aron (06/23/82)
A while ago I send out a request for info on a cheap micro that met
the following specs: Z-80, 64K, two serial ports and maybe a parallel
port with a built in 80x24 screen optional. I also did extensive
research on my own via the hefty advertising in BYTE. The results:
First the bad news - unless you want to build it yourself (which I
don't) or you don't need much support (I do need some) the cheap micro
doesn't exist. Given the sum of the costs of the parts, and with
Osborne as an example it should. The good news is: in a few months
the cheap micro will be a reality.
Now for specifics:
Currently, the cheapest machine with a built in monitor is the Osborne.
It is unacceptable however because of the 5" screen and single-density
drives (a joke, really). The much heralded double-sided option is in
limbo for the moment. A competitor, KAYCOMP, with a 9" inch screen
(but also ss drives) should be out soon. It's quality is unknown.
By the way, as far as I'm concerned, getting Wordstar for free is no
big deal - it's not worth much more than that.
>From the $1795 for the Osborne, there is a big jump to the next system
with a build in screen - the Televideo 802 (I skip over the Superbrain
because of its horrendous reputation). This meets all the specs - it
has two double-sided double-density floppies built into a 950 cabinet.
It has 2 serial one parallel port. It lists for $3500, but can be
bought for as low as $2600 if you're willing to go mail-order. I can
get it discounted from a local dealer. It's nearest competitor is
the NS Advantage, which has the same specs except you have to pay
extra for serial and parallel ports!! There were some reliability
problems in early versions of the Advantage, which have been shaken out
I hear.
As far as systems in a box without a monitor or terminal, Televideo has
an 801, but since it's only $200 cheaper than the 802, I don't know
why anyone would buy it (unless they hated Televideo terminals).
Colonial Data has what appears to be a nice system for $2400 (see
BYTE) which has a close competitor in the Epic Episode. Support for
these latter systems and quality is an unknown.
You can also build your own, using the SB80 (basis of the Colonial Data)
or the big board (basis of the Xerox 820 - a machine Xerox is phasing
out).
All the rest - Zenith, Altos, Morrow Designs, Godbout, Cromemco, Vector
Graphics etc. etc. come in higher than the above for configurations that
meet my specs. Even the Japanese let me down: e.g. Sanyo has a
system for $1995 with one floppy, which becomes $2995 if you add a second
floppy!! The NEC PC-8001, as described in some past issue of BYTE,
did not sound like a machine I wanted to get involved with ( I forgot
to mention CP/M based as a prime criteria of my el-cheapo!).
But the good news is that Cromemco and Morrow Designs have both introduced
systems that should meet my specs with flying colors. The Cromemco
is called the C-10, and with one floppy it costs around $1500 including
a monitor. The only note of discord is there is no mention of the
availability of a second floppy. A guy at Computerworld said that he
understood a second floppy would not be an option. If that's true,
Cromemco has blown it! Morrow Design's Micro-Decision will be $1100
with one floppy, $1500 with two, but without a terminal. Both systems
come with a lot of software ala Osborne.
Caveats: Delivery on these systems are promised for September. Given
their price and the reputation of their makers, there will probably be
a 90 day wait before you can get your hands on one. Also, despite
their maker's reputation, there will probably be a six month quality
shakedown period. So figure by next spring a micro that meets my
specs will be available at a reasonable price. But by then I'll
probably be looking at some of the new 16-bitters......