The ZX Spectrum is remembered for its rubber keyboard, small compact size and distinctive rainbow motif. It was originally released in 1982 with 16 KB of RAM for £125 Sterling or with 48 KB for £175, these prices were later reduced to £99 and £129 respectively.Owners of the 16 KB model could purchase an internal 32 KB RAM upgrade.
Later issue machines required the fitting of 8 dynamic RAM chips and a few TTL chips. Users were able mail their 16K Spectrums to Sinclair to be upgraded to 48 KB versions. To reduce the price, the 32 KB extension used eight faulty 64 kilobit chips with only one half of their capacity working and/or available. External 32 KB RAM packs that mounted in the rear expansion slot were also available from third parties. Both machines had 16 KB of onboard ROM.
Approximately 60,000 "Issue 1" ZX Spectrums were manufactured; they can be distinguished from later models by the colour of the keys (light grey for Issue 1, blue-grey for later models). Manufacturer: Sinclair
Date: 1st March 1982
Magazines RELATED to Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48k in our Library
This exhibit has a reference ID of CH424. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.
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