★ PEOPLES ★ LIFE AND DEATH AMSTRAD STYLE (HOME COMPUTING WEEKLY) ★ |
| Life and death Amstrad style (Home Computing Weekly) |
Amstrad have launched a new computer-the PCW8256-aimed at the small business market and simultaneously announced that the CPC664 is "well and truly dead" just five months after it was unveiled. The PCW8256 includes a 256K computer/word processor, monitor with a built-in disc drive, and printer. The package will retail for £399 and Dixons, the only high street outlet selling the machine before Christmas, say it will be on their shelves by the last week of September. The bad news for home users is that the new machine has no game playing capability and is not compatible with the CPC464 or CPC664. The introduction of Amstrad's CPC128 in this country after its American launch in May has been conspicuously unpublicised. The 128K machine has a built-in disc drive. CP/M plus and compatibility with most CPC464/664 software and add-ons. The green screen model will cost £299 and the colour monitor version £399. From September 2nd the Amstrad 464 will be £199. green screen, and £299 for the colour version. Both models will come with a 12 pack of software. There arc no future plans for the CPC664 which was only launched five months ago. "It is well and truly dead." said Amstrad's managing director Alan Sugar at the official launch of the PCW8256. "It has suffered from a leap in technology." he added. "Amstrad's aim with the PCW8256." said Alan, "was to produce a word processor/personal computer that will completely revolutionise the office equipment and word processor market. Amstrad believe in giving customers what they want." What buyers of the CPC664 feel now that their machine has been both superceded and ditched after such a short lifespan remains to be seen. One disgruntled 664 owner contacted HCW to complain about Amstrad launching the 664 in April. "when it is now obvious the 6128 was completed." Amstrad now seem set to assault the small business user market with the same pricing and packaging strategy that has up to now brought them success in the home micro market. "The new PCW8256 is not a toy or a gimmick." asserted Mr Sugar. HCW
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