Hello!

I am interested in buying a MSX computer. I realize that there are a variety out there, so I am having a hard time deciding what to look for.

I basically want to be able to run the most compatible system possible on a nice looking piece of Japanese hardware. What model would you suggest and why? Is newer better in the MSX world or is there a reason for choosing MSX1 or MSX 2 over 2+ or later?

One good thing is that I live in Tokyo and should be able to find pretty much any model given some time.

I really am looking to buy one machine now that I will not want to replace with something better later.

Ok.. than look for the Panasonic Turbo-r GT ... I hope you can find someone... or more

are the turbo R's the very best? Any compatibility issues? What does it do that others don't?

I know that they are the latest hardware, but I was not sure if they were actually the very best...

All your answers are here!

Believe it or not, I did look there first before asking.

There are not any hardware reccommendations, however, just descriptions. As a person who has never used an MSX computer before, I don't feel that I can make a good decision based merely on the facts.

Again, I see that the Turbo-Rs are the most technically advanced. But is this power even used or needed? Since most users probably don't have one of these, I figured it might not be worthwhile to go for one.

Also, design wise, I like the look of the Sony HB-F1XV more than the Turbo-Rs, so if there is no significant difference between a 2+ and a Turbo-R, then I would probably tend to go with a Sony.

On the other hand, if the Turbo R really is the way to go then I would probably seek out one!

Go for the turboR, most other machines in Japan have very little RAM anyway.

Using the data on the FAQ you could compare the specs... which you did.

If you buy a 2+, you can't run turboR software. There isn't too much of that, but it's still a pity. Also, its R800 processor is quite powerful and stuff like IDE access will be a lot faster on it.
The down side: turboR is a lot more expensive

Ok, thanks manuel. That is basically what I wanted to know in a nutshell. Any idea how much a good condition Turbo-R sells for in Japan?

Well, in terms of power:

MSX1
MSX2
MSX2+
TurboR

So, logically speaking, the tR would be the first choice.

The OneChipMSX is a bit of an oddball since it's a little hard to rank. It's more powerful than an MSX, but I don't recall someone making a clear statement about the OCM beating a fully-loaded tR.

For the tR however little software was made. Most stuff around works on a 128Kb MSX2. That includes all Japanese MSX2 games, and most of the European scene demos/games. So, while the best choice might be a tR, in terms of what you're going to do with it, you might be "overpaying" a bit compared to a standard MSX2. It's a statement which is prone to heavy discussion however..

The essential bit the MSX2+ shares with the tR is the videochip, and apart from the scrolling registers, the high-color screens are the reason why ppl stick to MSX2, as they're little practical for gaming, other than titlescreens or perhaps democutscenes. The memory they consume and the issue that high-color images are typically more complex (which is bad for compression) still is quite limiting for longer cutscenes.

There're also MSX2's enhanced with the MSX2+ videochip (V9958), this leaves you somewhat more choice. Personally I'd choose for an enhanced 8250 if you encounter one, since they're handy for expanding stuff internally, the 8250 is also nice if you fancy a keyboard-case combination rather than an all-in-one model.

So many choices..

The Turbo-R's (either ST or GT) are really the latest and best MSX'es made. The problem usually is the money. Even today they cost quite a bit and not everyone wants to spend 'a fortune' on a 16 year old system. But if you don't want to upgrade later, it's the best you can get.
The difference with other MSX systems is that the Turbo-R's have an R800 CPU which is a lot more powerful than the Z80 in the other MSX types.
If you have the cash, I'd go for a Turbo-R (in fact, I already have ;-) )

The MSX TurboR is the best choice for sure! (don't know how it is in Japan, but unfortunately here in Europe it is also the most expensive one)

The advantages:
- very fast R800 CPU (behaves mostly like a 28MHz Z80; fully compatible, but you can still switch back to Z80 mode)
- already includes 256KB (ST) or 512KB (GT) ram, so no big need for additional memory expansions
- PCM, MSX music and Midi (GT) included
- and some gimics like the inbuilt MSXView, too

As you can still switch the TurboR back to Z80 mode it is (nearly?) 100% compatible to all other MSX systems, but the power of the R800 is really impressive! I guess it depends on what you want to do. If you only want to play old games designed for MSX1 or 2, you don't need a TurboR, but if you want to use different tools in an accelerated way, the TurboR is a very good choice.

PS: Just my opinion, please note, that my 1,5 year old MSX experience is not that deep compared to many other MRC members...

wolf_ wrote

Quote:

Personally I'd choose for an enhanced 8250 if you encounter one, since they're handy for expanding stuff internally, the 8250 is also nice if you fancy a keyboard-case combination rather than an all-in-one model.

I don't think there are a lot of Philips machines in Japan (where highscheme lives), let alone an upgraded one. But still, you gave your opinion :-)

Oh dread, didn't spot he lives in JP ^________^

Hmmm.. his English is exceptionally good then! (that's misleading you know!)

Ok, I'm going to go to Akihabara tomorrow and check for MSX prices...going to do a little research at Yahoo Japan Auctions right now!

From what I see at Yahoo Auctions, I can probably find a Turbo-R for $150-200

Not too bad really...

Oh, and please post the japanese prices for TurboRs here! I am very interested in the difference to Europe