28 May
2020
28 May
'20
8:56 p.m.
On Thu, May 28, 2020 at 9:58 PM Jecel Assumpcao Jr via cctalk <
cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote:
Jim Brain wrote on Thu, 28 May 2020 18:15:19 -0500
I think we're saying the same thing, but...
I agree all things revolve around money, and US folks appreciate a good
value. But, given all of the options in the US, the ZX81's lower cost
did not appear to provide enough value, so it was passed over in lieu of
slightly more expensive options that offered many more features.
There were ZX81 ads in Byte magazine before the Timex thing. I bought
one (Brazil is 60Hz so it had to be an American version) as a major
upgrade to my MEK6800D2, but then replaced it with a TI99/4A.
The threat of the ZX81 (and a bit more distantly the Spectrum) in the US
lead to machines such as the TRS-80 MC10, TI99/2 and Commmodore C116 to
try to compete with it.
I can attest to that, Mike Tomczak told me the story of the C116 and the
ZX81 when he came to visit our Sinclair exhibit, which has a C116 nearby
for comparison. I have the good fortune to have Mike live nearby. He's a
very friendly and knowledgeable guy about the business of the micro
business from 80's.
Bill
Kennettclassic.com
On 5/28/2020 1:24 PM, Liam Proven via cctalk
wrote:
>
>> . Evidently, there exists a lower bound of functionality
>> of computing capability in the US, and the little wedge just didn't
make
it.
No no. It wasn't that. It was _money_.