Cambridge Z88: Difference between revisions
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The '''Cambridge Z88''' was an [[A4 paper size|A4]]-size, lightweight, [[portable computer|portable]] [[Zilog Z80|Z80]]-based [[computer]] with a built-in combined [[word processing]]/[[spreadsheet]]/[[database]] application called ''Pipedream'', along with several other apps/utilities, such as a Z80-version of [[BBC BASIC]]. Despite the lightness of the machine, its construction was surprisingly robust, including its [[membrane keyboard|membrane]]/[[chiclet keyboard]] which was both comfortable and almost inaudible. |
The '''Cambridge Z88''' was an [[A4 paper size|A4]]-size, lightweight, [[portable computer|portable]] [[Zilog Z80|Z80]]-based [[computer]] with a built-in combined [[word processing]]/[[spreadsheet]]/[[database]] application called ''Pipedream'', along with several other apps/utilities, such as a Z80-version of [[BBC BASIC]]. Despite the lightness of the machine, its construction was surprisingly robust, including its [[membrane keyboard|membrane]]/[[chiclet keyboard]] which was both comfortable and almost inaudible. |
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The computer had three memory slots; each of these could be used for [[Random Access Memory|RAM]] expansion, removable [[mass storage]], and proprietary program use. Since the slots used RAM, [[EPROM]] and [[Read-only memory|ROM]] for their data transfer, the transfer speeds were usually very high |
The computer had three memory slots; each of these could be used for [[Random Access Memory|RAM]] expansion, removable [[mass storage]], and proprietary program use. Since the slots used RAM, [[EPROM]] and [[Read-only memory|ROM]] for their data transfer, the transfer speeds were usually very high. Although RAM cards of up to 1Mb capacity were available, they were expensive. Most users used one or two 128kb cards. |
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Though the [[Liquid crystal display|LCD]] display had only eight lines, it was surprisingly effective. A miniature view of a whole page appeared to the right of the display, giving a good feel for the overall layout, and compensating for the inevitable "letterbox" effect. |
Though the [[Liquid crystal display|LCD]] display had only eight lines, it was clear and surprisingly effective. A miniature view of a whole page appeared to the right of the display, giving a good feel for the overall layout, and compensating for the inevitable "letterbox" effect. |
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The Z88 was designed by Sir [[Clive Sinclair]] and released by his company ''Cambridge Computers'' in [[1987]] (Sir Clive having been |
The Z88 was designed by Sir [[Clive Sinclair]] and released by his company ''Cambridge Computers'' in [[1987]] (Sir Clive having been unable to market the computer as the Sinclair Z88 after selling [[Sinclair Research]]'s computer business to [[Amstrad]] in 1986). |
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The Z88 had something of a cult following and is still used by a few enthusiasts. A variety of software is available including games and utilities. |
The Z88 had something of a cult following and is still used by a few enthusiasts. A variety of software is available including games and utilities. |
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Revision as of 20:12, 15 July 2005
| Cambridge Z88 |
The Cambridge Z88 was an A4-size, lightweight, portable Z80-based computer with a built-in combined word processing/spreadsheet/database application called Pipedream, along with several other apps/utilities, such as a Z80-version of BBC BASIC. Despite the lightness of the machine, its construction was surprisingly robust, including its membrane/chiclet keyboard which was both comfortable and almost inaudible.
The computer had three memory slots; each of these could be used for RAM expansion, removable mass storage, and proprietary program use. Since the slots used RAM, EPROM and ROM for their data transfer, the transfer speeds were usually very high. Although RAM cards of up to 1Mb capacity were available, they were expensive. Most users used one or two 128kb cards.
Though the LCD display had only eight lines, it was clear and surprisingly effective. A miniature view of a whole page appeared to the right of the display, giving a good feel for the overall layout, and compensating for the inevitable "letterbox" effect.
The Z88 was designed by Sir Clive Sinclair and released by his company Cambridge Computers in 1987 (Sir Clive having been unable to market the computer as the Sinclair Z88 after selling Sinclair Research's computer business to Amstrad in 1986).
The Z88 had something of a cult following and is still used by a few enthusiasts. A variety of software is available including games and utilities.