Terry Stewart's (Tezza's) Classic Computer Collection

Sinclair ZX Spectrum

Spectrum loading a top game. (Note: Click on the image for a larger view. I also describe this machine in a YouTube video)

Born in 1982, the Sinclair ZX Spectrum can be considered a grown-up ZX81. Carrying the versatile Z80 chip of the latter, this model has considerably more to offer though. The memory cells pack 48K, and video output is in colour. Sound is also there although the bleeps and blips sound pretty rough even next to earlier models like the Vic-20. Unfortunately, the confusing keyboard input was retained, but at least the keys were more than a flat membrane.

Both the ZX Spectrum and ZX81 were the brainchild of (Sir) Clive Sinclair whose eccentric publicity stunts provided the computers with lots of exposure. Like the ZX81, the ZX Spectrum was also cheap and the combination of inexpensive hardware and good publicity ensured it captured a large share of the home computer market in its native land, Britain. The major rival was the Commodore 64 and to a much lesser extent, the BBC Micro.

In New Zealand they were around, and also gave the Commodore 64 a run for its money.

I got this unit in early 2008 along with an expansion box which provides a joystick port, and another expansion box for microdrives. There is also two manuals and a mountain of tape software.

It's fun to play with although I'm still no fan of that weird one-press-many-functions keyboard input. Like the ZX81, it also doesn't have the luxury of an on-off switch. I've heard of cutting components to keep costs down but that's ridiculous! (-:

Want to know more about this micro? Google is your friend.

This page last edited 11th April, 2018

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