Spectrum: Difference between revisions

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(The SAM Coupé was largely backward-compatible with the Spectrum and could run much of its software.)
(mitigate some bashing (that BBC guy really doesn't like Spectrums!) and clarify a couple of things)
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The '''Sinclair ZX Spectrum''' was the most popular 8-bit microcomputer in Europe during the 80s. Released in 1982, the only two remarkable features of the Spectrum were its low cost and, as a consequence, its simplicity. The Spectrum main processor was slow, the screen resolution limited and the keyboard unbearable. Spectrum programs were stored in conventional audio tapes. It took from 2 to 3 minutes to load a program in its 48KB of memory.  
The '''Sinclair ZX Spectrum''' was the most popular 8-bit microcomputer in Europe during the 80s. Released in 1982, the Spectrum was remarkable for its low cost, though this was reflected in limited sound and graphics capabilities and a much-criticised "dead flesh" rubber keyboard. Spectrum programs were stored on conventional audio tapes, taking around 2 to 3 minutes to load; disk and cartridge systems later became available but saw limited uptake among home users.


Besides all its limitations, the Spectrum was a commercial success and enjoyed a large scene in Europe. The basic Spectrum model was followed by the Spectrum+, which featured a better keyboard, the Spectrum 128, with 128KB of memory, the Spectrum +2, with an integrated tape unit and in 1988, the Spectrum +3, that featured a 3" disk unit.  
Besides all its limitations, the Spectrum was a commercial success and enjoyed a large scene in Europe. The basic Spectrum model was followed by the Spectrum+, which featured a better keyboard, the Spectrum 128, with 128KB of memory, the Spectrum +2, with an integrated tape unit and in 1988, the Spectrum +3, that featured a 3" disk unit. The [[SAM Coupé]] was largely backward-compatible with the Spectrum and could run much of its software.


Other popular 8-bit microcomputers in Europe were the [[BBC Micro]], the [[Commodore|Commodore 64]] and the [[Amstrad CPC]]. The [[BBC Micro]], more powerful than the Spectrum, attracted the attention of many successful IF houses, including [[Topologika]].
Other popular 8-bit microcomputers in Europe were the [[BBC Micro]], the [[Commodore|Commodore 64]] and the [[Amstrad CPC]].
 
The [[SAM Coupé]] was largely backward-compatible with the Spectrum and could run much of its software.


==Links==
==Links==

Revision as of 14:09, 27 December 2015

Note: This article is about the microcomputer. For other uses, see Spectrum (disambiguation).

The Sinclair ZX Spectrum was the most popular 8-bit microcomputer in Europe during the 80s. Released in 1982, the Spectrum was remarkable for its low cost, though this was reflected in limited sound and graphics capabilities and a much-criticised "dead flesh" rubber keyboard. Spectrum programs were stored on conventional audio tapes, taking around 2 to 3 minutes to load; disk and cartridge systems later became available but saw limited uptake among home users.

Besides all its limitations, the Spectrum was a commercial success and enjoyed a large scene in Europe. The basic Spectrum model was followed by the Spectrum+, which featured a better keyboard, the Spectrum 128, with 128KB of memory, the Spectrum +2, with an integrated tape unit and in 1988, the Spectrum +3, that featured a 3" disk unit. The SAM Coupé was largely backward-compatible with the Spectrum and could run much of its software.

Other popular 8-bit microcomputers in Europe were the BBC Micro, the Commodore 64 and the Amstrad CPC.

Links

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