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take

ick Smith

more comp user

We agree! The IBM PC is a superb computer. But look at the price-

way over six thousand for a usable computer - then you have to start

buying programs!

Now there's a brilliant alternative: the Dick Smith Challenger. For

less than half the price of the IBM PC you get much, more computer.

Just for starters, how about 128K RAM as standard - expandable to

256K (IBM give you 64K) and BOTH Centronics and RS232C ports as

standard? (IBM charges you extra!)

And the quality is guaranteed!

Each Dick Smith Challenger is individually 100% computer tested

and accompanied by ifs own test certificate confirming it meets all

specifications. Beat that, IBM PC.

it really IBM compatible?

We haven't found one IBM PC program that won't work in the

Challenger (and we've checked hundreds!) Just pop in at

IBM PC diskette - and away it goes! Not only that, but all plug

in IBM PC hardware is also compatible.

OUTSTANDING FEATURES:

•

True 16-bit machine (uses full 16-bit 8086 processor, not the partly 8-bit

8088 processor used in the IBM).

•

Comes in two versions - either the basic model or the fully expanded

128K, twin disk drive model . . . both of which are less than half the

price of the IBM PC!

•

And the expanded computer gives you BOTH Centronics AND

RS232C ports. PLUS twin double density, double sided 'slimline' disk

disk drives offering an incredible 640K of storage!

•

Memory expandable up to an incredible 256K just by plugging in

some extra chips.

•

Offers virtuallyALL of the hardware any computer user is likely to want.

And if you DO want more, there are 6 expansion slots.

Basic 16 bit

Computer

Cat X-8600



n I

Jere it is: the new Dick Smith Challenger. It's the ideal

:omputer for the business user, the professional or the

erious hobbyist. Featuring a HUGE 128K memory - more

han you're likely to need - with an equally large 40K ROM.

RF/ Video output

Microsoft Extended BASIC , plus

diagnostic in ROM.

Four I/O ports: cassette, joystick,

light pen & Centronics - type for

printer.

•

84 key high tactile keyboard

( detachable ).

•

Built-in speaker for sound programs

The IBM model with equivalent

features would cost at least

41700

if theVd sell you one!

includes

•

DICK SMITH

See page 98 for

Send for your FREE

information pack!

Summary of content (13 pages)

PAGE 1
take Dick Smith more comp user We agree! The IBM PC is a superb computer. But look at the priceway over six thousand for a usable computer - then you have to start buying programs! Now there's a brilliant alternative: the Dick Smith Challenger. For less than half the price of the IBM PC you get much, more computer.
PAGE 2
a look at the new for half theprice! PLUS! All the software you really need - included in the low, low price! SPECIFICATIONS: (Expanded Computer) CPU: 16 bit 8086 running at 4.77MHz RAM: 128K (int expandable to 256K) plus 16K Video. ROM: 40K (includes BASIC, cassette o/s, S'. • nostic) SAM Full 84 key tactile, detachable CHARACTER SET: 256 expanded ASCII, in ROM. RESOLUTION: 320 x 200 or 640 x 200 COLOUR/GRAPHICS: 16, with scroll & reverse image.
PAGE 3
==
PAGE 4
More computer for half the price! If you're really serious about computing, you're probably looking at the IBM PC. Its a superb computer - but look at the price: way over $6000 for a usable system, and then you have to start buying programs! Now there's a brilliant, compatible alternative: the Dick Smith Challenger. For less than half the price of an IBM PC, it gives you much more computer. With Challenger you get 128K bytes of RAM memory, for example - not just 64K.
PAGE 5
NOW AT . IN 46 STORES Come on in to Dick Smith Electronics COMPUTER CITY for the very best! You'll find a computer to suit your needs - from the beginner to the business user ... and everything in between. You'll find friendly, helpful staff - experts in their fields. They'll be able to answer your questions with authority and accuracy. You'll find our computers on display - working -where you can try them out. Nothing beats actual 'hands on' experience.
PAGE 6
DICK SMITH PERSONAL COMPUTER Apple Ile compatibility ... but near half the price! That's The CAT. It's the best of both worlds: the very latest and most powerful hardware, plus the ability to run a very broad range of tried-and -proven software, particularly schools & business programs. And because we import direct, there's no middleman to force up the price. It really is outstanding value for money.
PAGE 7
F'OSt to: Dick Smith Electronics, Marketing Department PO Box 321, North Ryde, NSW 2113 or call into your nearest Dick Smith Computer Centre.
PAGE 8
More computer for nearly half the price! If you're really serious about computing, you're probably looking at the IBM PC. It's a superb computer - but look at the price; way over $5,000 for a usable system, then you start buying the programs! Now there's a brilliant, compatible alternative: the Dick Smith Challenger. For near half the price of an IBM PC, it gives you much more computer. With Challenger you get 128K bytes of RAM memory, for example - not just 64K.
PAGE 9
CHALLENGER: DSE's answer to IBM Dick Smith Electronics has entered the market for "IBM standard" personal computers with the aptly named "Challenger" PC manufactured in the UK by Ferranti Ltd. The Challenger is one of the least expensive personal computers to claim compatibility with the IBM PC, with the bonus that it can be purchased in two parts. PETER VERNON A Challenger computer consists a two units.
PAGE 10
moo 01100 4111611101.1111110 and provides the equivalent of the IBM colour/graphics adapter on the main board, the scope for expansion compares favourably with the IBM PC. With or without the expansion unit the Challenger's memory can be expanded to 256K internally. Maximum memory size is 640K, although increasing memory to this size would require the addition of a separate memory board inside the B unit.
PAGE 11
CHALLENGER at about $400 each. The operating system of the Challenger is a version of MS-DOS 2.1 which differs slightly from both PC-DOS and the MS-DOS versions used by other IBM compatible computers. Exact differences are detailed in the accompanying tables, but as we shall see they do not affect the range of programs which can be run on the Challenger. Compatibility array which can be copied to new screen locations with the PUT statement.
PAGE 12
Software for the DSE Challenger Software for the Challenger is included in the price. It comes complete with DOS, full Basic A, and the "Perfect" series of word processing, spreadsheet and database management programs. "Perfect Writer" is a powerful word processing program with a host of features which are correspondingly difficult to learn and use.
PAGE 13
Challenger Computer...ctd from p107 4.77MHz clock speed as the IBM PC, the Challenger is slightly faster than the IBM machine. The 8088 microprocessor used in the IBM PC was designed at the beginning of the transition from 8-bit to 16-bit computers, and sends data out to memory in 8-bit chunks. The 8086 processor used by the Challenger is identical to the 8088 except for the fact that it transfers data in 16-bit chunks. The result is an approximate 15% increase in processing speed.