30 Jul
2012
30 Jul
'12
11:15 a.m.
Amstrad h/w was /very/ nonstandard but I don't
think they adapted DOS
to handle it - that was a matter for GEM or for DOS apps to use.
E.g. Amstrad CGA machines could use 16 colours in 320*200 mode, & the
EGA ones had a 640*350*16 mode IIRC.
Horrible plastic machines, mind. Reared on PS/2, I hated 'em.
Yes, cheap plasticy machines, but Amstrads had one feature that endeared
them to me.
You could get the service manuals very easily. You just ordered them from
the parts distributor (I think I got them from CPC way back then). They
were not expensive, a few pounds each _and_ they were useful service
manuals. All they contained was a scheamtic and a parts list, but that's
what I needed. I don't need to be told to swap boards :-).
And spares were equally easy to get. As anoyne who's ever repaired CRT
monitors klnows, the flyback transformer is a common failure. Trying to
get a repalcement flyback for an IBM or Compaq monitor is like trying to
get the MOD's decryption keys :-). Getting one for an Amstrad was trivial
-- look up the part number in the service manual, telephone the parts
dealer and it'll be with you in a couple of days.
-tony