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Sinclair ZX80
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Sinclair ZX80

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Also known as ZX80

The Sinclair ZX80 is a home computer launched on 29 January 1980 by Science of Cambridge Ltd. (later to be better known as Sinclair Research). It was one of the first computers available in the United Kingdom for less than a hundred pounds. It was available in kit form for £79.95, where purchasers had to assemble and solder it together, and as a ready-built version at £99.95.

Key facts

Computer.image
ZX80.jpg
Computer.type
Home computer
Computer.release_date
United Kingdom:
Computer.discontinued
1981
Computer.cpu
Z80 @ 3.25–3.55 MHz (most machines used the NEC μPD780C-1 equivalent)
Computer.storage
External Compact Cassette recorder
Computer.memory
1 KB (16 KB max.)
Computer.os
Sinclair BASIC
Computer.media
Cassette tape
Computer.price
£99.95 GBP (£; $ at prices)
Computer.predecessor
MK14
Computer.successor
ZX81
Computer.display
Monochrome display on UHF television

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Image
ZX80.jpg
Show 6 more facts
service retirement
1981-08-00
Commons category
Sinclair ZX80
publication date
1980-01-29
inception
1980-02-00
price
99.95
Sources (2)

via Wikidata · CC0

~8 min read

Article

10 sections
Contents
  • Name
  • Hardware
  • Firmware
  • Expansion
  • Versions
  • Reception
  • Clones
  • See also
  • References
  • External links

The Sinclair ZX80 is a home computer launched on 29 January 1980 by Science of Cambridge Ltd. (later to be better known as Sinclair Research). It was one of the first computers available in the United Kingdom for less than a hundred pounds. It was available in kit form for £79.95, where purchasers had to assemble and solder it together, and as a ready-built version at £99.95.

The ZX80 was advertised as the first personal computer for under £100 and received praise for its value and documentation. However, it faced criticism for screen blanking during program execution, small RAM size, and the keyboard design. It was very popular straight away, and for some time there was a waiting list of several months for either version of the machine.

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