Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!husc6!bloom-beacon!bu-cs!madd From: madd@bu-cs.BU.EDU (Jim Frost) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc Subject: Re: Considering buying a system Message-ID: <17160@bu-cs.BU.EDU> Date: Tue, 8-Dec-87 17:10:24 EST Article-I.D.: bu-cs.17160 Posted: Tue Dec 8 17:10:24 1987 Date-Received: Sun, 13-Dec-87 14:12:32 EST References: <2379@homxc.UUCP> <16800162@clio> Reply-To: madd@buita.UUCP (Jim Frost) Organization: Boston University Distributed Systems Group Lines: 38 In article <16800162@clio> berger@clio.las.uiuc.edu writes: >I would reconsider the Tandy computer. Tandy service is notoriously bad, >their hardware quality is often poor, their compatibility frequently falls >short of perfect, and their ability to provide technical assistance is >non-existent. I would like to see what basis you have for these beliefs. I have dealt with Tandy computers for some 2 years now. I have seen 25 Tandy 1000's in operation in one spot (heavy industrial). Zero failures. Not even one. Every six months or so they have to have their chassis vaccuumed because it gets full of dust. It is, after all, an industrial environment. Once, a keyboard failed (too much dust under the keys). Tandy (radio shack) replaced it with no problems under their maintenance contract. No hassles, it was done within an hour. Now, I agree that some of the morons that work for RShack are pretty stupid, but not all of them are. I have had intelligent conversations with many of them. Their computer centers usually have at least one person who knows what he's talking about and all of their salespeople know the phone number of the main tech center. As for compatibility, almost nothing has a problem with them except hardware on Tandy 1000s because the bus is too short; it's still pin compatible, though, so often you can force-fit half-cards. Of course, newer models don't even have this drawback. Can you provide me with experiences that lead you to dislike Tandy computers? Their other hardware is overpriced, but the computers themselves are relatively reasonable, hardworking, and pretty compatible. jim frost madd@bu-it.bu.edu