Author: Steve B
Date: 17:57:46 07/25/05
Every Collector sooner or later is faced with the dreaded "Defective" Computer defects can run the gambit from the commonly seen Led's and reed switches issues to the more troublesome Processor defects even Eproms and the chess program contained on them can go blank over the years while some will try to repair them themselves most will send a computer (if rare or valuable enough) to someone well versed in the craft of repair Generally speaking Mephisto computers were the most sturdy,well made ,and the least likely to become defective the least well made and highly prone to defects were the Conchess Wooden boards(Ambassador and Monarch) perhaps the most notorious defective computer every released for sale was the Fidelity Travel Master it was the worlds smallest touch sensory portable and Fidelity commissioned CXG to manufacturer the TM for them once released the defect rate was close to 75% forcing the only RECALL of a chess computer ever the pressure sensory board would soon cease to accept move input and there was no other way for the player to input the move rendering the computer totally useless Fidelity offered to take back the TM in return for a credit towards the purchase of another computer..Fidelity also offered a monetary refund but it was not a full refund(i dont recall the exact amount offered..pun intended) the recall of the TM was also the final blow to CXG forcing them into bankruptcy due to the recall and high defect rate it is very unusual to find a perfectly working TM today and this therefore qualifies it to be considered one of the rarest portables ever released for sale.. the Fidelity Travel Master.. http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cpaa2@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=27fc&.dnm=7317.jpg&.src=ph Firestone Regards Steve
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