Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!not-for-mail From: Neil Franklin Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: 07 May 2000 20:12:49 +0200 Organization: My own Private Self Lines: 46 Message-ID: <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: chonsp.franklin.ch X-Trace: chonsp.franklin.ch 957723169 518 10.0.3.2 (7 May 2000 18:12:49 GMT) X-Complaints-To: news@chonsp.franklin.ch NNTP-Posting-Date: 7 May 2000 18:12:49 GMT X-Newsreader: Gnus v5.7/Emacs 20.4 Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55597 spinoza9999@my-deja.com writes: > In article <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk>, > john@polo.demon.co.uk (John Winters) wrote:1982. > > In 1980 you might have had a ZX81 with a massive 1K of RAM. > > I think it was a ZX82 with 2K but you are the expert: was there such a > machine? No. I know of 5 models from Sinclair: MK-14 I only know them from http://users.aol.com/mk14emu/ ZX-80 Z80 processor, somewhere around 2.5-3MHz, 4k ROM Basic, 1k SRAM, foil menbrane keyboard, white ABS "bulge" case ZX-81 Z80 processor, 3.57MHz, 8k ROM Basic, 1k SRAM (replacable by 2k by unsoldering), optional external 16k DRAM, foil membrane keyboard, black flat case ZX-Spectrum Z80 processor, 3.57MHz, 16k ROM Basic, 16 or 48k DRAM, rubber membrane keyboard, black flat case QL 68008 processor, 5 or 8MHz (?), ROM Monitor/Basic/Windowing, 512k DRAM (?), plastic knobs on rubber membrane keyboard, black flat case, 2 "Microdrive" endless tape drives built in > Am I correct in thinking that Clive Sinclair received a knighthood from > the Queen for his venture? For his general contribution to the electronics industry (digilal watches (the black watch, LED based), flat screen pocket TV (LCD?), computers, electric car (C5)). -- Neil Franklin, neil@franklin.ch.remove http://neil.franklin.ch/ Nerd, Geek, Hacker, Unix Guru, Sysadmin, Roleplayer, LARPer, Mystic Use a WIMP (Windows Icons Mouse Pulldowns) interface - or get one with a CLUE (Command Line User Environment)? ###### From: rider@nospam.knight Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Reply-To: rider@nospam.knight Message-ID: <3916232b.202437705@news1.on.sympatico.ca> References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.11/32.235 Lines: 53 Date: Mon, 08 May 2000 02:16:11 GMT NNTP-Posting-Host: 216.209.61.129 X-Trace: news20.bellglobal.com 957752171 216.209.61.129 (Sun, 07 May 2000 22:16:11 EDT) NNTP-Posting-Date: Sun, 07 May 2000 22:16:11 EDT Organization: Sympatico Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!isdnet!sunqbc.risq.qc.ca!torn!nf1.mgmt.sympatico.ca!news1.bellglobal.com!news20.bellglobal.com.POSTED!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55639 On 07 May 2000 20:12:49 +0200, Neil Franklin wrote: >spinoza9999@my-deja.com writes: > >> In article <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk>, >> john@polo.demon.co.uk (John Winters) wrote:1982. >> > In 1980 you might have had a ZX81 with a massive 1K of RAM. >> >> I think it was a ZX82 with 2K but you are the expert: was there such a >> machine? > >No. I know of 5 models from Sinclair: > >MK-14 > I only know them from http://users.aol.com/mk14emu/ > >ZX-80 > Z80 processor, somewhere around 2.5-3MHz, 4k ROM Basic, 1k SRAM, foil > menbrane keyboard, white ABS "bulge" case > >ZX-81 > Z80 processor, 3.57MHz, 8k ROM Basic, 1k SRAM (replacable by 2k by > unsoldering), optional external 16k DRAM, foil membrane keyboard, > black flat case This sounds like the unit sold in Canada, by Timex as the Timex-Sinclair. >ZX-Spectrum > Z80 processor, 3.57MHz, 16k ROM Basic, 16 or 48k DRAM, rubber > membrane keyboard, black flat case > >QL > 68008 processor, 5 or 8MHz (?), ROM Monitor/Basic/Windowing, 512k > DRAM (?), plastic knobs on rubber membrane keyboard, black flat > case, 2 "Microdrive" endless tape drives built in > > >> Am I correct in thinking that Clive Sinclair received a knighthood from >> the Queen for his venture? > >For his general contribution to the electronics industry (digilal >watches (the black watch, LED based), flat screen pocket TV (LCD?), >computers, electric car (C5)). > > >-- >Neil Franklin, neil@franklin.ch.remove http://neil.franklin.ch/ >Nerd, Geek, Hacker, Unix Guru, Sysadmin, Roleplayer, LARPer, Mystic >Use a WIMP (Windows Icons Mouse Pulldowns) interface - > or get o ###### From: nailed_barnacleSPAMFREE@hotmail.com (barnacle) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: Mon, 08 May 2000 08:11:27 GMT Organization: [posted via Easynet Ltd] Lines: 55 Message-ID: <8f5su5$9tu$1@quince.news.easynet.net> References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> NNTP-Posting-Host: nbarnes.easynet.co.uk X-Trace: quince.news.easynet.net 