Neil Pellinacci had quite a big input into the FitzMaffs magazines (as we shall see in later pages). Four or five years ago, whilst watching TV in Belgium, I was enjoying a programme about computer programs and was suddenly surprised to see an older Neil Pellinacci speaking as an expert about Open Source Code. I suppose even he will be amused to see his references, in this early 1983 article, to computers (NB. in a pre-internet age) with ROM (Read Only Memory) of 8K (KB) and 16K, and RAM (Random Access Memory) of 1K and then 16K to 48K. I well remember Mr Newcombe's Spectrum which he used in Classics - never let it be said that he is not at the forefront of technological development.

Issue No.2 Jan/March 1983

Low Cost Computer Review

by Neil Pellinacci and Bruce Young

Are you thinking of buying a computer? If you are, then you're about to embark on one of the most traumatic, horrifying adventures of your life. Still want to buy a computer? Yes? Read on!

You are about to read the very first (well, nearly) comprehensive review of low-cost microcomputers. The most expensive costs only about £150. For each there'll be a brief look at specifications, some quotes from leading magazines, our opinions and some outstanding features. Incidentally, BASIC for different machines is not normally compatible.

Sinclair Research ZX81
A really ancient computer, at least 18 months old. Slightly limited, but it is a great introduction to programming, and very cheap. Heaps of programs available. I learnt on one of these and I can recommend it.

Disadvantages - Touch keyboard, black on whit display, low memory size initially, occasionally unreliable LOAD/SAVE to cassette.

Advantages - Low cost. Good learning machine.

Cost - Basic Machine 8K ROM with 1K RAM £50.
16K RAM pack £25 ZX Printer £60

Sinclair Research ZX Spectrum
The ZX81's big brother. Colour, sound, high resolution graphics, extended Sinclair BASIC> An ideal step up from learning, with a more powerful programming language. Both this and the ZX81 have 'One Touch BASIC', so when you touch one key, you get a whole word. "Price-wise, this one beats the lot." Personal Computing Today.

Disadvantages - Poor keyboard, low quality, very quiet sound.

Advantages - Stronger BASIC, good colour and other advanced features.

Cost - 16K ROM and 16K RAM £125
16K ROM and 48K RAM £175
32K RAM upgrade only £60
ZX Printer £60.

The article then goes on to cover similarly sized computers: CBM VIC-20, Texas Instruments T199/4A, CBM Max, Oric Products International ORIC 1, Jupiter Ace, Sanyo PHC 25 and Sord M5. And I thought I was really motoring, later in the 1980s when I bought an Amstrad 64K computer with its own version of Amstrad BASIC!