The ZX81 is dead, long live the ZX81! And so say just how many of us? I bought an 81 last year. My reasons were simple; I did not have enough money to buy a 'flashy job' and I wanted only to find out about computing and its compatibility with my brain. At 37 one has to try these things in an almost experimental way, but more out of curiosity than need. But seriously, I wouldn't be without one now.
What constantly surprises me is that the ZX81 must have sold more than practically any other machine, but when you look in the shops for software what do you find? Space Invaders, Space Raiders, Zombies, Munchers, Cavemen and Space Monsters.
Although it takes intelligence and still to write programs like these (even if the imagination is somewhat lacking) there seem to be a lack of practical software.
Psion publishes Vu-file and Vu-calc, which are both good, but little else worthwhile can be found for this inexpensive but practical machine.
Yes, the ZX81 is highly practical for many people with small businesses, clubs, associations and the ilk. Surely there must be some owners out there who can think of simple programs that could help them in their particular field (or house). There must be some faint glimmer of hope left for this little empire builder.
I run a Chinese Boxing School and naturally my thoughts turned to that subject when ideas for programming are needed. Although I have two games programs, Mighty Snake and Kung-fu Guard, the main programs I'm working on are concerning the practical running of the club or use elsewhere. Finally, if I can do it I'm sure someone else can.
Come on programmers and software houses, pull your fingers out, there is an untapped sales market out there. You don't have to follow blindly on the bandwaggon, or do you?
17th March 1984
