Xerox 16/8

From: Innfogra_at_aol.com <(Innfogra_at_aol.com)>
Date: Fri Oct 2 15:03:30 1998

In a message dated 98-10-02 13:36:17 EDT, you write:

<< Answering an ad for a "Xerox 16/8 Computer," I found out
 that the computer was actually an 820 II that was in possession of a Xerox
 employee
 prior to the seller. He (the seller) told me that the 820 was upgraded to
 be "just like"
 a 16/8, and judging by the haphazard looking innards (things jammmed into
 slots, tape
 holding things together, etc.), I think I believe him. I also got 3 or 4
 binders for a 16/8
 computer but all the pictures inside show a standard looking PC style
 desktop case.
 Which is the "real thang?" >>

The answer is both. Most 16/8s that I have seen are 820 IIs that have been
upgraded to 16/8s. This explains the tape and wires. At one time I had gotten
the upgrade kit myself. I never installed it because I found a factory 16/8.
It looked just like my 820 II with a different bezel.

When the IBM PC was introduced the market for these dropped considerably.
Xerox was selling into the business market at about a $2000 price point. It
was adapt or die. Xerox redesigned the case to look like the new PCs. Printed
new manuals. They died anyway The winds of change were blowing.

If you find one of the PC versions of the 16/8 save it. There are very few of
them. Most of Xerox's production run was remaindered. I saw them surplus for a
couple of years. I bet most of them were scrapped. I have never seen one with
the PC style case. I have manuals with pictures too.

You may be right on the drive interfaces although all the drive boxes use the
same 50 pin plug. I would have to do some research.

Paxton
Received on Fri Oct 02 1998 - 15:03:30 BST