Unusual uses for ZX81/TS1000 (was: TS1000 gets $800 composite monitor)

In a message dated 12/05/2000 10:16:24 AM Eastern Standard Time, spectre(a)stockholm.ptloma.edu writes: Well, even Apple equipment has some real-world functionality ;>) Thanks! -- and glad to hear you're up and running. The standard RF modulator included with the ZX81/TS1000 is so bad that I had to do something. Lots of folks dismissed this machine just because of the eye-bleeder display, but for fifty cents in parts and a TV or monitor with composite input (plus a decent keyboard) the thing is actually useable for basic applications. I've used mine for company payroll, inventory, order tracking, etc. The ability to load programs at 4800 baud (as opposed to the native 300 baud) also increases the useability of the machine. Currently I have one set up in the shop as a "system configurator," where people custom-build a system by selecting the parts they want included, then they print out the results and hand them to me. Customers really like the "one-finger" keyboard commands and never notice the monochrome display . . . I recently spoke with a guy at NASA who uses ZX81s for robotics projects, so I guess there must be others out there who use these critters for something. Is anyone else still using a ZX81/TS1000 on a regular basis? And if so, for what? Glen 0/0