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Just about any computer, even low cost 8-bit models, can do what you
ask. What other kinds of criteria do you have? What is your budget?
Are you interested in nice color graphics and stereo sound? How
important is ease of use? Is a small b/w screen a problem?
For simple home office needs, a Mac Plus or low-cost Tandy PC Clone may
be more suited to your needs. The Amiga has lots of nice features
built in, like fast colorful graphics and multitasking, but if you are
not interested in them, why bother?
A good guideline to use is to try to find the software that you want to
run, and then make a choice as to the required hardware. As I said,
just about any make of computer can do all the things you asked.
Ed.
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| >>is it advisable to buy from local papers a second hand
>> one ?
If you really don't know much about computers other than the one at work,
I don't think you should buy a used one, unless you find a VERY helpful
seller. Getting a system that someone has played with/expanded/modified/lost
the documentation to/hopes to unload on the naive is no way to start.
When you do determine what kind you want, you might contact a user group,
such as The Boston Computer Society (BCS) in the Boston area. This organization
could put you in contact with owners of the wanted computer and maybe help you
get a used one with some friendly support.
If you get an Amiga, this notes file can also help out.
Good luck.
Dave
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| After reading your requirements,I have to agree with .1. However
be forwarned that once you buy a system,you will find the uses for
it will exceed the modest demands you have.I would have to say that
in today's world you need at least an AT compatible if you go for
a I** clone.Then you need to supply the mouse etc.(you will want
a mouse).If you buy try to get at least two floppy drives to start.
The best thing to do is look around at various dealers,listen to
what they say,then forget what they say,and buy what you like that
can fit your budget.I have been to some consignment computer stores
that sell used equiptment,an suggest you buy new.Also remember that
todays 3 1/2 floppy disk will hold 800k-1.4 meg of data.This would
be more than enough to start with(lest one tell you you NEED a hard
drive).Remember I feel it is better to buy less new,than buying
MORE used.At this stage you are better off with the support of a
good dealer.
good luck,
bill
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| I'll take bets now.
Tandy (Radio Shack's a.k.a. in the UK) will try to sell you a PC
clone.
Dixons will try first to sell you a real IBM, then a clone.
I believe the above will be true, no matter what you tell them your
requirements are.
Alan T.
P.S. Dixons also have Amigas, but they certainly don't push them
so you might want to ask about them at least.
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Now that we've convinced you that we are all reasonable, open-minded
folks, and you're lulled into a state of comfortable complacency, here
comes the inevitable Amiga sales pitch...
Until you've had a good demo of an Amiga by a knowledgable salesperson,
you can't appreciate what the Amiga is capable of. The Amiga has to be
seen and heard to be believed.
Any stuffed shirt at Radio Shack can sell you a low-cost 8088 based PC
Clone, but you'll be missing out on the machine that takes the
integration of custom hardware and system software to an art form.
Good luck shopping!
Ed.
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| Hi blue eyes,
Be careful of Tandy and Dixons.
Tandy (yes its our version of Radio Shack; its amazing, it looks
and feels exactly like RS in the US) will flog you their PC clone.
Although they aren't bad (I believe a model was recommended in the
US magazine Computer Shopper, last christmas), you can do better.
More important is the after sales support; I'm not too sure how
Tandy score in the UK.
As for Dixons. First problem is finding someone who actually knows
what they are talking about. I have heard some incredible bullshit
coming from the orifices of Dixons' so called 'computer experts'
(when I'm in a real mean mood, like beyond kicking the cat, I go
into Dixons and lead a computer salesperson up the garden path,
its easy).
What Dixons will try and flog you are
Amstrad PC clones,
an Olivette PC clone,
IBM PC portable,
or maybe an Amiga A500 or Atari.
DO NOT touch the Olivette with a barge pole. You can't fail to
recognise it. Its a wierd design; two floppy disks standing proud
of the tiny processor box; it looks like where the photon torpedoes
come out of the USS Enterprise - honest. This box is non-expandable,
was (I believe) designed especially for Dixons, and is a mistake.
I also believe (though its ages since I went into Dixons) that they
only stock the IBM portable. Again, don't bother; even with the
'attractive' prices of the Olivette and IBM.
Also, be careful with Amstrad machines. Although they do IBM clones,
they also do specialised word processors ie the PCW range. Great
if all you want to do is WP, not so good if you want an expandable
system, that will grow with your needs. Of thier PC clones; you
have to decide on what applications you want to run and what your
budget will be. A few guidelines: avoid the '512' range of PC clones,
these were replaced with the '640' range (the latter range comes
with a fan and 640 Kbytes memory; the 512 range came with a
non-expandable 512 Kbytes memory). I, personnaly, would be a bit
leary of their new range of clones. These are not as aggressively
priced as their 640 range. If you need the power and addressing
of 80286 and 80386 processors (models 2286 and 2386, I believe)
to run your applications, then there are other makes you may want
to look at which are similarly priced; like buy one from Digital
Employee purchase (I think the DECstation 210/310 are badge engineered
Olivette M24/M28). Also, Amstrad had disk problems with this latest
range of machines, and recalled them all. Then again, Alan Sugar did
do the honorable thing and call them in; and after sales service on
his machines should be quite good; its very popular.
If you can find an Amiga (Dixons tends to hide them in stange corners)
and if it is powered up and if the operating system is loaded, you
might possibly get a demo.
Another place you might look into are some of the large department
stores. Shops belonging to the John Lewis chain (e.g. Heelas, some
Army and Navy, etc) stock the A500, and are "never knowingly undersold";
find the A500 package cheaper elsewhere, and they will match the
price. Also, if it doesn't work, these stores tend to replace or
refund with little or no hassle.
Angus
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