957773573 10174 194.154.98.206 (8 May 2000 08:12:53 GMT) X-Complaints-To: abuse@easynet.net NNTP-Posting-Date: 8 May 2000 08:12:53 GMT X-Newsreader: News Xpress 2.01 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!news.maxwell.syr.edu!newspeer1.nac.net!easynet-tele!easynet.net!quince.news.easynet.net!egbert Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55642 In article <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch>, Neil Franklin wrote: >spinoza9999@my-deja.com writes: > >> In article <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk>, >> john@polo.demon.co.uk (John Winters) wrote:1982. >> > In 1980 you might have had a ZX81 with a massive 1K of RAM. >> >> I think it was a ZX82 with 2K but you are the expert: was there such a >> machine? > >No. I know of 5 models from Sinclair: > >MK-14 > I only know them from http://users.aol.com/mk14emu/ > >ZX-80 > Z80 processor, somewhere around 2.5-3MHz, 4k ROM Basic, 1k SRAM, foil > menbrane keyboard, white ABS "bulge" case > >ZX-81 > Z80 processor, 3.57MHz, 8k ROM Basic, 1k SRAM (replacable by 2k by > unsoldering), optional external 16k DRAM, foil membrane keyboard, > black flat case > >ZX-Spectrum > Z80 processor, 3.57MHz, 16k ROM Basic, 16 or 48k DRAM, rubber > membrane keyboard, black flat case > >QL > 68008 processor, 5 or 8MHz (?), ROM Monitor/Basic/Windowing, 512k > DRAM (?), plastic knobs on rubber membrane keyboard, black flat > case, 2 "Microdrive" endless tape drives built in > > >> Am I correct in thinking that Clive Sinclair received a knighthood from >> the Queen for his venture? > >For his general contribution to the electronics industry (digilal >watches (the black watch, LED based), flat screen pocket TV (LCD?), >computers, electric car (C5)). > > The flat screen pocket TV had a 'normal' CRT as the display, albeit with some rather interesting electronics... http://www.mjwilson.demon.co.uk/crash/18/sinclar4.htm (spelling is correct) btw it was strongly rumoured that the C5 was originally designed as a mouse for the ZX81 but a scaling error on the drawings caused a late design chane to a vehicle... -- barnacle http://www.nailed-barnacle.co.uk ###### Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!not-for-mail From: Neil Franklin Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: 08 May 2000 17:45:45 +0200 Organization: My own Private Self Lines: 21 Message-ID: <6uog6hyriu.fsf@chonsp.franklin.ch> References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916232b.202437705@news1.on.sympatico.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: chonsp.franklin.ch X-Trace: chonsp.franklin.ch 957800745 776 10.0.3.2 (8 May 2000 15:45:45 GMT) X-Complaints-To: news@chonsp.franklin.ch NNTP-Posting-Date: 8 May 2000 15:45:45 GMT X-Newsreader: Gnus v5.7/Emacs 20.4 Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55655 rider@nospam.knight writes: > On 07 May 2000 20:12:49 +0200, Neil Franklin > wrote: > > > >ZX-81 > > Z80 processor, 3.57MHz, 8k ROM Basic, 1k SRAM (replacable by 2k by > > unsoldering), optional external 16k DRAM, foil membrane keyboard, > > black flat case > > This sounds like the unit sold in Canada, by Timex as the > Timex-Sinclair. AFAIK that is the one that Timex sold in Canada and US under that name. -- Neil Franklin, neil@franklin.ch.remove http://neil.franklin.ch/ Nerd, Geek, Hacker, Unix Guru, Sysadmin, Roleplayer, LARPer, Mystic Use a WIMP (Windows Icons Mouse Pulldowns) interface - or get one with a CLUE (Command Line User Environment)? ###### Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!not-for-mail From: Neil Franklin Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: 08 May 2000 17:48:37 +0200 Organization: My own Private Self Lines: 27 Message-ID: <6uitwpyre2.fsf@chonsp.franklin.ch> References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <8f5su5$9tu$1@quince.news.easynet.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: chonsp.franklin.ch X-Trace: chonsp.franklin.ch 957800922 776 10.0.3.2 (8 May 2000 15:48:42 GMT) X-Complaints-To: news@chonsp.franklin.ch NNTP-Posting-Date: 8 May 2000 15:48:42 GMT X-Newsreader: Gnus v5.7/Emacs 20.4 Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55656 nailed_barnacleSPAMFREE@hotmail.com (barnacle) writes: > In article <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch>, Neil Franklin wrote: > > > >For his general contribution to the electronics industry (digilal > >watches (the black watch, LED based), flat screen pocket TV (LCD?), > >computers, electric car (C5)). > > The flat screen pocket TV had a 'normal' CRT as the display, albeit with some > rather interesting electronics... > http://www.mjwilson.demon.co.uk/crash/18/sinclar4.htm (spelling is correct) Thanks for the link. > btw