Post is a bit 'windy' - but here goes:
A little over a year ago I posted a question as to 'which is better; Radio Shack MC-10 or the Timex 1000'.
Search 'TRS80 MC-10 vs Timex Sinclair 1000'
Ref: post quote = Now I realize, that from a historic standpoint the Sinclair's in ZX80, ZX81, and even the Timex 1000 will always take the nod. I'm talking from a - "Hey, I'd actually like to use the thing once in a while" ability. Isn't the MC-10 more useable?
Which is 'better' - - the TRS80 MC-10 or the Timex 1000? Any opinions?
Well, that post generated some interesting responses, but specifically what I was looking for was, as I stated,
"Hey, I'd actually like to use the thing. . ."
Finally, after a year I've won an MC-10 off eBay. I stood firm the past year in not wanting to spend more than $25. including shipping, and the RAM pack, simply because it wasn't worth more to me than that. I lost a lot of bidding bouts but finally won an auction for a boxed MC-10 with the 16K RAM pack and manual. It was most important to me that the auction 'also' include the 16 RAM pack.
The problem was that it was untested. I've only taken chances twice on eBay with 'untested' items and got burnt both times. So, I knew better - but after a year of following MC-10 auctions I was frustrated - so I bid $10. and won. The unit was untested and also had 3 wires sticking out the back next to the RF video out. (Not a good sign.)
When it arrived, I hooked it up and, big surprise, it didn't work. I opened the case to see what the 3 wires were hooked to.
They ran to a 7805 voltage regulator. I unsoldered the wires and reattached leg one of the 7805 to it's proper place on the circuit board and fired it up again.
It worked, and with the 16K RAM pack installed the PRINT MEM is giving me over 19K of spacious RAM to play in
Now that I can actually test for myself an MC-10, I say the chicklet type keyboard is so much better than the Timex 1000's membrane one, plus the ability to use either the keys or keywords, the reset switch, the on/off switch and the stability of the 16K RAM pack, all add up to a far better machine, 'in my opinion'. Besides it's color too. So now that I have an MC-10, I can give a qualified nod to it as the better machine in an 'all around' comparison. The Timex 1000 may be more collectable, but certainly not more 'usable'. I like to dig out my vintage 8-bits and actually do some BASIC programming now and then. For that the MC-10 wins hands down. Your mileage may vary. It depends on your hobby or collecting 'slant' or your interest. It brings to light the saying that - "One man's trash is another man's treasure" I needed a spot filled in my collection, (for a very small computer), that was vacated by the loss of my, 'shall I say' useless Timex 1000, and the MC-10 fits the bill. I think my biggest complaint about the Timex 1000 is the keyboard. (Most just quit working after a time.)
Besides, I've always been partial to Radio Shack, and their goods. I spent a goodly portion of my earnings in those stores during the 70's, on electronics.
A little over a year ago I posted a question as to 'which is better; Radio Shack MC-10 or the Timex 1000'.
Search 'TRS80 MC-10 vs Timex Sinclair 1000'
Ref: post quote = Now I realize, that from a historic standpoint the Sinclair's in ZX80, ZX81, and even the Timex 1000 will always take the nod. I'm talking from a - "Hey, I'd actually like to use the thing once in a while" ability. Isn't the MC-10 more useable?
Which is 'better' - - the TRS80 MC-10 or the Timex 1000? Any opinions?
Well, that post generated some interesting responses, but specifically what I was looking for was, as I stated,
"Hey, I'd actually like to use the thing. . ."
Finally, after a year I've won an MC-10 off eBay. I stood firm the past year in not wanting to spend more than $25. including shipping, and the RAM pack, simply because it wasn't worth more to me than that. I lost a lot of bidding bouts but finally won an auction for a boxed MC-10 with the 16K RAM pack and manual. It was most important to me that the auction 'also' include the 16 RAM pack.
The problem was that it was untested. I've only taken chances twice on eBay with 'untested' items and got burnt both times. So, I knew better - but after a year of following MC-10 auctions I was frustrated - so I bid $10. and won. The unit was untested and also had 3 wires sticking out the back next to the RF video out. (Not a good sign.)
When it arrived, I hooked it up and, big surprise, it didn't work. I opened the case to see what the 3 wires were hooked to.
They ran to a 7805 voltage regulator. I unsoldered the wires and reattached leg one of the 7805 to it's proper place on the circuit board and fired it up again.
It worked, and with the 16K RAM pack installed the PRINT MEM is giving me over 19K of spacious RAM to play in
Now that I can actually test for myself an MC-10, I say the chicklet type keyboard is so much better than the Timex 1000's membrane one, plus the ability to use either the keys or keywords, the reset switch, the on/off switch and the stability of the 16K RAM pack, all add up to a far better machine, 'in my opinion'. Besides it's color too. So now that I have an MC-10, I can give a qualified nod to it as the better machine in an 'all around' comparison. The Timex 1000 may be more collectable, but certainly not more 'usable'. I like to dig out my vintage 8-bits and actually do some BASIC programming now and then. For that the MC-10 wins hands down. Your mileage may vary. It depends on your hobby or collecting 'slant' or your interest. It brings to light the saying that - "One man's trash is another man's treasure" I needed a spot filled in my collection, (for a very small computer), that was vacated by the loss of my, 'shall I say' useless Timex 1000, and the MC-10 fits the bill. I think my biggest complaint about the Timex 1000 is the keyboard. (Most just quit working after a time.)
Besides, I've always been partial to Radio Shack, and their goods. I spent a goodly portion of my earnings in those stores during the 70's, on electronics.