A Computing Philippic

Timex promised us many things in 1983. They came out finally with the TS2068 in October. They also started delivering the TS2020 Tape Recorder. They have promised the Modem for sometime in December. And before I forget, the TS1500. Many people don’t know yet where the 1500 fits in the scheme of things. But if you were unhappy with the 1000, the 1500 should answer your questions about a replacement for the 1000 keyboard. The coming of the 80 column full size printer early in 1984 should really have the Timex machines take off. The microdrives will really lick the storage capacity of the machines. And of course if the local network is handled correctly we should all be able to communicate using our machines over the telephone.

There were some very unhappy Computerists during 1983. They were very disappointed in the way TIMEX has handled the relationships with the peripheral manufacturers that support the Timex machines. They also were very impatient with Timex in late delivery of promised production. I don’t feel that Timex has given its just due when it comes to recognizing those that support its products. The people that really count are the members of the TIMEX/SINCLAIR Users’ Groups throughout the U.S. and Canada. These members are the CONSUMERS that TIMEX better cater to or else lose the entire market to machines that may not meet all the standards of the Timex but at least recognize that there are people out there in the marketplace that can make or break the Timex. Another very important person is the Vendor or dealer who sells the Timex on the retail level. He doesn’t seem to get much support at all. The leaders of the User Groups give more support to Retailers that Timex does itself. The last person in the chain of distribution is the person or persons that have produced software and hardware to supplement the use of the ZX81, TS1000 and TS1500. These are the people that have been stepped on. When Timex announced the coming of the TS2068, they were asked by at least 100 peripheral manufacturers for details of the operating system so they could write software and develop interfaces for printers, floppy discs, modems, and other sundry items to support the machine. It has been a year since the TS1000 hit the U.S. marketplace but as of last July there were at least 200 manufacturers of these peripherals supporting the machine. That is not to forget the writers and authors of the splendid books and articles they have published on the TS1000 and TS1500. There are several good books in the marketplace now about the TS2000 type machine, but they are takeoffs on the U.K. Sinclair manufactured Spectrum. The two machines are not compatible.

I am at a loss to understand where Timex is going in this marketplace. I have yet to get a clearcut picture of whethere there is an overal plan of what Timex is doing. Is it a hit or miss type of operation that lets things take care of themselves? Hoping if problems are ignored they will go away.

Over the past year I have made suggestions to Timex regarding the contact with user groups. But to no satisfaction; all has been ignored. I am not alone in this frustrated situation. There are many other user group members across the country that have the same feeling. But we carry on in our small way in spite of, not because of Timex.

To sum up: I guess the real reason we go on in spite of all the negatives is because we enjoy what we are doing with the Timex machines. It has such potential. We have found this out in using the ZX80, ZX81, TS1000, TS1500 and now the super TS2068.

In addition, there are some wonderful people we have met from all over the U.S. and from overseas who get the same thrill of using the equipment. There were times we visted Mom and Pop operations in a garage or barn as well as large firms employing hundreds of people. All these folks were turning out software and hardware to support the Timex computers.

Last but not least, I would be shortchanging the press if I did not mention SYNC magazine, Timex Sinclair User magazine, and Syntax for the wonderful job they do of dedicating their publications to the ZX/TS machines. In addition to the hundreds of user group newsletters that turn out 1 page to 20 pages of wonderful material each month. Even Timex Computer Corporation, with its Timex Club Ramblings, is important to keeping the Timex public informed with timely information.