MicroAce

The MicroAce was a personal computer manufactured by the eponymous MicroAce of Santa Ana, California, USA and distributed by CompShop.[1]

MicroAce advertisement, 1980

It was also sold in Australia and was distributed by Dick Smith Electronics.

Description

Advertised as "a microcomputer for everyone at a micro price ... a complete computer for $149.00 for 1K [RAM] kit" with optional 2K RAM,[2] it was an unlicensed clone of the Sinclair ZX80 and had an identical, yet obfuscated copy of the ROM by means of a byteswap.[3] Some time later, between 1980 and 1981, MicroAce settled with Sinclair and licensed the ROM of the ZX81.[4]

Reception

BYTE stated that the assembly instructions were insufficient for those inexperienced in kit assembly, and suggested that beginners learn how to solder first. It found some fit and finish issues with the completed computer, and criticized MicroAce for being nonresponsive to questions. The review stated that "if you recognize the limitations of the machine and don't expect too much, then I think you can buy the MicroAce kit with confidence", albeit strongly recommending the 2K RAM option.[4]

References
  1. Zona de Pruebas article
  2. Advertisement (November 1980). "A Microcomputer for everyone at a Micro Price". BYTE. p. 359. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  3. Microace repair, detailing byte-swap
  4. Searls, Delmar (April 1981). "The MicroAce Computer". BYTE. pp. 46–64. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
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