Looking at a 1983 advert for the "Spectrum Home Computer Centres" I was impressed by the variety of computers available and the "SPECTRUM FACTS" boxes. I have removed some of the blurb but most of the content has been included. In their own words:
"we want you to know that when you buy from a SPECTRUM dealer, you'll get exactly the right Micro for your needs."
The "Spectrum Home Computer Centres" were a group of around 110 independent computer shops advertising under the Spectrum name. They had no association with the ZX Spectrum or Sinclair Research Ltd.
For comparison the advert also included the following:
Yes, this top selling micro is now available from your local dealer. So now there's no need to send by mail order, just call into your local SPECTRUM dealer and pick one up.
The new COLOUR GENIE features powerful and sophisticated COLOUR GRAPHICS, allowing you to create full 8-colour Games, Diagrams and Charts quickly and simply.
The COLOUR GENIE is amazingly versatile - its powerful 16K RAM memory (expandable internally to 32K) means FULL COLOUR video games and POWERFUL COMPUTING with a full range of inexpensive accessories.
But that's not all - the COLOUR GENIE also features a 16K ROM Memory with 128 Upper and Lower case Colour Graphics Characters already stored, plus sound, and a professional typewriter keyboard.
In use, it's as straightforward as any, thanks to the use of BASIC language and direct keyboard accessed colour commands.
Maximum user RAM | 14,200 Bytes | ||
Text Screen | 24 * 40 | ||
High Resolution | 160 * 96 |
The super new LYNX Micro - an incredible 16K + 32K video ram and that's expandable up to or beyond 96K. The LYNX is exceptionally versatile and all 'add-on' connections are standard types. The high definition colour graphics make it a top-value choice for the home or office (with expansion, the LYNX can become an 80 characters-per-line word processor!).
Maximum user RAM | 13,700 Bytes | ||
Text Screen | 24 * 40 | ||
High Resolution | 265 * 248 |
A superbly designed and engineered micro and great value-for-money. Offering 48K RAM Colour - (8 foreground and 8 background can be displayed at the same time) High resolution graphics. User definable Graphics. Full sound (6 octaves of controllable sound). Easy to use keyboard with moving keys. Standard Centronics parallel interface allows easy connection to a wide range of printers etc.
Maximum user RAM | 47,870 Bytes | ||
Text Screen | 28 * 40 | ||
High Resolution | 240 * 200 |
Outstanding value-for-money! The JUPITER ACE uses easy to understand FORTH language. Connects to your own TV. 3K RAM expandable to 19K. Full moving keyboard with auto repeat and caps lock. Full sound and chunky graphics. If you've wanted to learn an impressive Language then this is the machine for you.
Maximum user RAM | 1,000 Bytes |
Now a top quality home/business micro for the price of a games machine.
Memory expandable to 32K. High resolution (full PET type). 16 Screen colours and 8 border colours. Plugs in to your TV, or monitor. Add Disk Drive & Printer for impressive 170K Byte system. Can act as an intelligent terminal for a larger computer.
Maximum user RAM | 3,853 Bytes | ||
Text Screen | 22 * 23 | ||
High Resolution | 176 * 158 |
British built and designed it's one of the most impressive micros to appear for quite some time. Extensive facilities include highly advanced colour graphics. Just look at this top specification: Powerful standard 32K RAM (expandable to 64K Bytes). 9 Colour, 5 resolution display. Extended Microsoft colour BASIC (as standard). Advanced sound with 5 octaves - 255 tones. Professional style editing. e.g. extract line, auto find re-insert. Professional quality keyboard. Centronics Parallel printer interface. Serious programmer/user - the BASIC on this machine is similar to that found on machines costing 3 times the price! Uses almost any cassette recorder. Standard file handling ON TAPE.
Maximum user RAM | 29,679 Bytes | ||
Text Screen | 16 * 32 | ||
High Resolution | 256 * 192 |
16K RAM (expandable to 48K). Built- in 14K Byte BASIC interpreter. 16 Bit Micro-processor. 16 Colour High Resolution graphics. Extensive range of solid state software command modules available from games to architectural aids.
Maximum user RAM | 14,500 Bytes | ||
High Resolution | 256 * 192 |
Now this proven and tested machine has been upgraded to a massive 48K RAM. It's an ideal Home Micro for graphics, educational and personal finance etc. use and it will take you from learning up to small business use. You can add printers, program recorders, disk drives and more, to expand your micro as and when you want, to suit your needs.
Maximum user RAM | 37,899 Bytes | ||
Text Screen | 24 * 40 | ||
High Resolution | 320 * 192 |