ADD ON A NEW KEYBOARD

Now may not be the best time to launch a new add-on keyboard for the Spectrum, following so soon after the introduction of the Spectrum Plus, but the 68FX2 from LMT might tempt even owners of those to upgrade their computer.

Not only does the 68FX2 use moving keys but there are 68 of them, including many single key functions, and all for only £39.95.

Fifteen of the keys are on a separate numeric pad giving the numbers 0 to 9, plus, divide, multiply, subtract, and point (full stop) as single key functions, and Enter. On the main keyboard, which includes a full-sized space bar, are two oversized Caps Shift keys, four shifted cursor keys, Edit, Delete, Break, Graphics, Caps Lock, Extended Mode, Run, and Comma.

Interface 1 fits under the keyboard which is also designed to take LMT's prposed disc interface and printer port internally.

At the price the nearest rival is the DK'Tronics keyboard which, with the extra printed key caps, is more expensive and offers fewer features. The Enter key has been moved up a line, to Q-P from A-L, which takes some getting used to.

For further details contact LMT Computers, Unit 2, 274 Baker Street, Enfield, Middlesex EN1 3LS. Tel: 01-367 0035.

KEYBOARD CAPERS

Our all-star reviewing team get to grips with the alternatives to the infamus Spectrum keyboard.

LMT
£39.95

There are two LMT series boards: the 68FX1 and the 68FX2. They are both very similar, except that the earlier board had about three blank keys. The case consists of a metal base fitting into a strong plastic case, narrowing and longer than the DK'tronics case, but of similar material: similarly, it is easily worked with a hacksaw. Although I have reservations about a metal base next to the Spectrum circuit board, it is nevertheless well designed, and the board is simple to fit - about five minutes' work. Microdrives are easily fitted. Most peripherals also fit relatively easily. The key-caps are in two tasteful shades of grey and are screen-printed (no sticky labels here). They are mounted in a robust metal frame as well as on a rather complex printed circuit board. There is a separate numeric pad, with some calculator functions. The keys themselves are very superior; they are proper key-switches, and have a good feel to them. There are quite a lot of single-key-entry keys: full stop, comma, caps lock, extended mode, edit, delete, break, run-and-enter, minus, star, slash, numeric pad enter and decimal point keys and all four single entry cursor keys, (unlikely to work with many games). Whilst the general arrangement of these is not standard typewriter, the existing keys are easy to modify for anyone (even me) with a rudimentary knowledge of electronics; for each key you usually need a transistor and a least two diodes.

However, on the plus side, there is already a well placed caps shift with a nice large key at either end of the board. In spite of my criticisms, I rate this a good keyboard, with some minor snags. At £39.95 it represents excellent value and I recommend it strongly.