it was strongly rumoured that the C5 was originally designed as a mouse > for the ZX81 but a scaling error on the drawings caused a late design chane to > a vehicle... :-) -- Neil Franklin, neil@franklin.ch.remove http://neil.franklin.ch/ Nerd, Geek, Hacker, Unix Guru, Sysadmin, Roleplayer, LARPer, Mystic Use a WIMP (Windows Icons Mouse Pulldowns) interface - or get one with a CLUE (Command Line User Environment)? ###### From: simotit@evitech.fi (Simo Tuominen) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: Tue, 09 May 2000 13:13:48 GMT Organization: Espoo-Vantaa Institute of Technology Lines: 35 Message-ID: <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> NNTP-Posting-Host: aqua00.edu2.evitech.fi Cancel-Lock: sha1:HRtJEW7Ydi8oXZNpbIt5VnYpmDc= X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.11/32.235 X-NFilter: 1.2.0 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!isdnet!newsfeed.icl.net!news.algonet.se!algonet!news-peer-europe.sprintlink.net!news.sprintlink.net!newsfeed.bahnhof.se!news.defero.net!news.bbnetworks.net!learnet.freenet.hut.fi!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55659 On 07 May 2000 20:12:49 +0200, Neil Franklin wrote: >spinoza9999@my-deja.com writes: > >> In article <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk>, >> john@polo.demon.co.uk (John Winters) wrote:1982. >> > In 1980 you might have had a ZX81 with a massive 1K of RAM. >> >> I think it was a ZX82 with 2K but you are the expert: was there such a >> machine? > >No. I know of 5 models from Sinclair: > >MK-14 > I only know them from http://users.aol.com/mk14emu/ > >ZX-80 > Z80 processor, somewhere around 2.5-3MHz, 4k ROM Basic, 1k SRAM, foil > menbrane keyboard, white ABS "bulge" case > >ZX-81 > Z80 processor, 3.57MHz, 8k ROM Basic, 1k SRAM (replacable by 2k by > unsoldering), optional external 16k DRAM, foil membrane keyboard, > black flat case > >ZX-Spectrum > Z80 processor, 3.57MHz, 16k ROM Basic, 16 or 48k DRAM, rubber > membrane keyboard, black flat case ISTR there being a 128 kB Spectrum too (although short lived), and a Spectrum+ (or were they the same thing?). Maybe Spectrum was the 16 kB model, Spec+ the 48 kB one? [QL snipped] ###### From: chriss@uk.uu.net (Chris Stratford) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: 9 May 2000 14:58:48 GMT Organization: UUNET WorldCom server (post doesn't reflect views of UUNET WorldCom Lines: 31 Message-ID: <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> Reply-To: Chris.Stratford@uk.uu.net NNTP-Posting-Host: anduin.cam.uk.internal Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii X-Trace: wave.pipex.net 957884328 5168 172.31.3.47 (9 May 2000 14:58:48 GMT) X-Complaints-To: abuse@uk.uu.net NNTP-Posting-Date: 9 May 2000 14:58:48 GMT X-Newsreader: knews 1.0b.1 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!newsfeed-zh.ip-plus.net!news.ip-plus.net!News.Amsterdam.UnisourceCS!skynet.be!newsfeed.icl.net!join.news.pipex.net!pipex!grot.news.pipex.net!pipex!wave.news.pipex.net!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55670 In article <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost>, simotit@evitech.fi (Simo Tuominen) writes: > ISTR there being a 128 kB Spectrum too (although short lived), and a > Spectrum+ (or were they the same thing?). Maybe Spectrum was the 16 kB > model, Spec+ the 48 kB one? There were several different Spectrums: The original flat, black things with rubber keys (16k and 48k varieties) The Spectrum+ (48k, but with a "real" keyboard - well, it was better than before) The Spectrum 128 (128k, same keyboard as Spectrum+, some compatibility problems) The Spectrum+2 (128k, real keyboard (got it right this time), built-in tape recorder) The Spectrum +3 (as Spectrum+2, but with tape swapped for a 3" disc drive) I've got piccies of most of them at http://www.gondolin.org.uk/hchof/ if anyone cares. Chris. -- Remember, a halibut is not a toy. ###### From: Andrew Paul Cadley Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: Wed, 10 May 2000 20:05:53 +0100 Organization: University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR47TJ, UK Lines: 42 Message-ID: References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: cpca7.uea.ac.uk Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII X-Trace: cpca14.uea.ac.uk 957985554 11645 139.222.130.7 (10 May 2000 19:05:54 GMT) X-Complaints-To: news@uea.ac.uk NNTP-Posting-Date: 10 May 2000 19:05:54 GMT In-Reply-To: Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!newsfeed-zh.ip-plus.net!news.ip-plus.net!nyc-news-feed1.bbnplanet.com!news.gtei.net!colt.net!newspeer.clara.net!news.clara.net!news.vas-net.net!server2.netnews.ja.net!news.uea.ac.uk!cpca7.uea.ac.uk!a962115 Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55857 On Tue, 9 May 2000, Ben Clifford wrote: > On 9 May 2000 14:58:48 GMT, Chris Stratford wrote: > > >There were several different Spectrums: > >The original flat, black things with rubber keys (16k and 48k varieties) > >The Spectrum+ (48k, but with a "real" keyboard - well, it was better > >than before) > >The Spectrum 128 (128k, same keyboard as Spectrum+, some compatibility > >problems) > >The Spectrum+2 (128k, real keyboard (got it right this time), built-in > >tape recorder) > >The Spectrum +3 (as Spectrum+2, but with tape swapped for a 3" disc > >drive) > > The last two at least were manufactured by Amstrad, I believe, and > looked very much like two of the CPC(?) range. > > Anyone know just how similar they were? The last two were indeed manufactured by Amstrad, along with the +2A which was basically a tape based version of the +3 (it had all the additional disc roms and C/PM memory paging features missing from the 128/+2) Apart from looking a lot like CPCs they aren't really all that similar since they are based on the Sinclair 128. Even +3DOS in the +3 is not compatible with AMSDOS. > I seem to recall the +3 had all sorts of features that I could not make > use of, such as the ability to read several different file systems. > Unfortunately the disk drive broke on mine and I ended up pulling it > to bits for a presentation at school :-( Yes they were pretty nice and could read PCW and CPC format discs which make them handy for intermediates when moving files from CPC to PCW. Although the decision to use 3" discs at a time when 3.5" was the standard was odd. AndyC ###### From: benc@krustbustr.benzone.org (Ben Clifford) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: Tue, 9 May 2000 19:07:37 +0000 Organization: benZone Lines: 23 Message-ID: References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> Reply-To: benc@benzone.freeserve.co.uk NNTP-Posting-Host: modem-66.akallabeth.dialup.pol.co.uk X-Trace: news6.svr.pol.co.uk 957901357 21472 62.136.100.194 (9 May 2000 19:42:37 GMT) NNTP-Posting-Date: 9 May 2000 19:42:37 GMT X-Complaints-To: abuse@theplanet.net X-Newsreader: slrn (0.9.4.3 UNIX) Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!isdnet!newsfeed.icl.net!diablo.theplanet.net!news.theplanet.net!newspost.theplanet.net!benc Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55757 On 9 May 2000 14:58:48 GMT, Chris Stratford wrote: >There were several different Spectrums: >The original flat, black things with rubber keys (16k and 48k varieties) >The Spectrum+ (48k, but with a "real" keyboard - well, it was better >than before) >The Spectrum 128 (128k, same keyboard as Spectrum+, some compatibility >problems) >The Spectrum+2 (128k, real keyboard (got it right this time), built-in >tape recorder) >The Spectrum +3 (as Spectrum+2, but with tape swapped for a 3" disc >drive) The last two at least were manufactured by Amstrad, I believe, and looked very much like two of the CPC(?) range. Anyone know just how similar they were? I seem to recall the +3 had all sorts of features that I could not make use of, such as the ability to read several different file systems. Unfortunately the disk drive broke on mine and I ended up pulling it to bits for a presentation at school :-( ###### Sender: Ian Stirling From: Ian Stirling Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> Organization: None.. User-Agent: tin/pre-1.4-980818 ("Laura") (UNIX) (Linux/2.2.14 (i586)) Lines: 21 Message-ID: <4m_R4.21939$Lx.3833290@news-west.usenetserver.com> X-Abuse-Info: Please be sure to forward a copy of ALL headers X-Abuse-Info: Otherwise we will be unable to process your complaint properly X-Complaints-To: support@usenetserver.com NNTP-Posting-Date: Tue, 09 May 2000 16:16:00 EDT Date: Tue, 09 May 2000 20:16:00 GMT Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!newsfeeds.belnet.be!news.belnet.be!newsfeed00.sul.t-online.de!t-online.de!diablo.theplanet.net!news.maxwell.syr.edu!cyclone1.usenetserver.com!cyclone1.usenetserver.com!news-west.usenetserver.com.POSTED!