What Can I Do with my TS1000? LOTS!, by Roger Valentine (John Wiley & Sons, $9.95)
I MUST say right off the bat that I find prices of books related to Timex Sinclair equipment extravagant (usually multiples of $10), and the contents of these wallet-flatteners disappointing.
Now that I’ve got that off my chest, let me tell you about this one. Actually this one is two, originally published in England as What Can I Do With the 1K? and What Can I Do With the 16K? The Wiley Press version has a list price of only $9.95!
The next pleasant surprise comes with the contents, specifically layout and approach. The book contains 56 programs. They are clearly presented and if you’ve ever run into trouble with the “so simple a child could do it” scam, this will literally knock you over. Now even I (generally considered subnormal in computing and mental exercises) can tackle machine code! That’s right! The instructions and notes which accompany every program listing have introduced me to the joys of machine code instructions. I’d heard about it before, and even tried to read about it, but all I’d succeeded in doing was putting the HEX on my meager brain cells.
This book should be standard equipment to every Timex Sinclair operator. It refers specifically to the manual and explains special uses and functions not usually found in it. These little programming aids crop up in subsequent listings to ensure that you learn as you play.
The games you do play will interest all members of the family. The first half of the book (the 1K section) contains 4 listings. Their elegance will astound you. Then comes another bonus — they are not all games. They are divided into sections called Fate and Fortune, Printing with More Frills, Casino Gambling, Data Files, Business Programs, Utilities, and Games.
But it’s Part 2 of the book that really impresses me. Stop reading here if you don’t have 16K. The first section alone (Graphics Programs) makes the price seem reasonable. Then add five truly outstanding games (Pontoon, Battleships, Fortress, Wordsearch, Kami-Kazi Drive) that actually work and hold your interest. The notes and discussion explain these listings so that you can’t help but be a better programmer after entering them. The final section of the book includes functional programs. I’m not sure they are, but the author’s delightful style compelled me to read them.
This book is a must for all Timex Sinclair owners who would like to get the most fun and knowledge possible for the minimum investment.