Overview

Sinclair Research set out to build a simple to use personal computer, running BASIC and capable of breaking the pyschological barrier of �100. Well, they succeeded with their ZX80. Why ZX80? No reason really except that it's based on a NEC copy of the Z80 processor chip...and it sounds nice.

Briefly

The machine is available through mail order either ready made or in kit form; their are no firm plans to sell it through shops - yet. A kit will cost you �79.95 while its ready built twin will come out at �99.95. In addition to this you'll need a mains adaptor ("600ma at 9V DC nominal unregulated")...if you buy Sinclair's it will cost you and extra �8.95. Deliveries of the kit were expected to start in February, the ready-made in March.

The ZX80 is amaxingly light, tweleve ounces in fact, and easily held in one hand. The low weight is achieved through the use of a moulded plastic casing just 1mm thick.

It connects quite happily to the television set and the cassette recorder, although it might take a few minutes to find the optimal settings. Once attached to the TV, it gives a rock steady display (more on that later).