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55752 Chris Stratford wrote: >In article <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost>, > simotit@evitech.fi (Simo Tuominen) writes: >> ISTR there being a 128 kB Spectrum too (although short lived), and a >> Spectrum+ (or were they the same thing?). Maybe Spectrum was the 16 kB >> model, Spec+ the 48 kB one? >There were several different Spectrums: >The original flat, black things with rubber keys (16k and 48k varieties) Wasn't there an early model (16K, white keys?) >The Spectrum+ (48k, but with a "real" keyboard - well, it was better >than before) -- http://inquisitor.i.am/ | mailto:inquisitor@i.am | Ian Stirling. ---------------------------+-------------------------+-------------------------- Among a mans many good possessions, A good command of speech has no equal. ###### From: Steve O'Hara-Smith Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> <4m_R4.21939$Lx.3833290@news-west.usenetserver.com> User-Agent: tin/1.4.2-20000205 ("Possession") (UNIX) (FreeBSD/4.0-STABLE (i386)) Date: Wed, 10 May 2000 09:09:02 +0100 Message-ID: Lines: 8 NNTP-Posting-Host: shell16.ba.best.com X-Trace: nntp1.ba.best.com 957946093 219 sohara@206.184.139.148 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!news.maxwell.syr.edu!news1.best.com!news3.best.com!nntp1.ba.best.com!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55832 Ian Stirling wrote: > Chris Stratford wrote: > Wasn't there an early model (16K, white keys?) You are probably thinking of the ZX80 (white, eggshell thin, membrane keyboard and 1K RAM). The most amazing program I ever saw was chess for that thing. ###### Sender: Ian Stirling From: Ian Stirling Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> <4m_R4.21939$Lx.3833290@news-west.usenetserver.com> Organization: None.. User-Agent: tin/pre-1.4-980818 ("Laura") (UNIX) (Linux/2.2.14 (i586)) Lines: 23 Message-ID: X-Abuse-Info: Please be sure to forward a copy of ALL headers X-Abuse-Info: Otherwise we will be unable to process your complaint properly X-Complaints-To: support@usenetserver.com NNTP-Posting-Date: Wed, 10 May 2000 15:29:39 EDT Date: Wed, 10 May 2000 19:29:39 GMT Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!newsfeed-zh.ip-plus.net!news.ip-plus.net!nyc-news-feed1.bbnplanet.com!news.gtei.net!colt.net!newsfeed.icl.net!triton.skycache.com!63.211.125.72!cyclone2.usenetserver.com!news-out.usenetserver.com!cyclone1.usenetserver.com!cyclone1.usenetserver.com!news-west.usenetserver.com.POSTED!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55750 Steve O'Hara-Smith wrote: >Ian Stirling wrote: >> Chris Stratford wrote: >> Wasn't there an early model (16K, white keys?) > You are probably thinking of the ZX80 (white, eggshell thin, membrane >keyboard and 1K RAM). The most amazing program I ever saw was chess for >that thing. No, I'm not. I'm well aware of it *, but I vaguely recall a "rare" version of the spectrum. (In order, from the first: ZX81, spectrum 48K, PCW 8512 , Amstrad 386/20/4MB/60MB, and then lots of assorted clones, mainly home built/hacksawed/...) -- http://inquisitor.i.am/ | mailto:inquisitor@i.am | Ian Stirling. ---------------------------+-------------------------+-------------------------- He who lives in a glass house should not invite he who is without sin. ###### Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!not-for-mail From: Neil Franklin Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: 11 May 2000 00:05:58 +0200 Organization: My own Private Self Lines: 23 Message-ID: <6ubt2e2h89.fsf@chonsp.franklin.ch> References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> <4m_R4.21939$Lx.3833290@news-west.usenetserver.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: chonsp.franklin.ch X-Trace: chonsp.franklin.ch 957996358 832 10.0.3.2 (10 May 2000 22:05:58 GMT) X-Complaints-To: news@chonsp.franklin.ch NNTP-Posting-Date: 10 May 2000 22:05:58 GMT X-Newsreader: Gnus v5.7/Emacs 20.4 Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55867 Ian Stirling writes: > Chris Stratford wrote: > > >The original flat, black things with rubber keys (16k and 48k varieties) > > Wasn't there an early model (16K, white keys?) AFAIK the rubber membrane keys were allways gray, 16k and 48k. > >The Spectrum+ (48k, but with a "real" keyboard - well, it was better > >than before) The later Spectrum models (and the QLs) had then black "overdimentioned pocket calculator" keys. -- Neil Franklin, neil@franklin.ch.remove http://neil.franklin.ch/ Nerd, Geek, Hacker, Unix Guru, Sysadmin, Roleplayer, LARPer, Mystic Use a WIMP (Windows Icons Mouse Pulldowns) interface - or get one with a CLUE (Command Line User Environment)? ###### From: Andrew Paul Cadley Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: Thu, 11 May 2000 12:57:28 +0100 Organization: University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR47TJ, UK Lines: 16 Message-ID: References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> <4m_R4.21939$Lx.3833290@news-west.usenetserver.com> <6ubt2e2h89.fsf@chonsp.franklin.ch> NNTP-Posting-Host: cpca7.uea.ac.uk Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII X-Trace: cpca14.uea.ac.uk 958046248 18550 139.222.130.7 (11 May 2000 11:57:28 GMT) X-Complaints-To: news@uea.ac.uk NNTP-Posting-Date: 11 May 2000 11:57:28 GMT In-Reply-To: <6ubt2e2h89.fsf@chonsp.franklin.ch> Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!news-fra1.dfn.de!news.rwth-aachen.de!fu-berlin.de!server1.netnews.ja.net!news.uea.ac.uk!cpca7.uea.ac.uk!a962115 Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55921 On 11 May 2000, Neil Franklin wrote: > Ian Stirling writes: > > Wasn't there an early model (16K, white keys?) > > AFAIK the rubber membrane keys were allways gray, 16k and 48k. They were, but I have a vague feeling there was a very limited run of white speccys to celebrate the first 1000(or something) ever made. Possibly. AndyC ###### From: Andrew Paul Cadley Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: Thu, 11 May 2000 13:01:27 +0100 Organization: University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR47TJ, UK Lines: 14 Message-ID: References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> <8fdsan$c0k$1@wave.pipex.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: cpca7.uea.ac.uk Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII X-Trace: cpca14.uea.ac.uk 958046488 27072 139.222.130.7 (11 May 2000 12:01:28 GMT) X-Complaints-To: news@uea.ac.uk NNTP-Posting-Date: 11 May 2000 12:01:28 GMT In-Reply-To: <8fdsan$c0k$1@wave.pipex.net> Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!news-fra1.dfn.de!fu-berlin.de!server1.netnews.ja.net!news.uea.ac.uk!cpca7.uea.ac.uk!a962115 Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55922 On 11 May 2000, Chris Stratford wrote: > Amstrad took over shortly after the launch of the +2 if I remember > correctly (I have a feeling the case was originally black, but changed > to grey after the takeover - but I may be wrong on this one). It was actually not long after the launch of the 128. The +2 was originally grey to distinguish it from the CPC464. Speccy fans weren't happy though and the later +2A reverted to black. AndyC ###### From: Andrew Paul Cadley Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: Thu, 11 May 2000 13:54:01 +0100 Organization: University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR47TJ, UK Lines: 30 Message-ID: References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: cpca7.uea.ac.uk Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII X-Trace: cpca14.uea.ac.uk 958049641 25993 139.222.130.7 (11 May 2000 12:54:01 GMT) X-Complaints-To: news@uea.ac.uk NNTP-Posting-Date: 11 May 2000 12:54:01 GMT In-Reply-To: Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!news.maxwell.syr.edu!newsfeed.icl.net!colt.net!newspeer.clara.net!news.clara.net!news.vas-net.net!server2.netnews.ja.net!news.uea.ac.uk!cpca7.uea.ac.uk!a962115 Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55923 On Thu, 11 May 2000, Ben Clifford wrote: > I knew that they are based on the previous Spectrums. I was wondering > if the CPC range was also based on the Spectrum and rebadged with > different BASIC. No, the CPC was around long before Amstrad took over Sinclair. It was also significantly more powerful (better graphics, more RAM etc) > On a similar subject, a z88 lookalike appeared a few years ago, produced > by Amstrad, with the three shift keys colour coded to make it easier to > use. How similar was that to the z88? I take it your refering to the NC100? I've a feeling that is pretty different to the Z88, although I've never actually used either. > I love those disks. Makes 3.5" floppies seem very flimsy. > Now I have a Zip drive, which has a very similar feel to the Spectrum > media; big solid boxes to store your data in :-) :-) There probably cheaper though, I remember paying a fortune for a few measly 3" discs. AndyC ###### From: chriss@uk.uu.net (Chris Stratford) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: 11 May 2000 08:51:35 GMT Organization: UUNET WorldCom server (post doesn't reflect views of UUNET WorldCom Lines: 21 Message-ID: <8fdsan$c0k$1@wave.pipex.net> References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> Reply-To: Chris.Stratford@uk.uu.net NNTP-Posting-Host: anduin.cam.uk.internal Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii X-Trace: wave.pipex.net 958035095 12308 172.31.3.47 (11 May 2000 08:51:35 GMT) X-Complaints-To: abuse@uk.uu.net NNTP-Posting-Date: 11 May 2000 08:51:35 GMT X-Newsreader: knews 1.0b.1 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!news.maxwell.syr.edu!newsfeed.icl.net!skynet.be!tank.news.pipex.net!pipex!warm.news.pipex.net!pipex!wave.news.pipex.net!