What machine to go for

[BluesBrothers]

Ok so since I kinda instigated this category being moved somewhere more prominent I guess I should damn well use it .

It's been on my mind for a while to try a none CPC Amstrad but I don't know what I should get first. I don't want to be put off by making a bad choice just because it's cheap. I've had PCW games and accessories pass through here and thought I should get myself one, but which one and do I go for 3" or 3.5" drive models? Is there something which takes both?

What have other Amstrads got to offer?

[arnoldemu]

Ok so since I kinda instigated this category being moved somewhere more prominent I guess I should damn well use it .

It's been on my mind for a while to try a none CPC Amstrad but I don't know what I should get first. I don't want to be put off by making a bad choice just because it's cheap. I've had PCW games and accessories pass through here and thought I should get myself one, but which one and do I go for 3" or 3.5" drive models? Is there something which takes both?

What have other Amstrads got to offer?

if it's pcw, go for a 3.5" version, the pcw10?? pcw has quite a bit of software.

if it's nc, either. There is not much in the way of software for it??? plus the pcmcia ram cards are hard to find.

[Bryce]

The NC200 easily beats the NC100/150 due to the floppy drive and bigger screen.

On the PCW side I'd go for the 3in Version and add a 3.5in as B.

Bryce.

[BluesBrothers]

I erring towards the PCW as I really know nothing about the NC at all. I am also tempted by the 3" drive with a secondary 3.5 hanging off it.
What are the model no.'s of the 3" drive versions and which is best?

[Bryce]

It doesn't have to "hang off the side of it". If you get a PCW8512 you can install the 3.5in drive in the second bay on the monitor.

Bryce.

[MaV]

The 3" models are:
8256
8512 (= 8256 but with 512k RAM and a 3" DD drive in the second bay)
9512 (b/w screen instead of green, different printer)


3 1/2 " models (haven't seen any one of them IRL yet):
9256
9512+
PCW 10 (= 9256 but with 512k RAM)

The PCW 16 was another beast altogether.


Be sure to buy one with working system disks, as all the models feature different versions of CP/M and Locoscript, and not all versions are available on the net (yet?).

The 8256 and the 8512 were also sold in Germany as Schneider Joyce and Joyce+ respectively. Apart from the German keyboard they're the same as the Amstrads.

You can also upgrade the 256k models to 512k but the RAM chips are not easy to get anymore.

[TFM]

The PCW16 is great. 

[MaV]

Undeniably a fine machine, and a good choice if he opts to obtaining a PCW 16 (Z80@16Mhz, 1MB RAM, 1MB Flash, 1,44MB HD drive, 640x480; I don't have one, so I can only print the specs).

But hardware-wise the PCW16 is not compatible to the older PCW models, it's also very hard to get hold of. That may influence his decision.

[TFM]

Oh it has Roseanne, that's a multitasking OS. So it can run CP/M as a task, which brings then PcW compatibility (to some degree).


Mine lacks the mouse, I would give a kingdom for it.