pvl (04/13/83)
Recent net queries lead me to believe that a re-posting of
this table is in order. (It's been updated from the few replies
I've received). Thanks to all who replied last time. If you
replied and didn't get an answer from me, PLEASE try again.
The following is a table of features which may turn up as
"gotcha's" in buying one of the "under $500" computers.
I solicit additions/corrections (including data on computers not
included here and other "gotcha's") to be MAILED to me.
I will post results. This is your chance to let everyone
know what we should look for before we buy.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO REPLY.
Low-End Personal Color Computer Scorecard
This table reflects standard (non-extended) configuration
except where marked otherwise
Atari(400/800) TI-99/4A VIC64/20 Tandy CoCo
Plotting Capability Y N Poke Y
Statement Resequence N Y N Y
Auto-Statement Number N Y N N
Peek/Poke Y N (!!) Y Y
Link to Assem. Routine Y N ? Y
# of Colors ? 16 16/4? 4
# of Simult. Tones 4 3+noise 3/1? (see notes) 1
Memory Size 16K/48K 16K 64K/5K 16K
Variable Name Size Unlimited 15 char 2 char ?
# of Array Dimensions ? 3 ? 2
Bit-Map Graphics Y N(without 200x320/? Y
(Hi-Res) Assembler) (via Poke)
Ability to Read a
program as data Y N ? Y
Sprites Plyr/Miss. Ex. Basic (24) Poke (8)/? Multi-Scrn
(see notes) Cap.
Use Standard Cassette N Y N ?
Recorder
Real-time clock Y N Y Y
BASIC included N Y Limited Y
Multi-Statement Lines Y Ex. Basic ? Y
Program Editor Full-Scrn Line Full-Scrn (sort of) Line
Type-ahead Buffer ? N 10 chars/? ?
Text Resolution ? 24x32 25x40/? ?
UNIX Up/dwn load ? ? VIC-MODEM ?
(via attachments)
Notes: 1) The VIC 64's sound generator includes multiple waveforms,
attack/decay control, and Filter controls
2) Atari's colors have both hue and intensity control
3) The VIC 64 supports 8 sprites per line. It is "theoretically
capable of up to 48 sprites in assembly language."
4) The 64 accesses its disk via a serial port. Slow?
Thanks, Pete LaMaster BTL NJ (201)949-0040 ...!ihnp4!houxh!pvl