ZX Spectrum

The ZX Spectrum, an 8-bit home computer developed by Sinclair Research, was released in the UK in April 1982 and sold over five million units worldwide. Designed to be affordable and simple, it featured a color display and a compact design. The machine was distributed through mail order initially and later through retail chains. Over its lifespan, seven different models were released, with the ZX Spectrum +3 being the most advanced. The computer played a significant role in the early days of personal computing and gaming, contributing to the growth of the industry. Sinclair Research, founded by Clive Sinclair, was a key player in the British computer market, with successful products like the ZX80 and ZX81 leading to the development of the ZX Spectrum. The development process involved reusing components from previous models and creating a custom BASIC interpreter to optimize functionality. The ZX Spectrum's impact on the British information technology industry was substantial, paving the way for mainstream adoption of home computers. Despite its discontinuation in 1992, the ZX Spectrum remains a landmark in computing history.