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55893 In article , benc@krustbustr.benzone.org (Ben Clifford) writes: >>The Spectrum+2 (128k, real keyboard (got it right this time), built-in >>tape recorder) >>The Spectrum +3 (as Spectrum+2, but with tape swapped for a 3" disc >>drive) > > The last two at least were manufactured by Amstrad, I believe, and > looked very much like two of the CPC(?) range. Amstrad took over shortly after the launch of the +2 if I remember correctly (I have a feeling the case was originally black, but changed to grey after the takeover - but I may be wrong on this one). > Anyone know just how similar they were? There were similarities (case, keyboard, tape drive, CPU and sound chip), but the two machines were significantly different in functionality. Chris. ###### From: chriss@uk.uu.net (Chris Stratford) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: 11 May 2000 08:54:58 GMT Organization: UUNET WorldCom server (post doesn't reflect views of UUNET WorldCom Lines: 13 Message-ID: <8fdsh2$c0k$2@wave.pipex.net> References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> <4m_R4.21939$Lx.3833290@news-west.usenetserver.com> Reply-To: Chris.Stratford@uk.uu.net NNTP-Posting-Host: anduin.cam.uk.internal Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii X-Trace: wave.pipex.net 958035298 12308 172.31.3.47 (11 May 2000 08:54:58 GMT) X-Complaints-To: abuse@uk.uu.net NNTP-Posting-Date: 11 May 2000 08:54:58 GMT X-Newsreader: knews 1.0b.1 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!news.maxwell.syr.edu!newsfeed.icl.net!newspeer.clara.net!news.clara.net!newsfeed.online.be!diablo2.online.be!tank.news.pipex.net!pipex!warm.news.pipex.net!pipex!wave.news.pipex.net!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55886 In article <4m_R4.21939$Lx.3833290@news-west.usenetserver.com>, Ian Stirling writes: >>The original flat, black things with rubber keys (16k and 48k varieties) > > Wasn't there an early model (16K, white keys?) It wouldn't surprise me if there were some early review machines that looked slightly different, but I've not heard of one. The only similar beast that fits your description was the Oric-1. Chris. ###### From: benc@krustbustr.benzone.org (Ben Clifford) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: Thu, 11 May 2000 12:07:27 +0000 Organization: benZone Lines: 25 Message-ID: References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> Reply-To: benc@benzone.freeserve.co.uk NNTP-Posting-Host: modem-79.andunie.dialup.pol.co.uk X-Trace: news5.svr.pol.co.uk 958047314 20761 62.136.109.79 (11 May 2000 12:15:14 GMT) NNTP-Posting-Date: 11 May 2000 12:15:14 GMT X-Complaints-To: abuse@theplanet.net X-Newsreader: slrn (0.9.4.3 UNIX) Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!news-fra1.dfn.de!news0.de.colt.net!colt.net!diablo.theplanet.net!news.theplanet.net!newspost.theplanet.net!benc Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55873 On Wed, 10 May 2000 20:05:53 +0100, Andrew Paul Cadley wrote: >Apart from looking a lot like CPCs they aren't really all that similar >since they are based on the Sinclair 128. Even +3DOS in the +3 is not >compatible with AMSDOS. I knew that they are based on the previous Spectrums. I was wondering if the CPC range was also based on the Spectrum and rebadged with different BASIC. On a similar subject, a z88 lookalike appeared a few years ago, produced by Amstrad, with the three shift keys colour coded to make it easier to use. How similar was that to the z88? >Yes they were pretty nice and could read PCW and CPC format discs which >make them handy for intermediates when moving files from CPC to PCW. >Although the decision to use 3" discs at a time when 3.5" was the standard >was odd. I love those disks. Makes 3.5" floppies seem very flimsy. Now I have a Zip drive, which has a very similar feel to the Spectrum media; big solid boxes to store your data in :-) ###### From: cs1cl@stoat.shef.ac.uk (C Lamb) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: 11 May 2000 12:18:27 GMT Organization: Sheffield University, UK Lines: 10 Message-ID: <8fe8ej$cf5$2@bignews.shef.ac.uk> References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8fdsh2$c0k$2@wave.pipex.net> Reply-To: cs1cl@stoat.shef.ac.uk NNTP-Posting-Host: stoat.shef.ac.uk X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!isdnet!netnews.com!news.maxwell.syr.edu!newsfeed.esat.net!news.heanet.ie!server5.netnews.ja.net!news.shef.ac.uk!stoat!cs1cl Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55899 On the subject of Spectrums, whatever happened to the MGT SAM? It looked really whizzy when Crash did a review of the wire wrapped prototype running Uridium (not a game I ever liked), but it seemdd to die a death after that. ISTR that it had much better graphics capability (2 colours per 8 pixel row) and the Z80 was clocked at 2X the Spectrum. any answers appreciated Chris ###### From: chriss@uk.uu.net (Chris Stratford) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: 11 May 2000 16:51:05 GMT Organization: UUNET WorldCom server (post doesn't reflect views of UUNET WorldCom Lines: 17 Message-ID: <8feodp$3l5$1@wave.pipex.net> References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8fdsh2$c0k$2@wave.pipex.net> <8fe8ej$cf5$2@bignews.shef.ac.uk> Reply-To: Chris.Stratford@uk.uu.net NNTP-Posting-Host: anduin.cam.uk.internal Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii X-Trace: wave.pipex.net 958063865 3749 172.31.3.47 (11 May 2000 16:51:05 GMT) X-Complaints-To: abuse@uk.uu.net NNTP-Posting-Date: 11 May 2000 16:51:05 GMT X-Newsreader: knews 1.0b.1 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!newsfeeds.belnet.be!news.belnet.be!colt.net!newsfeed.icl.net!join.news.pipex.net!pipex!grot.news.pipex.net!pipex!wave.news.pipex.net!