===== AMSTRAD PCW 10 =====
~~NOTOC~~
{{ pcws:pcw10:pcw10.jpg?nolink&600 |}}

===== Technical Specifications =====

^ Processor | Zilog Z80 at 4MHz |
^ RAM memory | 512KB |
^ ROM Memory | None |
^ Operating System | Locoscript v1.5 and CP/M 3.1. |
^ Internal Storage | One 3.5-inch 1.44 MB floppy disk drive. |
^ Connections | Standard Centronics 8000 series expansion ports. |
^ Keyboard | 82-key Teqniche AT-type keyboard. Same as the PCW9256. |
^ Monitor | Integrated monochrome monitor. |
^ Graphics | 720×256 pixel resolution with 90 x 32 text mode in black and white. |
^ Sound | None. |


===== Description =====

The PcW 10 was launched in August 1993 as the successor to the PcW 9256, replacing all previous models whose stock had been depleted. It was a surprising and enthusiastic move by Amstrad for a product that had served them well over the years, despite omens predicting a tragic end for the company. However, such skepticism proved to be very wrong: the PcW 10 had arrived.
The machine resembles the PCW 9256, using the same casing; however, it comes with double the installed memory (512 kilobytes) and a built-in parallel port on the back. It also features a printer port similar to the old 9-pin dot matrix PCWs, an edge-connector type expansion port, a 9256-style keyboard, a printer, LocoScript 1, and a somewhat inadequate manual to match. An error with the Centronics connector—previously used for a non-Centronics compatible printer—was rectified in this model.

Internally, several changes were made, such as redesigned electronics. This meant potential compatibility issues with interfaces, although major peripheral manufacturers like Cirtech and Locomotive stated that their hardware should work with the new machine. In fact, Locomotive participated in designing the PcW 10's specifications. This ensured it was ready to run the new LocoScript 3 whenever the owner decided to upgrade, as Amstrad originally supplied it with the older LocoScript 1 version.

While it looked like the PCW 9256 with 512K of RAM and a Centronics parallel port, its Z80 processor ran faster at 8 MHz. It included the same keyboard and 9-pin dot matrix printer as the 9256, along with the printer stand located on top of the monitor. Regarding software, it still ran CP/M as its core operating system and LocoScript v1.5 as the word processor, but boot disks from previous systems were no longer compatible.
The lowercase 'c' in 'PcW' indicates that the PcW 10 now boots from a 3.5-inch drive using .EMF files instead of .EMS (Early Morning Start) files. Due to this new boot file extension, disks cannot be swapped between different models. This applies to both CP/M and LocoScript boot disks. Expansion possibilities remained the same as previous PCWs: the expansion port on the PcW 10 is identical to the one on the original PCW 8256.

The standard 8000-series expansion port is present once again, as well as a standard Centronics printer port. There is not much to say about the port: it is a female IBM-style connector and does not require the non-standard cable that previous 8000-series add-ons needed. Cheap and readily available—a novel combination for Amstrad.
The bad news regarding the expansion connector, on the other hand, is that its low positioning does not allow for the connection of standard expansion boxes produced for the 8256 and 8512. The horizontal placement of the computer's main board prevents any other angle, though at least the similarly placed PCW 9512 main board is mounted at a higher level. This port was designed to work via an extension cable.

It possesses most of the features and capabilities of the PCWs and is the most compatible (both for PCW and PC). Its 3.5-inch drive allows it to exchange data with a PC relatively easily while reading and writing CF2DD disks.
The 9-pin dot matrix printer is the same model used in the PcW 9256 and 8000 series, but it cannot be swapped. The keyboards can be interchanged across the entire range and are definitely of the 8000 style, albeit with a new casing.

Unfortunately, the PcW 10 did not sell well in the market. This was mainly attributed to its poor print quality, lack of compatibility with MS-DOS systems, and the slow CPU. As a result, production ceased early, and few units were produced. It was only officially marketed in England, although there were imports to the rest of Europe.

__**Installing the new printer**__

The printer that comes with the PcW10 is almost identical to the one supplied with the 9256. The only difference is the cable that connects to the back of the computer. Unlike the 9256, this is not a circular cable with a 'D' type plug at the end, but a wide ribbon cable with 34 pins. This connects to a 34-pin connector identical to those found on the 8000 series.

There is nothing inherently wrong with the supplied dot-matrix printer, but if you desire the best possible quality—far beyond anything the native printer can produce—it is worth considering a replacement.

