Specifications

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.
The user may not notice this slight
difference when using applications
programs, but it does have an
important consequence when the
Challenger is expanded. Memory
chips used for the expansion must be
the faster type, with an access time of
150ns rather than the standard 250ns
type.
In conclusion
Feature for feature, the Challenger
is a more attractive machine than the
IBM PC. The only disadvantages are
the awkward installation procedure,
the rudimentary operating manuals
and the possibility that IBM may
change the PC operating system so
that "compatible" machines cannot
use new IBM PC software. This last
disadvantage of course applies to all
IBM-compatible machines on the
market. According to DSE the
company will rectify the problems
with documentation, but in the
meantime any of the wide range of
books on the PC and the MS-DOS
operating system are applicable.
At $995 for the System Unit and
$1995 for the Expansion Unit, our
conclusion must be that the Dick
Smith Challenger is a winner. It is an
attractive unit that offers IBM
compatibility for around half the
price of the IBM PC.
For further information on the
Challenger, contact your nearest Dick
Smith Electronics store.

(3,
ELECTRONICS Australia, October, 1984 
113