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:55976 In article <8fe8ej$cf5$2@bignews.shef.ac.uk>, cs1cl@stoat.shef.ac.uk (C Lamb) writes: > > On the subject of Spectrums, whatever happened to the MGT SAM? It looked > really whizzy when Crash did a review of the wire wrapped prototype > running Uridium (not a game I ever liked), but it seemdd to die a death > after that. ISTR that it had much better graphics capability (2 colours > per 8 pixel row) and the Z80 was clocked at 2X the Spectrum. It did get released, but at a time when everyone else was moving away from the Spectrum, so it died rather quickly. I don't remember the release year, but I'm pretty sure it was around the same time the ST and Amiga were starting to appear (who's going to want an 8-bit computer that runs Spectrum programs when the alternative was one of those?) Chris. ###### From: benc@krustbustr.benzone.org (Ben Clifford) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: Thu, 11 May 2000 13:53:38 +0000 Organization: benZone Lines: 13 Message-ID: References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> <8fdsan$c0k$1@wave.pipex.net> Reply-To: benc@benzone.freeserve.co.uk NNTP-Posting-Host: modem-117.brethil.dialup.pol.co.uk X-Trace: news5.svr.pol.co.uk 958354064 32189 62.136.143.117 (15 May 2000 01:27:44 GMT) NNTP-Posting-Date: 15 May 2000 01:27:44 GMT X-Complaints-To: abuse@theplanet.net X-Newsreader: slrn (0.9.4.3 UNIX) Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!newsfeed-zh.ip-plus.net!news.ip-plus.net!news.datacomm.ch!newscore.gigabell.net!newsfeed00.sul.t-online.de!t-online.de!diablo.theplanet.net!news.theplanet.net!newspost.theplanet.net!benc Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:56268 On 11 May 2000 08:51:35 GMT, Chris Stratford wrote: >Amstrad took over shortly after the launch of the +2 if I remember >correctly (I have a feeling the case was originally black, but changed >to grey after the takeover - but I may be wrong on this one). It was black on the +3, with a big spectrum stripe on the disk drive, I think. >There were similarities (case, keyboard, tape drive, CPU and sound >chip), and disk-drive in the +3-alike. ###### From: benc@krustbustr.benzone.org (Ben Clifford) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Re: Sinclair Computers (was Re: History / Folklore books about Sinclair/CBM/Atari etc days?) Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 08:23:18 +0000 Organization: benZone Lines: 19 Message-ID: References: <39101a46.0@nnrp1.news.uk.psi.net> <8evvd8$d7i$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <8f1cu6$nm3$1@polo.demon.co.uk> <8f1m76$547$1@nnrp1.deja.com> <6uitwq9qla.fsf_-_@chonsp.franklin.ch> <3916b0c5.10656805@localhost> <8f9938$51g$1@wave.pipex.net> Reply-To: benc@benzone.freeserve.co.uk NNTP-Posting-Host: modem-95.brodda.dialup.pol.co.uk X-Trace: newsg3.svr.pol.co.uk 958398402 19561 62.136.143.223 (15 May 2000 13:46:42 GMT) NNTP-Posting-Date: 15 May 2000 13:46:42 GMT X-Complaints-To: abuse@theplanet.net X-Newsreader: slrn (0.9.4.3 UNIX) Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news.nextra.ch!newsfeed1.online.no!newsfeed.online.no!news-spur1.maxwell.syr.edu!news.maxwell.syr.edu!diablo.theplanet.net!news.theplanet.net!newspost.theplanet.net!benc Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch alt.folklore.computers:56273 On Thu, 11 May 2000 13:54:01 +0100, Andrew Paul Cadley wrote: >> On a similar subject, a z88 lookalike appeared a few years ago, produced >> by Amstrad, with the three shift keys colour coded to make it easier to >> use. How similar was that to the z88? > >I take it your refering to the NC100? I've a feeling that is pretty >different to the Z88, although I've never actually used either. Maybe that is what I am refering to. It is the one that is in a z88-style case. >There probably cheaper though, I remember paying a fortune for a few >measly 3" discs. I remember the first time I filled up *both* *sides* of my disk. Luckily, one of my friends gave me a blank disk for my birthday.