built-in
BASIC, launched at the end of January 1980 at a
computer fair in Wembley, UK. The processor was an
NEC780-C running at 3.25 MHz. It had 1KB of
RAM, externally
expandable to 16KB, and 4KB of ROM. It had RF video output to
a TV, displaying 24 lines by 32 characters of monochrome text.
An audio cassette recorder was used to save programs.
The ZX-80 was sold in kit form for (pounds)79.95 or ready-built for
(pounds)99.95. It was used by many UK hobbyists as a means of
learning the basics of computing. Some remember the 1KB ZX-80
for the claim in its advertising that you could control a
nuclear power station with it.
The ZX-80 was succeeded by the
ZX-81.
(2002-08-30)