SPECTRUM HAS GOOD CONNECTIONS

Classified Product Services has made its Spectrum flexible edge connector generally available. It is two Spectrum-style connectors joined by a piece of ribbon cable so that when you fit an add-on it will not suffer the same effect as the infamous ZX-81 RAM pack wobble.

The basic extender is supplied in either 2in. or 6in. lengths with a female connector at either end, into which slots a double-sided male connector. CPS also supplies an extender with an additional connector in the middle so that two dead-ended add-ons can be used at the same time, for example, printer and joystick interfaces.

At £8.50 for the two-way and £12.50 for the three-way extender, extra connectors can be added to order for £3 each. They will provide an invaluable addition for Spectrum users. Classified Product Services Ltd is at Shire Hall, The Sands, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria CA16 6XN. Tel: 0930-52204.

HARDWARE WORLD

With ever-increasing amounts of peripherals available for Sinclair computers, users are finding it more and more difficult to know what to buy. We present a buyer's guide to joysticks, keyboard and printers and review the best of the rest from the 1984 add-on market.

The last year has brought about a vast change in the sort of add-ons available for the Sinclair machines. Many are technically brilliant while some would have made Heath Robinson blush. There are few add-ons still being produced for the ZX81, with even fewer new ones, but there has been an avalanche of Spectrum designs, and the start of what promises to be an interesting range for the QL.

The most popular areas of interest - printers, joysticks and keyboards - are dealt with in separate sections but there have been some very innovative designs produced in other areas.

EDGE CONNECTOR

Many users have written to Sinclair User about similar effects to that of the infamous ZX-81 RAM Pack wobble. The answer is the flexible edge connector from Classified Product Services. That is two Spectrum-style connectors joined by a piece of ribbon cable so that any wobble will not make an add-on lose contact with the Spectrum. CPS also supplies an extender with an additional connector in the middle so that two dead-ended add-ons can be used at the same time, such as printer and joystick interfaces.

Flexible edge connector, £8.50 (£12.50 for three way extender), from Classified Product Services Ltd, Shire Hall, The Sands, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria CA16 6XN. Tel: (0930) 52204