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EQUITY3.TXT
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1988-08-15
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Review of Epson Equity III+
Copyright 1988 by David Batterson
Some definitions of "equity" are virtue, integrity and fairness. That's
not such a bad name choice for computers made by Seiko Epson Corporation, the
world's largest maker of microcomputer printers.
Epson America, Inc. thus far has not been able to duplicate its smash
success with printers (starting with the MX-80 in 1979) in the bloody PC
battleground.
However, you are in good company when the products you create set the
standards most companies follow, e.g., PostScript-compatible laser printers
and Hayes-compatible modems. I mean, who's ever heard of a Brother-compatible
dot matrix printer?
Epson jumped into the microcomputer fray in 1983 with its QX-10 (with
Valdocs integrated software), but the death knell of CP/M was already being
chimed in Silicon Valley, and echoed around the water cooler at Microsoft
Corporation. (You can buy a liquidated Kaypro II CP/M machine for $199!)
Epson tried to play catch up in 1985 with its Equity I+ model, but things
were developing too rapidly by then. It tried again in mid-1987 with a better
low-end machine--the Apex--aimed at the burgeoning home-office marketplace,
and sold by mass merchandisers.
Epson's Apex features a 4.77/8 MHz CPU, and an optional 20 MB hard drive
card. (This was originally supposed to be a review of the Apex, but there was
a short supply of review models.)
But AT-compatibles started coming out of the woodwork, and have now become
the de facto low-end PC. Which brings us to the subject of this review
(drum roll....): the Epson Equity III+ Personal Computer.
The Equity III+ is a basic AT-clone, with 640K RAM (expandable to
15.5MB maximum with memory expansion cards; 64K ROM; 6-8-12MHz selectable
clock speeds, one 1.2MB high-density floppy, nine expansion slots (seven
16-bit, two 8-bit); enhanced 101 keyboard with 12 function keys; three front
floppy slots; 192 watt power supply, and 64 Bytes of CMOS RAM (for real-time
clock, calendar and system configuration with battery backup).
There is also one parallel and one serial port (9-pin); MS-DOS
3.2/GW-BASIC and diagnostics disk; 80287-8 math co-processor socket
(conveniently located); and an easily removed modular motherboard. If you're
taking the Epson overseas, you can plug it into a 220-volt outlet too.
My review unit came with a 40 MB MiniScribe 6053 hard drive (28 ms access
time), Equity 13" EGA monitor (.31mm dot pitch; 640 x 350 x 16 colors graphics
resolution; amber monochrome mode), and half-length EGA board. The EGA board
also is compatible with Hercules monochrome graphics, and with the Paradise
Autoswitch 350. It has up to 18 different video output modes.
If you want to output some screen graphics to your VCR, you can do so by
cabling via the standard RCA video output. Of course, don't expect broadcast
quality like you can achieve with the Amiga these days.
Text resolution was quite acceptable, causing no eyestrain at all. This
is vital if you spend hours daily at the keyboard like I do. Some low
resolutions monitors I've tested literally gave me headaches. Of course your
Mac-user friends may sneer at EGA resolution since it still doesn't compare
with Mac monitors.
The Diagnostics disk and first-class manual take you through the setup and
hard disk formatting process with no hair-pulling, or screams for help from
tech support. Formatting the DOS partition is a piece of cake, so it's
nothing for new users to worry about either.
The Equity III+ purred along nicely with no problems at all during the
evaluation period. Obviously, all IBM-compatible software ran with no
hangups. With some older software like public domain games, you'll have to
switch to 6MHz as they won't work at the higher clock speed.
A minor glitch in the review unit wasn't an electronic problem, but
a locksmithing one. The key supplied did not work in the security lock;
apparently this was simply a key/lock mismatch during assembly.
The volume control worked fine, cranking up more loudness than ever
necessary. Turning it up while listening to my "Polyphonic Music System"
tunes-on-a-disk had the neighborhood dogs howling, and almost caused my
crystal chandelier to crack! Good thing I don't live on the San Andreas
Fault.
Located conveniently up-front is the CPU speed switch, next to the
monitor select and reset switches. The reset switch comes in handy, easier
than the Alt-Ctrl-Del method of warm boot.
I would have preferred a tilt-and-swivel base on the monitor as the
viewing angle wasn't quite right for me. I propped it up with a book.
The Equity's keyboard feel is not the best, but is acceptable. As a
stickler on keyboards, I always recommend getting the best one you can afford,
since it's an extremely critical part of your system. Always ask the dealer
if they offer an upgrade to a tactile-feel keyboard for a little extra money.
It's worth it.
Some clone-makers are beginning to include these better keyboards in the
package; I think Epson and other major hardware players should do the same.
Prices are somewhat higher than a plain vanilla, off-brand AT-compatible.
Suggested list price for the Equity III+ with a 1.2 MB floppy and 40 MB hard
drive is $3,495. The EGA monitor is $599; $299 for the EGA board. Actual
retail prices, naturally, will be considerably less.
Epson offers a full year limited warranty, not 90 days like some
companies. The Equity III+ is assembled in California, using U.S. and
Japanese parts.
Is the Equity III+ the optimum AT-clone to come down the pike?" I
can't say, as this isn't a comparison review. I WILL say that it appears to
equal the craftsmanship, performance and reliability which computer users
throughout the country have found in Epson printers.
Therefore, I don't believe the Equity III+ Personal Computer will
disappoint its buyers.
---
David Batterson writes software manuals, articles for various computer
publications, and posts a lot of BBS bulletins. Comments may be E-mailed via
MCI Mail: DBATTERSON.