On Thu, May 28, 2020 at 9:58 PM Jecel Assumpcao Jr via cctalk < cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> Jim Brain wrote on Thu, 28 May 2020 18:15:19 -0500 > > 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_. > > > > 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
