Z88

Summary

The Z88 is a small notebook computer based on the Zilog Z80 processor. Sir Clive Sinclair introduced it in 1987 under the Cambridge Computers name rather than Sinclair, having sold the rights to use his name on computers to Amstrad in 1986.

The Z88 integrates PipeDream, which is word processing, spreadsheet and database. In addition, a software for a diary, calendar, clock, alarm, editor; everything is integrated in the ROM. In addition, the portable computer can be programmed in a variant of the BBC BASIC.

The 64 rubber buttons allow a pleasant writing. The display shows 80 characters and 6 lines with three grayscales. With 900 grams the portable computer is pleasantly light, four standard batteries of size AA allow about 20 hours of work. The Z88 can also be operated via a power supply. If you change the batteries, a built-in power storage system preserves the stored data.

Data can be imported and exported from an IBM-compatible PC. When purchasing a Z88, conversion software was included, which supports the standard formats Wordstar and Lotus 123.

To this day, the Z88 has its fans. And still there are extensions, like memory cards, to buy. The Z88 is the last computer of Sir Clive Sinclair.