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Subject: Re: Fidelity Excellence

Author: Terry Giles

Date: 08:54:09 02/21/05

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On February 20, 2005 at 20:37:34, Steve B wrote:

>>Some time ago I picked up a Fidelity Sensory Chess Challenger 8 from a
>>second-hand store for 3 whole dollars. Actually, when I got it I didn't
>>know which model it was as it came without a manual. But eventually I
>>was able to identify it and I located a site from which I was able to purchase
>>the manual.
>>
>>The machine works fine although it is of course a pushover for any
>>reasonably good player. I suspect it is about 25 or more years old.
>>
>>So..a plain plastic machine, weak chess, very few options, a minimal
>>opening book and yet I am fascinated by it. Maybe because of the fact that of
>>all the chess computers I have, this is the only really old one...
>>from an era when the fact that a machine could play a coherent game
>>of chess seemed a miracle in itself.
>hi Eric
>well said
>in those days 1979(date of CC8 release) it really was a marvel to have a machine
>that could actually play a complete game of chess with you
>
>Best
>Steve


Hi guys,

My first dedicated chess computer was the Fidelity Excellence which was
programmed by Dan and Kathe Spracklen on a 8 bit 6502 CPU. I loved it, for me it
was strong enough to give me a good game, I believe at the time it achieved a
rating of approx 150BCF at tournament time controls. My only dissapointment was
its rather limited 3000 move openings book. Eventually I sold it (for shame)
which I now very much regret.
I now own a Novag Sapphire portable which I have no chance of ever beating on
anything but the weakest levels. I find that its not as convenient as a table
top machine although I like the fact that I can use it when I'm travelling.
Nowadays I tend to play against my PC programs, typically Chessmaster 9000 and
occasionally even Genius 3. I've decided that I'm going to buy myself a new
table top machine as with my level of playing strength I can purchase a tough
opponent for a very reasonable price. I would estimate my playing strength to be
about 135BCF, any recommendations?



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