Most printers need to be connected to a parallel port or interface, and as anyone who doesn't own a PCW 9512 and has considered buying a new printer knows, other PCWs do not have one. Previously, the 9512 was the only machine to have one of these installed as standard, so owners of other PCWs had to purchase them separately.
However, although the PcW10 is built within the same casing as the 9256, Amstrad has somehow managed to juggle the space to include a parallel interface, allowing you to plug in a new printer right away.

Previously, if you connected an external printer to a PCW 9512, you would have had to enter the command DEVICE LST:=PAR [RETURN] before CP/M would recognize it. This tells CP/M that the printer (LST) is connected to the parallel interface (PAR).

If you tried this on a PcW10, you would receive an error message stating 'Invalid physical device'. An arrow would point to the word 'PAR' and you would be returned to the A> prompt. The reason for this is that the parallel printer port supplied with the 9512 was a non-standard version, and for CP/M to recognize it, it had to be renamed as 'PAR'. If it had been a standard printer port, like those installed on add-ons, it would have been called 'CEN', for Centronics interface.

The good news is that the printer port on the PcW 10 is a standard Centronics port, and for CP/M to recognize it, it must be given the command DEVICE LST:=CEN. Since you don't have to buy an additional interface, this makes the PcW 10 one of the easiest PCWs to upgrade.

If you print from MicroDesign 3 more than from any other CP/M program, you don't have to enter any commands at the notoriously hostile A> prompt because MicroDesign has its own printer control menu. You access this by pressing [EXIT] and selecting 'Options'. When the options screen appears, move the cursor from 'PCWmatrx' to 'CENTRNIC'. This has the same effect as changing the device assignment to CEN in CP/M.

The following line offers the options 'NORMAL' and 'WHIZZ'. The printer port on the PcW 10 is normal, so you should choose the first option. Now select the type of printer you have connected, press [ENTER], and save these settings.
Of course, the printer port is not just for printing. It is a very useful communication channel through which information can be sent to or from another computer. During 1992, another of Amstrad's low-budget computers—the PC-compatible NC100 and its successor, the NC200—had been acquired by PCW users due to their size and portability. The easiest method to transfer information from the PCW to these machines is using Arnor's software and cable product: the LapCat.

In the past, users had to obtain an additional Centronics port, but this is something else that owners of the new PcW 10 wouldn't have to worry about. This makes the PcW 10 the ideal machine to use with the NC100 or 200 by running the installation program and selecting the correct files from the printer section.

Remember that whether you buy a new printer or continue using the one supplied, you should never plug anything into the back of the PCW while it is turned on. Doing so could result in a very expensive repair bill!

{{ pcws:pcw10:imagenes:impresora_pcw10.jpg?nolink&500 |}}

__**Software included in the PcW10**__

One thing that has not changed since the first PCW was manufactured is the software supplied with each new machine. There has always been an operating system (CP/M) packed with essential utilities and programs for disk maintenance, and there has always been a word processor: LocoScript.

The PcW 10 is no exception and comes with CP/M version 1.12, which includes all the utilities its predecessors had, as well as the Logo drawing language and Mallard BASIC version 1.48, meaning you can still write all your listing functions.

Regular connoisseurs will know that there are three main versions of the LocoScript word processor. The first, supplied with the PCW 8256, 8512, and 9256, is LocoScript 1. The 9512 series came with the significantly updated LocoScript 2 which, while incorporating many of its predecessor's features, was much easier to use. A series of additional programs were also added, and many LocoScript 2 owners had 'start-of-day' disks containing LocoFile, LocoMail, and LocoSpell.

The latest addition to the range is the highly publicized LocoScript 3, a further advancement in word processing technology that allows the use of different typefaces and font sizes in documents. Unfortunately, like its direct predecessor, the 9256, the PcW 10 is supplied with LocoScript 1 version 1.50. Given its memory size and the fact that it comes with a suitable dot-matrix printer, there is no reason to remain stuck with LocoScript 1. In fact, considering the memory capacity and the built-in printer, one might as well upgrade to LocoScript 3...

Below is an image of the files supplied on the PcW 10 system disk.

{{ pcws:pcw10:imagenes:directorio_pcw10.jpg?nolink&700 |}}

__**Some programs for the PCW10**__

As previously mentioned, the first program you will likely want to change is LocoScript 1. This early incarnation of the PCW's most popular word processor is fairly easy to use, but it is a bit too simplistic for many people's tastes. LocoScript 2 is much more useful, but why not go all the way and move directly to LocoScript 3?

This latest version allows you to print up to four different fonts in a single document—something not possible in LocoScript 1 or 2. And it’s not just about different typefaces; you can have as many font sizes as you wish, everything from headlines and banners to very small print.

