RX-8800

What is an RX-8800? Although it doesn't look like it, it's actually an Apple II+ clone. This one however, is running CP/M.

Origins of the model are murky. I can't find out who made these, or where they came from. Some people have units which include a Z-80 built-in, with the Apple ROMS on a card. This one is definitely an Apple II+ clone, with the ROMS on the motherboard. I suspect the computers came from Asia, and that perhaps RX-8800 is simply the name on the plastic mould or case, made by a plastic company for a generic computer. An assembler could get hold of an RX-8800 case, and put anything they like in it, then re-sell it on down the distribution chain. This is my theory, but if anyone reading this knows any more, please get in touch.

One thing that Apple II+ clones can do well, given the appropriate expansion cards, is make great CP/M machines. What is CP/M? It's an operating system (OS) that was common on 8-bit business computers in the early 1980s. The only other CP/M machine prior to this one was the Osborne 1. It's a luggable. I wanted a desktop unit that ran CP/M. This RX-8800 looked more like a generic CP/M computer than an Apple II+ so I decided to make it so.

This particular unit was part of a gifted lot of "haybarn" computers. I personally repaired and restored it to a working condition along with de-yellowing the case. I guess this has given me a certain emotional attachment to the machine. It's not a classic computer and some would regard it as ugly and angular. However it goes well and I restored it myself.

I guess that's given me a soft spot for this micro, hence its place in my collection.

Want to know more about this micro? Google is your friend (but don't expect to find much).

This page last edited 11th January, 2009

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