1984
ZX Spectrum+ launched
On 15 October 1984, Sinclair Research launched the ZX Spectrum+, an updated version of the hugely successful 48K ZX Spectrum. Rather than being a completely new computer, the Spectrum+ retained essentially the same electronics as the existing 48K model but placed them inside a substantially redesigned case. The new machine was priced at £179.95.
The most obvious change was the new QL-inspired case and injection-moulded plastic keyboard, replacing the original Spectrum's distinctive rubber keys. The new design also incorporated a pair of hinged feet and a dedicated reset button. The keyboard retained the Spectrum's unusual single-key BASIC entry system, so although it looked much more like a conventional computer, it remained familiar to existing Spectrum users.
The Spectrum+ was developed extremely quickly, with planning beginning in June 1984. Sinclair was under pressure to give the Spectrum a more conventional keyboard and appearance, particularly as competitors such as the Commodore 64 offered more substantial keyboards. The Spectrum+ therefore represented a relatively inexpensive way of refreshing the existing machine rather than replacing its underlying technology.
The new computer arrived in time for the important Christmas 1984 shopping season and was initially successful, with some reports suggesting that it outsold the original rubber-key Spectrum by around two to one. However, early production suffered from quality-control problems, including reports of keys becoming detached from the keyboard. Despite these difficulties, the Spectrum+ became an important part of the Spectrum family and established the case and keyboard design that would later be used for the 128K Spectrum.
The most obvious change was the new QL-inspired case and injection-moulded plastic keyboard, replacing the original Spectrum's distinctive rubber keys. The new design also incorporated a pair of hinged feet and a dedicated reset button. The keyboard retained the Spectrum's unusual single-key BASIC entry system, so although it looked much more like a conventional computer, it remained familiar to existing Spectrum users.
The Spectrum+ was developed extremely quickly, with planning beginning in June 1984. Sinclair was under pressure to give the Spectrum a more conventional keyboard and appearance, particularly as competitors such as the Commodore 64 offered more substantial keyboards. The Spectrum+ therefore represented a relatively inexpensive way of refreshing the existing machine rather than replacing its underlying technology.
The new computer arrived in time for the important Christmas 1984 shopping season and was initially successful, with some reports suggesting that it outsold the original rubber-key Spectrum by around two to one. However, early production suffered from quality-control problems, including reports of keys becoming detached from the keyboard. Despite these difficulties, the Spectrum+ became an important part of the Spectrum family and established the case and keyboard design that would later be used for the 128K Spectrum.
