Changes

While Campbell maintains that TI isn't going to abandon users, it's apparent that the network of user groups that TI helped establish, has been orphaned by the company. Campbell indicated that the company will no longer offer support tothe user groups, and said that he is not aware of any plans to provide a final "wrap up." Several user groups have told Home Corriputer Compendium that they have not been able to get in touch with TI's user group coordinator since November. At this point, there is little information available about the availability of particular software titles, though supplies of most cartridges seem to be plentiful. Hardware availability is another matter. There are virtually no peripheral expansion boxes remaining on dealers' shelves. However, peripheral cards are still obtainable. The new TI service policies do not appear to be significantly different from those of the past. The most fundamental change is in the elimination of an exchange policy, whereby users could take defective units to one of Tl's exchange centers and receive a new or reconditioned unit. This service was provided without charge if the unit was still in warranty or at a relatively modest charge if out of warranty.  Campbell estimates that users can expect to ·wait an average of two weeks for repairs to be made. Software service will be handled in the same way as hardware service at this point. Once contracts with third party vendors have been signed, the vendors will be expected to provide service for the software. TImanufactured software carries a three-month warranty from the date of purchase. Third party negotiations seem to be concentrating on applications software. '''-JK'''