RRLC@Mit-Ai@sri-unix (07/13/82)
I have used the Franklin Ace extensively and found it to be a fantastic machine! It's keyboard is well designed, having RESET up in the corner, as a button, not a key. The keyboard has Upper and lower case with a lock key, and has a numeric keypad. It also comes with a fan built in, and a 16k ram card. It acts exactly like an Apple except for a few things: 1) It does not have color graphics, just black and white, but it appears that the mother board is capable of handling color simply because it has labels for some components, but they aren't there, and can be easily installed. 2) It doesn't have cassette I/O, but again, it labeled, but the components aren't there (and you have to drill 2 holes) 3) It comes with Applesoft, but it has provisions for on-board Integer. All you have to do is get some sockets, a switch, a resitor, and the Integer roms, and you've got both on the motherboard. All in all, it works well and is slightly better than an Apple, especially if you only plan on using a B/W monitor, cause you'll never know the difference. If you would like to see one, and live in the Boston area, they are on display at E.L.I. Computer, 139 Hampshire St., Cambridge, Ma 02139 Phone (617) 492-2345 Also, I don't own one, I own an Apple ][, and I don't sell them. Rich