Computer [Sinclair ZX81]
Maker and role
Sinclair Research Limited, Manufacturer
Rick Dickinson, Designer
Production date
1981-1983
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2007.74
Production period
Description
Sinclair ZX81 home computer, features black plastic case, membrane keyboard, connections for television/ earphones/ microphone/ '9VDC' at left side, maker and model logos on front top left. Reverse: unidentified number on reverse hand written in white ink stating 'TC5062dc'; left centre as part of plastic mould 'sinclair (logo) ZX81 Personal Computer USE ONLY APPROVED AC ADAPTOR PATENT PENDING MADE IN UK'; printed in white ink 'FCC IDENTIFICATION DATA. Model No. ZX81 USA. Personal Computer. Made in England. No user serviceable parts inside. Use only Sinclair approved AC adaptor.'; switch on right middle side with two options of 'ch 2' or 'ch 3' and arrows to indicate directions of switch/ channel.
Released 1981, discontinued 1983. Machine designed by Rick Dickinson. Available in kit form and then assembled. Computer attached to television to use as screen, information saved to audio cassette via ordinary home audio tape recorder.
Released 1981, discontinued 1983. Machine designed by Rick Dickinson. Available in kit form and then assembled. Computer attached to television to use as screen, information saved to audio cassette via ordinary home audio tape recorder.
Brief History
The Sinclair ZX81, manufactured in the United Kingdom by Sinclair Research Ltd, was launched in 1981. It was the successor to 1980’s Sinclair ZX80, which was the first computer made to appeal to the mass market and designed to connect to a television set or tape recorder. The ZX81 contained the same microprocessor, but had an improved BASIC (Beginner's All Symbolic Instruction Code) programming language.
With fewer chips and a simpler design than the ZX80, it was also able to be sold more cheaply, priced in the UK at £69.95, making it affordable for the general public. By December 1981, over 250,000 had been sold, giving Sinclair the largest microcomputer user base in the world at that time. In 1982 the ZX81 was marketed in the United States by the Timex Corporation as the Timex Sinclair 1000.
With fewer chips and a simpler design than the ZX80, it was also able to be sold more cheaply, priced in the UK at £69.95, making it affordable for the general public. By December 1981, over 250,000 had been sold, giving Sinclair the largest microcomputer user base in the world at that time. In 1982 the ZX81 was marketed in the United States by the Timex Corporation as the Timex Sinclair 1000.
Marks
sinclair / ZX81 Personal Computer / USE ONLY APPROVED AC ADAPTOR / PATENT PENDING / MADE IN UK Embossed
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Sinclair Research Limited et al. 1981-1983. Computer [Sinclair ZX81], 2007.74. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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