Installing LocoScript 3 is quite easy even for the uninitiated, and the results you will get from the PcW 10's native printer are remarkably clear.

Alternatively, if you want something more than just a word processor, you could opt for the popular Mini Office Professional suite. This includes a very basic word processor without a spellchecker, a spreadsheet, a database, and a communications section for sending information between PCWs.

The other major PCW program is MicroDesign 3. This also works very well with the PcW 10 but, like LocoScript 3, it will produce even better results if you add a new printer. MicroDesign 3 was the subject of several new product launches that easily revolutionized the way the PCW operated."

A whole universe of supplementary disks existed for MicroDesign 3. Most of these included clip art and additional fonts, and the software supported a mouse and a hand scanner. All of these are compatible with the PcW 10.

One program that many people worried about, in terms of compatibility, was Flipper 3. This program (which partitions your PCW's memory so you can run several programs simultaneously) is machine-specific.

Fortunately, there is no issue with the new PcW 10; all you have to do is ensure you have version 3.10, which is the one compatible with the new machine. SCA Products, the creators of Flipper 3, also produced the Rocket spreadsheet and ForeWord, the idea processor. Both of these products work well with the PcW 10.

The PcW 10 version of CP/M is very similar to that of all other recent PCWs, and therefore, all programs we have reviewed in the past and all programs we will review in the future should work with the PcW 10, and the same goes for the hardware.

__**Expert Opinions**__

Upon its arrival, the PcW 10 heralded a new era of computing for the PCW fraternity. Its impact would be felt not only by new users but also had a tremendous effect on the industry of that era.

Peter Mydlarz, from SCA Products, gave his opinion on the future and present of the new machine:

  * 'The PcW 10 is very interesting. The new 512k RAM is almost adequate. Users of the new PCW, like previous owners of the 9256, can easily connect an additional MiniRam without adapters to get up to 2 megabytes. Prolinks also connect directly to provide serial communications to another computer or modem.'

  * 'The current version of Flipper 3 switches between LocoScript 3 and CP/M, with 1 megabyte recommended. The Rocket spreadsheet runs very well, and Foreword still provides a useful text editor for LocoScript and MicroDesign.'

Peter Langford, from Silicon City, said:

  * "Although the additional 256k of internal memory deprives us of one of our upgrade markets, owners will reap the benefit of immediate compatibility with LocoScript 3, MicroDesign 2 and 3, Flipper, Foreword, and the Rocket enhancement."

  * "The new PcW10 has more memory than the 9256, but there are times when even more space is needed on the M: drive, and Silicon City has taken this into account. We have additional memory to run Flipper 3 and LocoScript 3 with extra fonts, and a range of MiniRams of up to an additional 1.5 MB that have been updated for compatibility."

  * "The welcome addition of a Centronics printer port will simplify printer upgrades, and we have a special 'dongle' adapter for other peripherals and can supply a B: drive from stock.

Cirtech, the manufacturer of SpeedPrint, the Gem Hard Drive, and the Transmet platform—which allows add-ons to be attached to the 9256—felt that Amstrad could have gone a bit further.

  * 'The PcW10 represents another missed opportunity; Amstrad could have seriously improved the PcW range in terms of performance and storage capacity—512k of RAM is not enough these days, nor is a slow 4MHz Z80 processing unit or low-capacity floppy drives.'

  * 'Fortunately for Cirtech and other add-on manufacturers, Amstrad decided not to drastically improve performance. This means our performance-enhancing products are available for the PcW10. In testing, all Cirtech products worked well with the new machine, and a new version of Transmet is imminent—good news for anyone wanting to add peripherals. There is also very good news regarding SpeedPrint. After consulting with us, Amstrad designed a modification for the PcW10 that allows an external Sprinter to connect to the expansion port without the need for internal modifications.'

Locomotive Software was very happy with the new PcW; Howard Fisher said:

  * 'The PcW10 is the ideal machine for LocoScript 3. By highlighting the improved memory and the built-in printer port, you can plug in a Bubble Jet or Laser printer, add the printer support pack, and get excellent quality printing.'

A final word from Creative Technology, the people behind MicroDesign:

  * “We would like to welcome the new PcW10. With 512k of memory and a dot-matrix printer, the PcW10 represents an ideal low-budget configuration for running MicroDesign 3 and is fully compatible with the KeyMouse.”

  * “The new Centronics-type printer port allows for normal printing from MicroDesign 3, but not 'Whizz' printing unless you have the latest version of the program. For this option, you must ensure that your MicroDesign is version 3.30 or higher.”

Therefore, the industry's welcome was generally warm enough. If users liked it to the same degree, the PCW10 would survive into the future.