As the local boom in Apple clones boomed, ABC expanded into a chain of over half a dozen stores. As the boom faded, these new stores vanished. Around this time, the original ABC Computers was transformed into Trident Computers. Trident started moving into the realm of Taiwanese clones of the IBM PC. And once again had (has) some of the lowest prices around. So what does this have to do with Concord Technologies? Trident IS Concord. They are run out of the same store front by the same people. As for the Concord modem, it DOES exist and it DOES work. I know a couple of people who have bought them and are happy. However, I am told that it is a good idea to test the modem before leaving the store, as some of them are stillborn (yes, I know this is tough to do by mail!). I also hear that some of the handshaking pins (such as RI) are not supported and therefore you may have problems with some communications packages. The modems are being shipped, but Concord is small and has been swamped with orders. Locally, they are promising 3-week delivery and the best report on actual delivery is 6 weeks. Of course, it helps if you can walk in once a week and pester them. In summary, the Concord modem is not a scam, but at these prices you aren't going to get the fastest service and best support available. Personally, I have an Anchor Automation Signalman Mark XIII (which is available locally for about the same price as an assembled Concord modem) and I am quite happy with it. Brian Smith P.S. Anybody know how to feed the sandwich to the dog in Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy? CAN you feed the sandwich to the dog? Could THIS be the Ultimate Question About Life, the Universe, and Everything?