Unboxing an XT Computer 30 Years Later

There's no denying it: the oldest computers are disappearing, and those that survive in relatively good condition cost a fortune. That's why retro hardware enthusiasts celebrate every rescue, repair, and discovery. The LGR channel specializes in all three, and a couple of days ago it shared the debut of an Epson Apex 100. Barely an XT system offered as a low-cost alternative in the late '80s, today it's a relic worth exploring from end to end.

Your First PC-Compatible

Do you remember your first computer? I'm not talking about home models like the Commodore 64, but your first PC-compatible. Mine was a 286 clone that I ran into the ground with Prince of Persia and Grand Prix Circuit. Over time there were advances and setbacks, but I admit I never owned an XT system—I only accessed them at school.

Setting aside the retrocomputing factor, there are many programs that only run correctly on the hardware of that era, but buying a real XT can be very complicated or too expensive. Clint from the LGR channel was lucky enough to get a NuXT, which combines the classic 8088 with modern components, but he recently raised the stakes with an Epson Apex 100, a complete XT PC from 1989, straight out of the box.

A Low-Cost Alternative

Basically, Epson offered the Apex 100 as a low-cost alternative for distribution in large chains that lacked their own computer brands, while the Equity line was sold through more specialized channels. In essence, whenever a new Equity computer appeared in the catalogs, the lowest configuration (one or two years old) was transformed into an Apex—the typical tactic of launching a product to make others look better (e.g., Pentium II/Celeron).

Even so, the Epson Apex 100 has impressive attention to detail. The Turbo switch (not a button) that allows switching between 10 MHz and 4.77 MHz is very useful for taming old programs, and both the access to the physical switches that set the hardware configuration and the space for connecting the keyboard (with the slot that lets you remove the cable without contortion) are signs of thoughtful design.

The Apex 100 monitor follows the same line, with direct access to all adjustment potentiometers, and a switch that lets you switch to the classic green color while keeping CGA mode in the background. The graphics card has another switch, but this one toggles between CGA mode and the unforgettable Hercules, and it's also compatible with Plantronics Colorplus, enabling 16 colors in all programs that support it.

Despite those advantages, the Epson Apex 100 doesn't include a hard drive or a sound card (two luxuries in 1989), and its 8-bit expansion slots limit installation to options like the Snark Barker, AdLib cards, and other similar clones. Do I need one? No. Do I want one? Definitely.