Manufacturer: Research Machines Ltd.

Model: RM Nimbus PC

Date: 1985-1991

Category: Educational / Personal Computer

The RM Nimbus was a microcomputer developed by Research Machines Ltd. (RM), a British company specialising in educational computing. Introduced in 1985, the Nimbus was designed to bring personal computing into classrooms across the UK, particularly under the government's Microelectronics Education Programme (MEP).

Built around an Intel 80186 processor running at 8 MHz, the Nimbus PC was compatible with RM's earlier 380Z educational systems while also supporting MS-DOS and networking via RM Net. The system typically fetured between 256 KB and 1 MB of RAM, Floppy drives. It used a distinctive RM keyboard and two-button mouse, both connected via proprietary DIN connectors.

The RM Nimbus stood out for its emphasis on networked computing and classroom control, allowing teachers to manage multiple student workstations from a central machine. It ran RM's own NET software and a variant of MS-DOS, and supported popular educational software of the era. Later versions such as the Nimbus AX and VX transitioned towards full IBM compatibility.

Manufacturer: Research Machines
Date: 1986

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH76413. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

Click on the Image(s) For Detail

	Articles