The first attempt to improve the listings in ZX Computing was an investigation into an alternative printer. The Alphacom 32 is the American version of the Sinclair printer and is marketed in Britain by Dean Electronics. Originally priced at £99.95, it has now been reduced to £59.95 due to an exclusive distribution agreement.

In size it is nearly twice as deep and slightly longer than the ZX printer and looks an altogether sturdier machine (actual measurements are 19.4cm x 14.4cm x 7.5cm). The printer comes complete with connector, a roll of paper, instruction book and power supply unit, the PSU being used at the same time as the Sinclair PSU. It also uses all the Sinclair commands: LLIST, LPRINT and COPY.

Having unpacked the unit from its attractive box and read the instructions, the next thing to do was connect it to the Spectrum (it is compatible with both ZX81 and Spectrum). The Alphacom connector is larger than the usual connector, having a hump which is flush with the top of the Spectrum when fitted, and a row of spring clips along the underside. These clips do not seem to have any practical use (probably an earthing connection on the American Timex machine) but you have to fit the connector carefully in order not to bend or break them. The connector has a good, tight fit and presented no problems.

Next step was to fit the paper to the machine. Thermal paper is used as on the ZX printer, but this is white unlike Sinclair's silver paper, and it produces a blue coloured print. Feeding the paper into the machine only took a few seconds and the roll then sits in a tray. It is not held on spindles like the Sinclair roll and this probably helps to keep the feed straight.

Two switches are provided on the printer, an OFF and an ON/ADVANCE switch - pressing both puts the printer into self-text mode where it continually prints alternate lines of 1s and 8s.

OK, so what's it like in operation?

The first thing I noticed was how quiet it was. Being used to the ZX's strangulated croak, I was worried that it wasn't working! But, as the print appeared the other immediately impressive feature became obvious - the speed of printing is much faster, two lines a second in fact.

For technical buffs, I'll give the specifications:

Graphics at 80 dpi (256 x n)
Vertical line spacing; 6 1pi
Horizontal spacing: 10 cpi

For non-technical buffs, this means that the print is slightly thinner and slightly taller!

The print is easy to read with the naked eye, looks very professional and the paper is easy to handle. It does not tend to take a copy of your fingerprints every time you touch it! The paper is also much cheaper than the ZX printer paper, at £1.00 per 25 metre roll.

The main disadvantage of the machne is the great number of extra leads involved by using a separate PSU. If your system is permanently set up then they can be tucked away neatly and forgotten, but if you are using a mobile system then they add significantly to the spaghettiness of the situation.

Having produced twenty or so printouts on this machine, I sent them to our reproduction department for them to congratulate me on discovering a better listing print. My smug self-satisfaction was quickly destroyed as the print would not copy well enough to use in magazine! The project therefore is still on.

However, if you are looking for a very good alternative to the ZX printer, I can wholeheartedly recommend this machine. At the new reduced price, it represents very good value for money.